Jigsaw puzzle pieces emerge when adjacent parts of traditional ‘H’ quilt blocks are rotated. The little squares along each block’s outer midpoints become the tabs that lock the puzzle blocks in place.
Quilt Layout Options
The jigsaw puzzle quilt is most effective when you make a scrap quilt because patches required for individual blocks are small, making the puzzle quilt a perfect stash-busting pattern. Repeat fabrics or devise a controlled color palette if you prefer.
Insert a few black or white puzzle pieces to add visual depth and help those areas drop out of the design.Squares that end up on the outer perimeter of the quilt shown are all black to help define the pieces they touch.
Yardage for the Small Puzzle Quilt
The small quilt is made with 6" square quilt blocks and finishes at about 30" x 42".
You’ll need a strip that measures at least 2 1/2" x 22" for each H block you plan to use in the quilt. You can use a rotary cutter to cut long strips of fabric. Make about 170 running inches of double-fold quilt binding in a width that’s sewn to the quilt with a quarter inch seam allowance. About 1 1/4 yards of quilt backing if using standard quilting fabric. About 40" x 52" of quilt batting.
9" Square Quilt Blocks (Medium Quilt)
Sew 35 blocks (7 rows of 5 blocks each as shown on page 1) to make a quilt that finishes at about 45" x 63".
(2) 3 1/2" x 9 1/2" bars(1) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squareEither (1) or (2) additional 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squares as determined by layout; do not cut yet.
12" Square Quilt Blocks (Large Quilt)
Sew 35 blocks (7 rows of 5 blocks each as shown on page 1) to make a quilt that finishes at about 60" x 84".
(2) 4 1/2" x 12 1/2" bars(1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squareEither (1) or (2) additional 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares as determined by layout; do not cut yet.
Design Your Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt
Now that you’ve got your materials gathered you can start cutting fabrics and start arranging the patchwork.
Fill in the Gaps of Your Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt Blocks
Once you’re happy with the jigsaw puzzle quilt’s layout, cut the remaining patchwork. The squares are either black (for gaps along the quilt’s outer edges) or the color of the puzzle piece that inserts into the opening of an adjacent H. Only three rows are illustrated here—make six. Cut 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares to complete each puzzle block.
