This free granny square quilt block pattern is simple, beginner friendly, and made entirely with scrap fabric. If you are building your stash pile, you can use jelly role strips, fat quarters or yardage.

This granny square quilt block is so adorable, you can make so many quilt or sewing projects with it by Sew Nikki

Granny square quilt blocks are perfect for scrappy quilts, modern layouts, and mix and match designs. You can use them to make everything from full size quilts to table runners, tote bags, and even quilted pillows. Once you understand how one block goes together, the design possibilities are endless.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to sew one granny square quilt block, share tips for beginners, and show you how to turn free quilt block patterns into custom projects you’ll actually use.

What Is a Granny Square Quilt Block?

A granny square quilt block is inspired by traditional crochet granny squares—layered, geometric, and often scrappy. Instead of rounds of yarn, we build the block using fabric squares and triangles, creating that iconic framed look with clean quilt lines.

This version keeps things simple by using:

Using 2.5″ squares for the entire block
Five different fabric but you can use as little as two if you prefer
Setting triangles made from 2.5” squares
Corner triangles made from 2.5” squares

It’s beginner friendly, stash busting, and works beautifully with scraps, fat quarters, jelly rolls or charm packs.

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Supplies Needed

Before we jump in, here’s what you’ll need to make one granny square quilt block:

For a scrappy quilt block, use five different fabrics either in one color palette or a mixture or just two by Sew Nikki

5 fabrics total for scrappy sample
25 – 2.5” squares (cut as needed for the center and rounds)
8 – 2.5” square, cut in half diagonally (setting triangles and corners)
Sewing machine
Thread
Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat
Iron and ironing board

Use a 1/4” seam allowance throughout the entire block.

See my full list of sewing and quilting favorite tools and supplies with easy links for all, shopping couldn’t be easier.

Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern

Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Granny Square Quilt Block

Here is the square layout for the free granny square quilt block by Sew Nikki to sew the block up diagonally.

Step 1: Layout Your Block

Start by laying out your block diagonally on a flat surface or design board, using the picture above as a reference. Place your center 2.5” square in the middle and build it out following the picture below. Surround it with additional 2.5” squares to form the first “round” of the granny square.

At the corners and along the edges where needed, place the setting triangles (from the 2.5” square cut diagonally).

Taking a minute to visually check your layout will save you from seam ripping later.

Step 2: Sew Squares Into Rows

Sew the squares together to form rows. You can sew the squares first and add the setting triangles at both ends of each row last or do it all at the same time.

Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki - sewing the blocks together to form diagonal rows — Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki – sewing the blocks together to form diagonal rows

I started from the middle row and then worked my way out diagonally in both directions. Keeping the setting triangles angled the correct direction to keep the block square. Save corner end triangles for now, don’t add at this point.

Stitch pieces together within each row
Add setting triangles at the beginning and end of each row
Save corner triangles for last
Press seams to the side or open, whatever you prefer
Double check alignment on setting triangles before moving on (it’s easy to sew triangles in wrong direction)

Setting Triangles

Go slow here, especially on the setting triangles. You are sewing on bias fabric so there’s a lot of stretch to bias pieces.

Setting triangles help square up the block. When sewing triangles to squares:

Align the long edge of the triangle with the square
Stitch carefully to avoid stretching the bias
Press gently, don’t drag the iron

Adding setting triangles to the granny square quilt block by Sew Nikki

Pro tip: Use a leader or thread bunny scrap and then sew your setting triangles to the squares. This ensures that your sewing plate does not eat up your fabric since one end will be pointy.

Step 3: Sew Rows Together

Sew the rows together to form the block. Again, I started in the middle and worked my way out but there’s no right or wrong way to do this. It’s personal preference. Press each row as you go, press only and don’t stretch fabric by ironing.

Free quilt block pattern by Sew Nikki - sewing the rows together to form the block. — Free quilt block pattern by Sew Nikki – sewing the rows together to form the block.

Step 4: Add Corner Triangles

Next, sew the corner triangles but this time use 1/2″ seam allowance to it lines up with the outer setting triangles. Or you can take one 3″ square and cut in half both ways diagonally, use one of the four triangles as the setting corner using 1/4″ seam allowance.

Free Scrappy Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki - attaching the corner triangles using a half inch seam allowance. — Free Scrappy Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki – attaching the corner triangles using a half inch seam allowance.

Trim dog ears as needed, but don’t over trim. Your block should now be square and ready to join with others.

Step 5: Final Press

Give the block a final press. At this stage, your granny square quilt block is complete and ready to be used in any project.

Get the digital pattern.

Get the instant download pattern here.

Quilt Blocks for Beginners: Why Granny Squares Are Perfect

If you’re new to quilting, granny square quilt blocks are an excellent place to start.

Scrappy Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki - one finished block sitting on sewing machine.

Here’s why:

Straight seams only
Small pieces = great practice
Easy to fix mistakes
Perfect for scraps
Good practice for on point quilts

Beginner quilters can build confidence by making several blocks, then mixing and matching them into larger projects without committing to a full quilt right away.

Create Your Own Projects

Here are a few ideas:

Full size scrap quilt
Table runner
Tote bag or zipper pouch
Baby quilt
Quilted pillow cover

You can even alternate granny square blocks with solid blocks or sashing for a more modern look.

There are a lot of quilt blocks that finish at 12 or 12.5 inches and you can mix and match to create a quilt pattern when blocks are the same size. This block trimmed is just shy of 12 inches but a simple border using the setting triangle fabric all the way around would make this larger. If you’re new to sizing layouts, this guide on quilt block layouts from American Patchwork & Quilting is helpful.

Download the Digital Granny Square Quilt Block Pattern

Prefer a printable version? Perfect for printing and keeping next to your sewing machine.

You can download the digital granny square quilt block pattern with cutting diagrams, layout guides, and step-by-step instructions.

More Resources

If you’re a visual learner, here are some videos for this quilt block and are great companions to this tutorial.

Olive & Elle Quilt Co or Ericka Arndt – How to sew a granny square block

SewVeryEasy – No math way to add corners to a quilt block

More Quilt Patterns You May Like

If you enjoyed this granny square quilt block, here are more patterns from my site you might love:

Maple Leaf Quilt Block

Circle Quilt Block

Bow Tie Quilt Block

Churn Dash Quilt Block

Save This Project

Pin this tutorial so you can come back to it later or use it whenever you need a quick gift or a weekend sewing project.

Granny Square Quilt Block

This free granny square quilt block pattern is a great reminder that quilting doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. With just a few 2.5” squares and some simple triangles, you can create blocks that feel classic, cozy, and totally customizable.

Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced quilter looking to use up scraps, granny square quilt blocks are always a win.

And don’t forget to grab the digital download if you want an easy printable version!

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! Your place for free crochet, sewing and quilt patterns for beginner to intermediate skill levels. Want a digital pattern? We have those too! Plus tutorials to walk you through how to make each item from start to finish.

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