Courthouse Steps Quilt Pattern

Learn how to sew a classic Courthouse Steps quilt block—with a fun little twist in the middle and easy strip sewing all the way through! If you’re like me and have a pile of leftover strips from past projects (or maybe a jelly roll or two you’ve been “saving”), this is a great way to put them to work.

This version of the courthouse steps block starts with a simple 4-patch center and builds out using all 2″ strips—no tricky measurements, no fuss, just easy sewing.

It’s perfect for swaps, scrappy layouts, and clearing out that stash one colorful strip at a time.

Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or stitching along with quilting friends, this block has a lot of play built in.

Keep them all going the same direction or mix them up for a more playful layout—totally up to you!

Traditional log cabin quilt blocks have a red center – with this block, you can play a little bit with it.

Finished Size Overview

• Unfinished block: 12½″ x 12½″
• Finished block: 12″ x 12″

A Few Things to Know Before You Start

• Pre-cut friendly: Use leftover jelly roll strips, scrap bins, or cut strips from your stash—all 2″ wide!
• Press as you go: Take time to press between each round of strips and when joining rows. This will help keep your blocks accurate and flat.
• Chain piece when possible: Once you’ve cut all your strips, sew in batches to save time.
• Squaring matters: Check the size after each round of logs and trim if needed—especially important with multiple strip rounds.
• Personalize your layout: Rotate blocks to create different looks (stepped diagonals, spirals, or checkerboard effects).

What You’re Making

• 12 Courthouse Steps blocks, each with a 4-patch center
• Block size: 12½″ unfinished (12″ finished)
• Layout: 4 rows of 3 blocks
• Finished quilt top size: 44″ x 56″ (with borders)

Finishing Touches

Once your blocks are done and joined into rows, you’ll frame your quilt top with two borders:

Inner border: 1″ finished (cut at 1½″ wide)

Outer border: 3″ finished (cut at 3½″ wide)

This brings the whole piece together and adds just enough breathing room for the blocks to shine. Whether you choose a solid, a subtle print, or a bold stripe, the borders are a great place to play with color and contrast.

Cutting Instructions (per block)

Center (4‑patch):

• (2) light 2″ × 2″ squares
• (2) dark 2″ × 2″ squares

Strips (all 2″ wide):

• 1st round (attach to 2 sides): (2) 2″ × 3½″ strips of light, (2) 2″ × 6½″ strips of dark
• 2nd round: (2) 2″ × 6 ½″ light, (2) 2″ × 9½″ dark
• 3rd (final) round: (2) 2″ × 9½″ light, (2) 2″ × 12½″ dark

Sew the Courthouse Steps Block

Assembly Instructions

• Make the 4‑patch center
  • Sew light and dark squares into a 2‑by‑2 block, press seams, square to 3½″.

• First strip round
  • Sew two dark strips to opposite sides of the center (e.g., top and bottom).
  • Sew two light strips to the remaining two sides (left/right).
  • Press and check square as you go.

• Second strip round
  • Sew dark strips to the same dark sides, and lights to the same light sides.
  • Press and check that block remains square.

• Final round
  • Attach the last pair of dark and light strips in matching locations.
  • Press thoroughly and square the block to 12½″ unfinished

Once you’ve finished all 12 Courthouse Steps blocks, it’s time to bring them together into a striking quilt top.

---

Layout:

• Arrange your 12 blocks into 4 rows of 3 blocks each.
• Rotate blocks as desired for visual movement, or keep them aligned for a clean, symmetrical look.

---

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Join the Blocks into Rows:
   • Sew 3 blocks together to form each row.
   • Press seams in each row in alternating directions.
2. Join the Rows Together:
   • Sew all 4 rows together to form the quilt center.
   • Press seams open or toward one consistent direction.

At this point, your quilt center will measure:

• Width: 3 blocks × 12″ = 36″ finished
• Height: 4 blocks × 12″ = 48″ finished

Adding Borders

We’ll add two borders to frame the blocks and bring the quilt to lap or throw size.

First Border (Inner Border – Finished 1″):

• Cut strips 1½″ wide (1″ finished with ¼″ seam allowance).
• Measure the sides of your quilt top:
  • Add 2 side strips (1½″ × 48½″ unfinished)
  • Add top and bottom strips (1½″ × 38½″ unfinished)

Attach in this order:

1. Sew side borders first, press outward.
2. Then sew top and bottom borders, press outward.

New quilt size after inner border:

• 38½″ x 50½″ unfinished

---

Second Border (Outer Border – Finished 3″):

• Cut strips 3½″ wide .
• Measure again:
  • Add side borders (3½″ × 50½″)
  • Add top and bottom borders (3½″ × 44½″)

Attach in this order:

1. Sew side borders first, press outward.
2. Sew top and bottom borders, press outward.

---

Final Quilt Size:

After adding both borders, your finished quilt top will measure approximately:

44½″ wide x 56½″ tall (unfinished)

Finishing the Quilt

1. Cut or piece together your batting and a piece of quilt backing fabric.

2. Make a quilt sandwich with the backing, batting, and top.

3. Baste together with fusible batting, pins or basting spray.

3. Quilt as desired. A few of my favorite ways to quilt are Straight line quilting or cross hatch quilting. Use a walking foot on your sewing machine. Trim away the extra batting and backing.

4. Cut strips of fabric for the binding. Cut 2 1/2” tall (sometimes I use 2 1/4″) binding strips. Sew the binding strips together and bind using your favorite technique. 

This Courthouse Steps quilt is one of those projects that comes together easily but looks like it took way more effort. It’s a great stash buster, ideal for swaps, and makes a thoughtful gift or cozy lap quilt.

Whether you’re sewing up a set from old fabric friends or trading blocks with your quilting group, this block is a keeper. Each one is a little different, and that’s part of the fun.

Now go raid your scrap bin and start sewing—those strips aren’t going to piece themselves!

/**/

More Cute Quilt Patterns:

Simple Nine Patch – this baby quilt is great for sewing up something cute and simple.

Eight Pointed Star Quilt – sew your blocks and add a fun sashing that makes a spinning star in the center.

Eye Spy baby quilt – use your favorite charm pack (or make your own) along with a background to make these half square triangles.

Spinning Ribbon Quilt – grab your strips of fabric and get sewing them into a fun quilt block, then quilt.

---