How to Sew a Hidden Wells Quilt Block: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Kimberley Hind
5 days ago
2 min read

Hidden wells Patchwork quilt piece with floral patterns in red, blue, green on a wooden table. Green leaves in the background add a natural touch.

How to Sew a Hidden Wells Quilt Block

If you love the magic of patchwork, you’re going to fall for the Hidden Wells quilt block. It’s one of those blocks that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you understand the steps. It starts with basic strip sets, but with a few clever cuts and rotations, it transforms into a striking geometric design!

The best part? There’s no fiddly piecing of tiny triangles or complicated measurements. It’s all straight lines and some satisfying rearranging. This block is ideal for jelly rolls and scrap busting or playing with fabric placement to create bold effects.

For One Block, You’ll Need:

4 different fabric strips, each 18" x 2.5"
Rotary cutter and mat
Quilting ruler
Sewing machine and thread
Iron and ironing board

Step 1: Sew Your Strips Together

Start by sewing your 4 strips together along the long edges, with right sides together, to create a strip set. Use 1/4" seam allowance. Press your seams in one direction. Try to keep your seams consistent and flat - it’ll make the cutting easier later.

Four strips of fabric with floral patterns in green, white, pink, and blue, arranged diagonally on a light background.

Colorful fabric strips with floral and bird patterns: green with birds, white with flowers, pink with leaves, and navy with birds, on a plain background.

Step 2: Cut the Strip

Next, cut the strip set in half, vertically. You should now have two square blocks.

Trim these two squares to 8.5" squares.

Two sets of colorful patterned fabric strips on a light background. Designs include birds and flowers in green, pink, white, and navy.

Step 3: Rotate one Block

Rotate one of your 8.5" squares a quarter turn clockwise or anti-clockwise so that the strip direction changes. One should now have the lines running vertically and the other should still be horizontal.

Two patchwork quilt squares with floral patterns in blue, pink, white, and green on a light background, creating a vibrant, cheerful mood.

Step 4: Sew the Blocks

Place the squares with right sides together, making sure one is still rotated. Sew a 1/4" seam allowance around the entire square.

Patchwork quilt square with floral and bird patterns in pink, green, and blue tones on a light background.

Pastel-colored quilt square with floral patterns, featuring stitched layers in pink and blue tones, set against a light background.

Step 5: Cut the Block

Cut the square diagonally from one corner to the opposite, in both directions, giving you 4 triangle shapes.

Fabric pieces with floral and pastel patterns are cut into a square with diagonal lines on a light background.

Step 6: Press

Open out each triangle and press. You should now have four squares measuring 5.5". Trim the tails of the seams.

Four quilt blocks with floral patterns in navy, pink, green, and white, arranged on a plain white background.

Step 7: Arrange the Squares

Arrange the four squares, alternating the direction of the stripes to create a woven or offset effect. There are a few layouts you can choose from depending on how you arrange the squares.

Four patchwork quilt squares with floral patterns in pink, navy, green, and white arranged on a plain white background.

or -

Four square quilt patches with floral patterns in pink, navy, and white on a light background. No text visible; cozy, artistic vibe.

Step 8: Sew Together

Once you've decided on your arrangement, sew the squares together into 2 rows of 2 blocks, then sew those rows together to complete your Hidden Wells block!

Patchwork quilt block with floral and bird patterns in pink, blue, and green tones on white background. Intricate and colorful design.

Step 9: Press

Give the whole block a good press, pressing seams open or to the side, depending on your preference. Then trim your finished block if needed to square it up neatly.

And that’s it!

You’ve just sewn a Hidden Wells quilt block! It’s such a satisfying technique, and once you’ve got the hang of it, you can start playing with colour placement, fussy cutting, or even varying the strip widths for a completely different look.

This is what 4 blocks look like -

Patchwork quilt with a geometric pattern of blue, pink, and white floral and leafy designs. Set on a plain white background.

The fabric that I've used for this block is the Woodland Walk Collection from Liberty Fabrics.

If you try this block, I’d love to see what you make! Tag me on Instagram @whatkimberleymakes or drop me a message!

Happy stitching,

Kimberley x

Easy, Creative Sewing for Everyday Makers