Are you in the mood to experiment with a neat quilt block? I have a Hidden Wells block tutorial that I think you will like!
One of my all-time favorite quilt blocks is the Hidden Wells block that can be made in many different sizes or colors for a completely different look.
This is a technique that was developed by Mary Ellen Hopkins in 1989 for her Hidden Wells quilt.
This may date me but I remember when her book came out and I bought it from my favorite quilt shop. I can’t remember if this was done with rotary cutting or not. Yes, I remember cutting out blocks using scissors!
I couldn’t wait to make a Hidden Wells quilt and knowing me, I probably made several and lots of blocks. You see this technique quite often now.
It can be done with a different number of strips in different or equal widths. The sizes of the strips can be the same or different depending on the look you want. Trust me, you can really get hooked on making the Hidden Wells block!
I happened to have some fat quarters of batiks in my stash, (imagine that) and picked four fabrics that I thought looked good together for this tutorial.
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Hidden Wells quilt block tutorial
You will need 4 different fat quarter fabrics:
Using coordinating fabrics makes it easy to design blocks and a quilt.
Step One:
- Each fabric – Cut one strip 2½” by the width of the fat quarter.
- Sew four strips together with a ¼” seam allowance and press toward the darkest fabric.
- Measure the width – it should measure 8½” – cut the piece into two 8½” x 8½” squares.
Step Two:
- Place one block right side up.
- Place the second block right side down on top with the strips going in the opposite direction as shown.
Step Three:
- Pin the blocks together.
- Sew a ¼” seam around all four sides.
Step Four:
- Use a ruler and your rotary cutter and cut diagonally from one corner to the other.
- Repeat this on the opposite diagonal corner.
Step Five:
- Open your pieces and carefully press.
- The blocks should measure approximately 5½” x 5½” – square up if needed.
Step Six:
- Arrange the blocks until you find a design you like and then sew them together with a ¼” seam allowance.
- Your block should measure about 10½ inches.
Hidden Wells Quilt Block
I hope you have enjoyed this fast and easy quilt block tutorial. Would you like to see more ideas using this block in different sizes?
Here are a couple of quilt projects I have made using a quilt block like this:
You can find some great deals on fabric here.
Would you like to see what this block would look like in different color? I just recolored the block from above to get the variations. You could also use two light and two dark colors.
I would love to see what your blocks look like!
Get a FREE downloadable PDF of this tutorial
Through the magic of Photoshop, I can show you want a quilt would look like.
Other quilt block tutorials you will enjoy!
- Crossroads block you can make the block in three different sizes!
- Spinning Star Quilt Block tutorial
- Bulls Eye quilt block
- Quilt Block list
Great deals for you
I want to share some of the sites that I personally like visiting for the quilting and craft things I buy.
Belinda
I just stumbled across your pattern for Hidden Wells quilt block. I’m can’t wait to try it. Beautiful pattern!!
Emilie D LaFave
Connie, you have explained this quilt block better than any one I’ve seen yet ! You make it so simple. I’ve looked and looked at this
block on different sites and just didn’t get it. You made it so easy !!
Thank you SO MUCH! Emilie in NC
Debbie
Thank you. I really enjoy your website, and all the tutorials. Love this one especially. I want to make a “beachy” quilt using tones of sand and
tones of water. One sand color is shells. Should I save the shells for the border?? Do you think this would work using this Weld design?
Connie Kresin
I would think that would work beautifully Debbie.
Sandie Copeland
I made this Hidden Wells quilt in 2003 and just posted it on FB. I have a pic of my late husband with Mary Ellen Hopkins however it was probably taken before cell phone cameras. I may search for it and post on FB.
It is a beautiful quilt. Made with purple and green batiks.
Louann Waller
I’m a quilt top sewing newbie. Really like this pattern & plan on using it soon. My question – if utilizing a jelly roll what would be approximate finished size? Thanks
Doreen Ransaw
Hi Connie, I am new to your site and I just want to say Thank you so very much for sharing your tutorial. You are a very good Instructor and your examples are easy to follow. I also love your choices of colors, they are vibrant and cheerful. Thanks again and have a great day.
Beverly Wallace
What size strips would I need to make a 12 1/2 inch block?
Connie Kresin
3 1/2 inch strips Beverly
Beverly Wallace
Thanks…that is what I thought, but it has been a long time.
Vicki
After sewing the 3 1/2” strips together, do the squares need to be cut larger than 8 1/2”?
Connie Kresin
The four strips are 2 1/2 inches each and your piece will measure 8 1/2 inches so you can cut squares. Just make sure the blocks are square.
Connie Kresin
Hi Vicki, sorry didn’t realize you were asking about the 12 1/2 inch block. Yes, your squares will be cut 12 1/2 inches.
Charl Isham
I love the block but am frustrated at how the seams butt up against each other. For the most part all of the seam allowances are going in the same direction. How did you deal with this?
Connie Kresin
I just sew the seam carefully and slowly. It will work.
Heidi
Stumbled across your website. What a great idea for making quilts in all sizes for charity.. For a change so different from the usual “just blocks”. It goes quick and takes care of all your strips leftovers.
Thank you Heidi.
Gina O.
Thank you for posting this block with instructions. I just made it and plan to make many more. How did you quilt it? I’m using the blocks to make a table runner. Thx again!!
Sue
Thanks Connie. I am a very newbie to quilting. I think your tutorial is even easy enough for me to try. I love the colours you’ve used. They look so good. Thank you so much
Julia Kayner
Hi Connie – LOVE this block and can’t wait to try it – I want to make my brother and sister in law a large throw – but not sure how much fabric I would need to accomplish this. I I do 4 different colors and can you tell about how much I would need of each color ? I am pretty new to quilting so not so good a calculating what I need and sometimes ending up short and the fabric goes out of stock or unavailable anywhere
Connie Kresin
Hi Julia, if you used 42″ wide fabric you could make 4 blocks using four 2½” of the different fabrics. Just figure out how many blocks you need. 1 yard of each should make a nice size quilt.
Lisa J.
This is a really nice technique and I’m sure it would look good in many different fabrics.
Brenda
I love the way this block came out. The color’s are amazing. I think these color’s would make a beautiful Valentine’s Day quilt. So glad I stumbled across you.
Thank you
Brenda
Connie Kresin
Hi Brenda, yes it would be perfect for Valentine’s day, if you make something please share it with me!
Bernadette
Thank you for the tutorial I am a newbie so I am very grateful..😀
Diane Offerman
Thank you for the tutorial. I am thinking of using this pattern for a baby quilt for our first great grandchild. She is arriving in April. Our family is quite excited. We haven’t had a new baby in our family since her Mother was born 27 years ago.
nancy seitz
Thank you for tutorial. Have a great new year.
Judy
That is a great block that looks like so much fun to make.
Sherry
WOW!! This block is really cool and the colors of Island Batik fabrics you have used is stunning. One of these days I just must try making a block from your excellent tutorials. Thank You Dear…
Quilting Tangent
Thanks for the tutorial.
Monica Kostak
Love the colors (my favorite) and the block is cool! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kathleen McCormick
It is always good to be reminded of these fun techniques. I remember when I first learned this (and it was a very long time ago, too). Thanks for the reminder of something fun and quick to do!
Connie
Thank you for sharing your tutorial. I’m a beginner quilter and your step by step instructions are easy to understand.
Vicki in MN
What a neat block, I see a table runner!!
Michele T
Gorgeous blockand so many variations to set them up for a quilt. Thanks for the tutorial.
Mary
I made that years ago and it was so fun and quite impressive. Like you, I bought several of her books and loved her designs. The batiks are such a great idea for this design with so many bias edges. The colors you chose are gorgeous too.
Tonya Reichard
Connie,
Love your colors! This is a fun quilt.
Brenda Ackerman
Hello Connie, I am looking forward to creating all sorts of Christmas projects through out the remainder of this year and next year. This block instantly made me think of Red, White and Blue though. Ha, Ha, Ha….So, I may have to pull out some fabrics today and play with your block tutorial because I do want to create a special quilt for one of my Uncles who served in Vietnam. Plus, I have not had the opportunity to use my AccuQuilt machine in quite some time. Connie, you are such an amazing designer who comes up with so many ways to share your creations! I am proud to be able to call you a blogger friend, I sure wish that we will be able to meet in person some day! Thank you for sharing another amazing block pattern and tutorial with us! I hope that you have a fabulous day!
Carla Hellwege
That is stunning! Thank you for sharing the tutorial.
Connie Kresin
You are so welcome Carla!
Susan the Farm Quilter
I used this pattern to create a quilt for my SIL way back in 2010, after a family vacation to Hawaii. She loved her batik brights quilt that reminded her of all the pictures her daughter took of the beautiful flowers in Hawaii.
Connie Kresin
I bet that was beautiful Susan!