Courthouse Steps Quilt Block Pattern Tutorial

Get step-by-step instructions to stitch a courthouse steps quilt block pattern. It's a great alternate block to pair with star blocks.

courthouse steps quilt block pattern with seven 'steps'

Courthouse Steps Block: A Type of Log Cabin Block

The courthouse steps block is in the family of log cabin blocks.

Instead of attaching strips clockwise or counterclockwise around a center as with a log cabin block, in a courthouse steps block each set of strips are sewn on opposite sides of a center, commonly a square, to build out the block to size.

Traditionally, to create the illusion of steps, one set of strips is done in dark fabrics and the opposing set is done in light fabrics.

A Little Courthouse Steps Block History

In the USA, the history of this quilt block dates back to the early 1700s. Early settlers hand pieced strips of fabric on a foundation of muslin to make blocks for quilts.

Today most quilters would probably foundation paper piece blocks smaller than six-inches.

You can also just stitch strips together until you reach your block size.

In this tutorial, we will stitch together oversized narrow (approx. 1 1/4 inches) strips to form a block that is about 11 1/2 inches finished (12 unfinished).

Use a ruler to keep your measurements on track.

Let's get started!

Quilt Block Fabrics

I used scraps: seven (7) different fabrics in medium to dark shades of blue and seven (7) different grey and white fabrics.

Each strip is at about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches wide and approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer than the log that it is stitched to.

The center square and each 'log' finishes the same width at 3/4 inches.

Courthouse Steps Stitching Order Diagram

This quilt block stitching order diagram shows you the order in which to stitch the logs to the center square. There are seven (7) logs on each side of the center square. Each log is approximately 3/4 inches (finished) wide. This results in a block that is approximately 12 1/2 inches unfinished (12 inches finished).

courthouse steps quilt block pattern stitching order diagram

Start with a center square (1). Stitch the next 'log' to the top (2) and then the
bottom (2) of it.

Stitch the next 'logs' to the right side (3) and then the left side (3) of Unit 1-2. This completes the first round of 'logs'.

Continue to stitch the rounds of 'logs' as numbered in the above diagram: top, bottom, left, right.

Refer to this diagram as needed while you assemble your block.

Courthouse Steps Quilt Block Pattern Instructions

Step 1 Cut the center square 1 1/4 inches square.

Round 1

Step 2 Cut the top and bottom logs slightly wider and longer than the previous log.

Step 3 Stitch a strip (log) to the top and then the bottom of the center square.

Step 4 Trim the top and bottom 'logs' even with the left and right sides of the center square.

Step 5 Align the 1 inch measurement line of a quilting ruler along each horizontal seam and trim the top and bottom 'logs' to 1 inch wide.

Step 6 Cut the left and right 'log' of round one about 1 1/2 inches wide and slightly longer than the previous unit made of the center and top and bottom 'logs'.

Step 7 Stitch a strip ('log') to the left side and then the right side of the previous unit (made of the center and top and bottom 'logs').

Trim the side 'logs' even with the top and bottom of the previous unit.

Step 8 Align the 1 inch measurement line of a quilting ruler (not pictured) along each vertical seam and trim both side 'logs' to 1 inch wide.

This completes Round 1.

Round 2

Step 9 Repeat Steps 2 through 4 to attach and trim the top and bottom logs of round two.

Step 10 Align the 1 inch measurement line of a quilting ruler along each horizontal seam and trim the top and bottom 'logs' (of Round 2) to 1 inch wide.

Step 11 Cut the left and right 'logs' of Round 2 about 1 1/2 inches wide and slightly longer than the previous unit (made of Round 1 and the top 'logs' of Round 2).

Step 12 Stitch a strip ('log') to the left side and then the right side of the previous unit.
Trim the side 'logs' even with the top and bottom of the previous unit.

Step 14 Measure 1 inch away from each vertical seam and trim both side 'logs' to 1 inch wide.

This completes Round 2.

Successive Rounds

Step 13 Repeat Steps 2 - 8 for each round that you want to add to the courthouse steps quilt block pattern.

In the picture below, Round 3 has been added. First stitch on the top and bottom (gray) logs. Then stitch on the side logs (blue).

12 Inch Courthouse Steps Quilt Block

Pictured below are seven (7) rounds of  'logs' around a center square, approximately 3/4 inches wide, that have been stitched to make a courthouse steps quilt block pattern that finishes at approximately 12 inches (11 1/2 unfinished).

The Last Round

Is important to note that the unfinished last round (round seven) should be wider than the previous rounds.

Use strips that are about 1/2 inch wider than the previous strips. In this case 1 3/4 inch wide strips. Trim to 1 1/4 inch wide. This provides a 1/2 inch seam allowance and the last round will be the same with as the previous rounds.

Unfortunately, I forgot about this when making this block. Next time! :-)

Make It Your Own

Use strips as wide or as narrow as you would like. Mix the width of strips within the same block. Just play and have fun with it!