What is a Potato Chip Block?
The Potato Chip Block (PCB) is a quick and easy quilt that is made with a single size rectangle. It is also one of the best scrappy quilt blocks I’ve ever made! While it has had many different names over the years, this popular name has stuck for many quilters as, ‘It’s hard to make just one!’ I can attest to that as I made at least eight different PCB quilts in the last year. Now I’m sharing those simple tricks to making your PCB quilt easier and faster to finish.
This quilt block uses a single rectangle that is twice as long as it is wide. They are sewn end to end into strips and sewn around a center block. It’s not unlike a courthouse step log cabin pattern. Instead of one long strip, you’ll use multiple short strips sewn together. What a fantastic scrappy concept! Not to mention how beautifully it turns out.
Traditionally the layout begins with two rectangles in the center that are sewn together side-to-side creating a square. Then additional blocks are added in a similar way the log cabin block is made. The video above has a complete tutorial on making this simple PCB quilt.
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Try my New Pattern that includes
Two Potato Chip Block Layouts in multiple sizes.
How to Make a Potato Chip Block
Making a Potato Chip Block
The PCB block is a variation of the Courthouse Steps Log Cabin block. The difference is how the strips are made. Instead of adding a single fabric strip to each side, these strips are made up of multiple rectangles. The idea is to continue adding rounds of strips around the center block until you reach the size desired.
Since all the rectangles in the quilt are the same size, the blocks fit together accurately and can be sewn quickly. These blocks go together quickly and you’ll have a finished quilt before you know it!
FREE Downloadable Pattern for the
Simplest Potato Chip Block Hot Pad Step-by-Step Tutorial!
Get your scraps organized
Scrappy Potato Chip Blocks are incredibly easy to make. You may find it takes more time to cut all your rectangles than it does to sew your quilt together! Pull your fabrics together to begin cutting. Each rectangle measures 2.5-inches x 4.5-inches. Chances are you have lots of scraps that size or larger to cut from. Precuts are also perfect for cutting as there will be very little waste. Also look at your yardage and see what more you can use.
My simple and easy secret to this quilt is to add lots of color. You also want to include lots of contrast in your fabrics to keep your quilt interesting. That means lots of scraps. So put this scrap buster to use today and enjoy a finished quilt before you know it!
How to cut leftover fabrics
The easiest way to cut your rectangles is by cutting strips first. Then crosscut your strips into the correct size. You’ll be surprised how many pieces you can cut at a time. Be sure to layer your fabric on your cutting mat for even faster results.
Fabric Cutting Supplies
- Olfa Quick Change Rotary Cutter
- SALE Rotary Blades
- 4-Piece Precut Ruler Set by MSQC
- Rotary Mat Ruler
- Olfa Rotary Cutting Mat
- Schmetz Quilting Sewing Machine Needles #11
Potato Chip Block Quilt Layout
How to Assemble a Potato Chip Block
Once you begin gathering your rectangles you’ll be ready to sew. The best first step is to pre-sew pairs of rectangles into 2-piece long strips. These strips will be the basic unit in assembling your quilt. Mix up your pairs by combining varying colors, prints, solids, and every other option you have choose from.
Download the Free PDF Potato Chip Block Tutorial above for a step by step guide on assembling each row. You’ll love how easy it is to make each block.
If you prefer to try a smaller project with a single quilt block, download the free pattern below. If you haven’t made a PCB yet, you’ll appreciate this simple 3-Page Free Tutorial and Pattern. First see the step-by-step PCB method for both style blocks. Plus there is a Free Super-Sized Hot Pad Pattern included that is perfect for a first Potato Chip Block project.
CLICK HERE to receive your FREE PDF Download of:
‘The Potato Chip Block Book’ including 33 Patterns
Easiest Machine Quilting for a Potato Chip Block
Diagonal or Diamond Quilting
Given all the 90-degree corners in this quilt, I find a diagonal quilting pattern looks great. The simplest quilting method is to quilt wavy diagonal rows from corner to corner. Then work your way to both edges. Or, you can channel quilt diagonal lines from edge to edge using a 1.5-inch to 2.5-inch spacing. My favorite way to finish a PCB quilt is with diamond quilting. It adds another layer of design that also softens the look of all those rectangles.
You can find examples for each of these quilting styles in my Walking Foot Quilting post. How ever you choose to finish your quilt, be sure to add a great binding! Those narrow edgings often catches everyone’s eyes!
Happy Quilting!
