Turn Strips into a Stunning Hidden Wells Quilt Block

I loved making this Hidden Wells quilt block because the process is so different from traditional piecing. I started with 2½-inch colored strips and 2-inch white strips, sewed them into strip sets, and cut them into squares. After placing two squares right sides together in opposite directions, I stitched around the edges and cut diagonally both ways. When I opened and pressed the pieces, the beautiful Hidden Wells design appeared like magic. It is a fun, unique project that looks even more impressive when multiple blocks are sewn together.

The Hidden Wells quilt block uses a completely different process from many traditional quilt blocks, and I think you are going to love watching it come together. There are no half-square triangles involved. Instead, the block begins with simple strips of fabric.

For my block, I used 2½-inch colored strips, which are the standard size found in a jelly roll, along with 2-inch white strips. I sewed the strips together into long strip sets and then measured the total width. Since my strip set measured 9½ inches, I cut it into 9½-inch squares.

Next, I placed two squares right sides together, rotating the top square so the strips ran in opposite directions and created a crisscross pattern. I stitched a quarter-inch seam around all four outer edges. Once the squares were sewn together, I cut diagonally from corner to corner in both directions, creating a large X.

This is where the magic happens. When each section is opened and pressed, it reveals one quarter of the finished Hidden Wells block. I joined the sections together in pairs and then sewed those pairs together to complete the block.

The finished design is beautiful on its own, but it becomes even more impressive when several blocks are arranged together. I hope you give this fun and unique quilting method a try.

 Happy sewing!