Hens and Chicks Quilt: Master Those Points Without the Fuss

Robert Sterling · 2026-10-25

Welcome back to our Classic & Vintage Quilt Series! Today we're piecing together a whole flock of fun quilt blocks with the Hens and Chicks Quilt — a timeless pattern that's become a favorite for intermediate quilters. Don't let all those points ruffle your feathers. With the right approach, you'll be piecing each block with precision before you know it. ### Why This Pattern Wins Quilters Over The Hens and Chicks Quilt Pattern comes in two sizes — a lap quilt and a runner — and it's built for folks who love perfectly matched points and don't mind being a poke-a-pin pro. Here's what makes it such a joy to work with: - It uses just three prints, so it's a fantastic way to bust through unused yardage in your stash - The Fat Quarter-friendly block relies on strip piecing magic to keep things efficient - Each block finishes at 18.5 by 18.5 inches unfinished, giving you a satisfying, substantial square - With only two fabrics plus a background per block, your favorite collections get to shine If you want to make one exactly like ours, you can grab the Hens and Chicks Quilt Kit along with a matching Backing Set. For our version, we used the Wildbriar collection by Sweetfire Road for Moda Fabrics. The distilled color palette in that collection feels like a glimpse of the sun-dappled wonder waiting just beyond the garden gate. ### The Block That Does the Heavy Lifting This block is where the real fun lives. It's Fat Quarter-friendly, and strip piecing does most of the work for you. That means less time wrestling with tiny pieces and more time watching a cute block come together. Because each block only needs two fabrics and a background, it's a wonderful way to showcase a collection you've been saving for something special. > The secret to crisp points isn't speed — it's a consistent quarter-inch seam and a little patience at the pinning stage. If you're newer to matching points, take it slow. Press as you go, pin generously, and don't be afraid to rip a seam or two. Every quilter has been there, and the payoff is a roost full of these charming blocks. ### A Quick Word on Fabric and Stash-Busting One of the best things about this pattern is how little it demands. Three prints for the lap quilt means you can finally put those leftover cuts to work. Pull a palette you love, lean into contrast so the pattern reads clearly, and let the background fabric give your blocks room to breathe. If you're shopping fresh, a coordinated collection takes the guesswork out of color matching. We hope you enjoy sewing with this free Hens and Chicks Block Pattern. When you finish a block, share your work using #FQSHensAndChicksQuilt on Facebook and Instagram, and tag @fatquartershop so we can see your flock. Happy quilting!