Beginner block
Courthouse steps quilt pattern
A queen-size courthouse steps quilt is 90″ × 102″: 56 12″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 10½ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 8¼ yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. A log cabin cousin where the logs go on opposite sides, like steps up to a courthouse. Turn every other block for a woven look.
How much fabric for a courthouse steps quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 54″ × 66″ | 90″ × 102″ | 102″ × 102″ |
| Blocks | 4 × 5 = 20 | 7 × 8 = 56 | 8 × 8 = 64 |
| Mustard (blocks) | ¼ yd | ⅝ yd | ¾ yd |
| Muslin (blocks) | 1¼ yd | 3¼ yd | 3⅝ yd |
| Indigo (blocks, border, binding) | 2⅞ yd | 6⅝ yd | 7½ yd |
| Top and binding | 4⅜ yd | 10½ yd | 11⅞ yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 3½ yd | 8¼ yd | 9¼ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 10 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 62″ × 74″ (twin) | 98″ × 110″ (king) | 110″ × 110″ (king) |
Cutting for one courthouse steps block
A centre square and twelve strips added in pairs on opposite sides. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Every piece is a square or rectangle: cut it the finished size plus ½″ for the two ¼″ seams.
| Fabric | 8″ block | 10″ block | 12″ block | 14″ block | 16″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre | 1 square 2½″ | 1 square 3″ | 1 square 3½″ | 1 square 4″ | 1 square 4½″ |
| Light steps | 2 rectangles 1½″ × 2½″ | 2 rectangles 1¾″ × 3″ | 2 rectangles 2″ × 3½″ | 2 rectangles 2¼″ × 4″ | 2 rectangles 2½″ × 4½″ |
| Dark steps | 2 rectangles 1½″ × 4½″ | 2 rectangles 1¾″ × 5½″ | 2 rectangles 2″ × 6½″ | 2 rectangles 2¼″ × 7½″ | 2 rectangles 2½″ × 8½″ |
| Light steps | 2 rectangles 1½″ × 4½″ | 2 rectangles 1¾″ × 5½″ | 2 rectangles 2″ × 6½″ | 2 rectangles 2¼″ × 7½″ | 2 rectangles 2½″ × 8½″ |
| Dark steps | 2 rectangles 1½″ × 6½″ | 2 rectangles 1¾″ × 8″ | 2 rectangles 2″ × 9½″ | 2 rectangles 2¼″ × 11″ | 2 rectangles 2½″ × 12½″ |
| Light steps | 2 rectangles 1½″ × 6½″ | 2 rectangles 1¾″ × 8″ | 2 rectangles 2″ × 9½″ | 2 rectangles 2¼″ × 11″ | 2 rectangles 2½″ × 12½″ |
| Dark steps | 2 rectangles 1½″ × 8½″ | 2 rectangles 1¾″ × 10½″ | 2 rectangles 2″ × 12½″ | 2 rectangles 2¼″ × 14½″ | 2 rectangles 2½″ × 16½″ |
Block diagram
- A Centre (Mustard)
- B Light steps (Muslin)
- C Dark steps (Indigo)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen courthouse steps quilt?
About 10½ yd for the top and binding (⅝ yd of mustard, 3¼ yd of muslin, 6⅝ yd of indigo), plus 8¼ yd of backing. That is for 90″ × 102″ with 12″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a courthouse steps block?
It is drawn on a 8 × 8 grid, so it works best at 8", 10", 12", 14", 16" finished. 12" is the most common size.
Is courthouse steps good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only squares and rectangles, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Courthouse steps is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026