The Lincoln Quilt EQ8 Tutorial

4/11/2026

The Lincoln Quilt Block: History & Inspiration

The Lincoln Quilt Block (#3742) from BlockBase+

In BlockBase+, you’ll find the Lincoln Quilt block (Brackman ID 3742), a design originally published by Anne Orr.

According to quilting lore, the first Lincoln Quilt was pieced in 1809 by Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks. A defining feature of the block is its bold center— a cross-shaped checkerboard—surrounded by four intricate eight-point stars.

This is not a beginner-friendly block. In fact, before the days of rotary cutters and strip piecing, constructing this design would have required an incredible level of precision and patience.

For this tutorial, I wanted to honor the spirit of the original while making it far more approachable for today’s quilters.

My solution?

Replace the complex eight-point stars (based on a circle grid) with a simpler star block featuring a center square
Eliminate inset seams
Add a few strategic lines to simplify construction and make strip piecing possible

The result is a Lincoln-inspired block that is both striking and achievable.

Fabrics

For this project, I used the January 2026 free fabric download from Do You EQ: Celebrating 250 Years by Scott Flanagan for Northcott Fabrics.

This batik collection is a vibrant tribute to the history and spirit of the United States. The palette features rich reds, soft off-whites, and bold blues—echoing the colors of the American flag.

Motifs include:

Stars and stripes
Fireworks-inspired prints
Abstract patriotic designs

It’s a perfect match for a block with historical roots like the Lincoln Quilt.

Celebrating 250 Years Fabric Collection

Celebrating 250 Years Fabric Download from Do You EQ

Drafting a Lincoln Quilt Block Variation

Step 1: Section the Block

Sectioning and Initial Drafting

Start by analyzing the original design. If you count the units across the center (horizontally or vertically), you’ll find 23 squares.

That makes 23 x 23 the ideal grid size for drafting in EasyDraw.

Draw horizontal and vertical lines at 7 and 16
This divides the block into nine sections
Draft a 7" x 7" star in one corner
Create a modified checkerboard unit in the adjacent 9" x 7" section

Step 2: Clone and Rotate

Once your first star and checkerboard sections are complete:

Clone the units
Rotate as needed
Position them in the remaining three corners

Cloned Sections

Step 3: Build the Center

Center Checkerboard

Use the Grid Tool:

Set Columns = 9
Set Rows = 9

This fills in the center checkerboard quickly and accurately.

Step 4: Color Your Block

Now comes the fun part—coloring!

Alternate background fabrics with darks and mediums in the checkerboard
Try a Trip Around the World approach by changing fabrics in each round
Consider using a larger-scale print and fussy cut the star centers for extra impact

Lincoln Quilt Block Variation Created by Kari Schell

Step 5: Cornerstone Block

7 x7 Star Block

For the cornerstones, draft a 7" x 7" block.

If it looks familiar, it should—this uses the same construction as your corner stars, helping maintain consistency across the quilt.

Lincoln Quilt Layout Options

Full Quilt Layout

98" x 98" Lincoln Quilt

To create the quilt:

Select New Quilt > Horizontal
Set blocks to 3 x 3
Set finished block size to 23" x 23"

Sashing settings:

Enable Include sash border
Sashing size: 7" x 7"

Borders:

Size: 0.5"
Style: Mitered

Place your blocks on the Design tab, color as desired, and Add to Sketchbook.

Finished size: 98" x 98"
A beautiful option for a queen-size bed.

For a quick project:

Change layout to 1 x 1 block
Add to Sketchbook

Finished size: 38" x 38"
Perfect for a baby quilt or wall hanging.

38" x 38" Lincoln Quilt

Watch the Design Process

Be sure to watch the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of drafting the block and building the quilt layout in EQ8.

Let's See Your Design!

Which version do you prefer—the full quilt or the smaller wall hanging? Or are you putting your own spin on the Lincoln block?

I’d love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.

Lincoln Quilt post in the Learning EQ Facebook Group

Happy quilting.

Kari

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