Corn & Beans Quilt Patterns

Corn & Beans Quilt / Block — Tradition with a Twist

The Corn & Beans block is a classic quilt pattern with multiple names and variations over time. It often features small squares and half-square triangles arranged to evoke a “corn and beans” motif—traditionally in gold and green, but beautifully adaptable to any color scheme. (Farm & Folk)

Often called by alternate names such as Hen & Chicks, Shoo Fly, or Handy Andy depending on color or regional tradition, this block has a rich history in American quilting lore. On Wikipedia’s list of North American pieced quilt patterns, Corn & Beans appears among familiar blocks like Nine Patch and Log Cabin.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Free patterns and layout ideas
  • Step-by-step cutting and stitching instructions
  • Tips to adapt the block in different sizes and fabrics
  • Inspiration for full quilts, samplers, or mixed layouts



What’s Distinctive About Corn & Beans

  • Lots of small units. The block often contains many Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) and small squares—giving it a fine, patchwork texture.
  • Color interplay. Traditional use is green (beans) and yellow (corn), but changing color assignments gives the block new life in scrappy or modern quilts.
  • Versatile layout. You can rotate, mirror, or sash Corn & Beans blocks to create interesting secondary patterns and movement. (fabric-406)


How to Sew a Corn & Beans Block (12″ Example)

Here’s a general overview (you can scale up or down as needed):

  1. Plan colors. Decide which fabrics will be “light/background” and which will be “dark/feature” (or your own theme).
  2. Cut units. For a 12″ finished block, typical cut plans might include:
    • Several squares of light and dark to form HSTs
    • Plain squares for corner or center units
  3. Make HSTs. Pair the light and dark squares, sew along diagonals, trim and press.
  4. Layout the block. Arrange the pieces in a grid of rows (for example, 6 rows), making sure the orientation is correct.
  5. Sew rows, then join. Stitch rows together, matching seams carefully. Press seams (open or to side) for best flatness.
  6. Check and trim. Ensure your block measures 12 1/4″ × 12 1/4″ unfinished (12″ finished).
Because many small pieces are involved, accuracy in seam allowances and pressing is especially important to avoid accumulating offsets.

Tips & Ideas for Using Corn & Beans Blocks

  • Scrappy charm. Use multiple fabrics for your light and dark units to make a colorful, scrappy version.
  • Alternate layouts. Rotate blocks so that “corn” triangles point outward, forming pinwheel or star shapes in a quilt.
  • Add sashing or borders. Use plain strips between Corn & Beans blocks to help frame the busy design.
  • Mix with other blocks. Combine Corn & Beans blocks with simpler blocks (e.g. squares or plain blocks) to balance visual density.
  • Scale experiment. Try making a mini block (6″) or a large one (18″) to suit your project.
  • Themed quilts. Use a color story (greens, autumn golds, scrappy neutrals) to bring unity.


Corn & Beans Quilt Patterns Corn & Beans quilts are made of three sizes of right triangles. You can alter the size of the pieces to create blocks of different dimensions to suit your needs. The easy-to-do patterns come with materials guides and tips on how to piece your quilt quickly.


Click on image to print the 6" block of the Corn & Beans quilt pattern.





More traditional quilt patterns: