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Around the Block with Judy Hopkins: 200 Rotary-Cut Blocks in 6 Sizes
Finish a quilt in no time -- machine quilt each block as you go! Apply these construction techniques to your favorite blocks, or use the reference charts to design your own.
136 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 1994
15 people want to read
About the author
Judy Hopkins
30 booksJudy Hopkins is a prolific quiltmaker and the author of five That Patchwork Place titles. She has also coauthored three books, including the bestseller 101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 10, 2025
Around the Block is a 1994 book and one of my favorites. It allows my imagination to fly.
This book is a block dictionary not a project book. The directions for making blocks come in 6 different sizes. There are also worksheets for various settings (pg.133-13), but no projects as more contemporary books include. Readers will have to think when using this book.
The text starts with a very short introduction (pg.3) that is firmly based in the pre-MQG time frame. Judy Hopkins writes "my fondness for traditional patterns goes hand in hand with an unwavering commitment to quick, contemporary cutting techniques." (pg.3) This is the first book I remember supporting rotary cutting techniques. My first quilt class used templates and scissors so this book gave me hope that I could complete projects faster than once every five years.
The introduction explains what a revelation this book was when the author writes "while there are numerous comprehensive block books on the market, many of them are reference books, geared towards pattern identification - tantalizing collections of possibilities that are out of reach of the quilter who is unwilling, or unable, to do the calculations necessary to translate small line drawings into usable quick-cut blocks." (pg.3) Hopkins describes this book as "...different. Designed for the quilter who loves both old patterns and modern rotary cutting techniques, it provides clear, complete rotary=-cutting instructions in the multiple sizes..." (pg.3). She was very forward thinking when she wrote this as we now see many quilt patterns using classic block patterns all of which have rotary cutting instructions even when they are oversized or slightly different than the classic block. The introduction is very clear about the book is an is not.
The next section is called 'Using the Block Patterns' (pg.4-6). The section explains how the book is laid out an how to use the charts. Once useful piece of information included is that the underlying block structure/grid is identified (pg.4). If readers never use the cutting instructions, this piece of information is useful for understanding other patterns and how to combine blocks to make a successful quilt. The block sizes range from 4" or 6" to 12" or 14".
The explanation in this section uses one block chart as an example. The author methodically works through each section of the chart (pg.4-5) to explain how to use the information. This makes the blocks really easy to make for visual learners.
Variations are included in each chart. It makes me think this was one of the foundation books, or pre-cursor books to the MQG movement.
'Rotary Cutting Individual Pieces' (pg.6) provides a brief description of rotary cutting.
'Planning Your Quilt' (pg.7-8) starts with "you almost certainly will want to use these patterns to make quilts, not just blocks" (pg.7), which may or may not be true. I have done block exchanges where the blocks were just an exercise in color and never amounted to a quilt or other project. Blocks can be a great way to do a fun activity with a friend. The author gives recommendations on how to design a quilt with blocks.
This section talks about settings, calculating yardage, quilt plans and provides a list of standard quilt sizes. Judy talks about using the charts to make multiple identical blocks. Of course, we now have tools such as Electric Quilt and Adobe Illustrator which allow quiltmakers to design quilts, calculate yardage and change colors or fabrics easily. The section also refers to several books that may be helpful in various steps of the quiltmaking process. I like this, because it means that the author acknowledges that the book is not a complete guide to quiltmaking.
The 'Gallery of Blocks' (pg.9-28) displays all of the blocks, for which directions are provided, ion color. The colors used are all solids and not to my taste, mostly. It is, however, nice to have them in color. The name and page number for the cutting chart is included with each illustration.
'Block Patterns' (pg.29-128) follow. Each page has two patterns/ charts for block instructions and includes about six sizes. The sizes vary based on the block's grid structure, there are always a combination of small, medium and large blocks. Looking at the blocks in this section always makes me see something different. I love this section as it really gives me the information I need to make a blocks without a lot of extraneous words. The visual element of the charts is super helpful.
The last part of the book is 'Assembling Your Quilt' (pg.129-134). The section includes information on squaring up blocks, straight and on-point sets, sashing, borders, mitering corners and finishing. The 'Finishing Your Quilt' section (pg.132) refers readers to other books, as mentioned above, with more comprehensive information on the topic. I approve!
There is also a 'Block Index' (pg.135) and a bibliography (pg.136).
This is a great book for anyone who likes to make quilt blocks. Although it is an older book, it is super useful. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make blocks or practice cutting and piecing.
Nota bene: All the blocks are from a book called Around the Block. It is out of print, but has been been reprinted with v.2 and v.3 in a book called 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks. Very worthwhile purchase. I would have a hard time living without this book.
This book is a block dictionary not a project book. The directions for making blocks come in 6 different sizes. There are also worksheets for various settings (pg.133-13), but no projects as more contemporary books include. Readers will have to think when using this book.
The text starts with a very short introduction (pg.3) that is firmly based in the pre-MQG time frame. Judy Hopkins writes "my fondness for traditional patterns goes hand in hand with an unwavering commitment to quick, contemporary cutting techniques." (pg.3) This is the first book I remember supporting rotary cutting techniques. My first quilt class used templates and scissors so this book gave me hope that I could complete projects faster than once every five years.
The introduction explains what a revelation this book was when the author writes "while there are numerous comprehensive block books on the market, many of them are reference books, geared towards pattern identification - tantalizing collections of possibilities that are out of reach of the quilter who is unwilling, or unable, to do the calculations necessary to translate small line drawings into usable quick-cut blocks." (pg.3) Hopkins describes this book as "...different. Designed for the quilter who loves both old patterns and modern rotary cutting techniques, it provides clear, complete rotary=-cutting instructions in the multiple sizes..." (pg.3). She was very forward thinking when she wrote this as we now see many quilt patterns using classic block patterns all of which have rotary cutting instructions even when they are oversized or slightly different than the classic block. The introduction is very clear about the book is an is not.
The next section is called 'Using the Block Patterns' (pg.4-6). The section explains how the book is laid out an how to use the charts. Once useful piece of information included is that the underlying block structure/grid is identified (pg.4). If readers never use the cutting instructions, this piece of information is useful for understanding other patterns and how to combine blocks to make a successful quilt. The block sizes range from 4" or 6" to 12" or 14".
The explanation in this section uses one block chart as an example. The author methodically works through each section of the chart (pg.4-5) to explain how to use the information. This makes the blocks really easy to make for visual learners.
Variations are included in each chart. It makes me think this was one of the foundation books, or pre-cursor books to the MQG movement.
'Rotary Cutting Individual Pieces' (pg.6) provides a brief description of rotary cutting.
'Planning Your Quilt' (pg.7-8) starts with "you almost certainly will want to use these patterns to make quilts, not just blocks" (pg.7), which may or may not be true. I have done block exchanges where the blocks were just an exercise in color and never amounted to a quilt or other project. Blocks can be a great way to do a fun activity with a friend. The author gives recommendations on how to design a quilt with blocks.
This section talks about settings, calculating yardage, quilt plans and provides a list of standard quilt sizes. Judy talks about using the charts to make multiple identical blocks. Of course, we now have tools such as Electric Quilt and Adobe Illustrator which allow quiltmakers to design quilts, calculate yardage and change colors or fabrics easily. The section also refers to several books that may be helpful in various steps of the quiltmaking process. I like this, because it means that the author acknowledges that the book is not a complete guide to quiltmaking.
The 'Gallery of Blocks' (pg.9-28) displays all of the blocks, for which directions are provided, ion color. The colors used are all solids and not to my taste, mostly. It is, however, nice to have them in color. The name and page number for the cutting chart is included with each illustration.
'Block Patterns' (pg.29-128) follow. Each page has two patterns/ charts for block instructions and includes about six sizes. The sizes vary based on the block's grid structure, there are always a combination of small, medium and large blocks. Looking at the blocks in this section always makes me see something different. I love this section as it really gives me the information I need to make a blocks without a lot of extraneous words. The visual element of the charts is super helpful.
The last part of the book is 'Assembling Your Quilt' (pg.129-134). The section includes information on squaring up blocks, straight and on-point sets, sashing, borders, mitering corners and finishing. The 'Finishing Your Quilt' section (pg.132) refers readers to other books, as mentioned above, with more comprehensive information on the topic. I approve!
There is also a 'Block Index' (pg.135) and a bibliography (pg.136).
This is a great book for anyone who likes to make quilt blocks. Although it is an older book, it is super useful. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make blocks or practice cutting and piecing.
Nota bene: All the blocks are from a book called Around the Block. It is out of print, but has been been reprinted with v.2 and v.3 in a book called 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks. Very worthwhile purchase. I would have a hard time living without this book.
April 26, 2022
Using this book as a design tool for quilts is so easy. 200 quilt patterns arranged in alphabetical order by title, and measurements given for rotary cutting.
November 10, 2015
I love this book, and have quickly found myself unable to live without it. It breaks the patterns down into very easy to understand lists of rotary-cut pieces. It's easy to multiply the number of shapes in the base pattern to reach the total numbers needed for the entire quilt.
not-avail-at-library
April 22, 2021Although it looks like it is available, the book you REALLY get is Block by Block by Beth Donaldson. The book pictured here is really by Judy Hopkins. I'm not sure what the mix up is,but it's not worth persuing :)
April 6, 2012
Good basic book of quilt blocks. Each block has the unit measurements for the block in multiple sizes. It is my go to book when I am starting a new quilt and want to investigate new blocks and sizes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews