Why Are So Many Quilt Blocks Called "Someone's Choice"? (+ How to Make Squire Smith's Choice)
Some quilt blocks are remembered for their shape. Others stay with us because of their name.
The Squire Smith’s Choice quilt block manages to do both.
It is a striking vintage block with a strong geometric look, a beautiful secondary pattern, and a name that sparks immediate curiosity. Who was Squire Smith? And why was this block named after him?
As with so many traditional quilt blocks, the full story is hard to trace. But that mystery is part of what makes it so interesting.
What Does “Choice” Mean in a Quilt Block Name?
In vintage quilt block names, the word choice often acted like a dedication.
It usually meant the block was linked to, favored by, or named in honor of a specific person. In many ways, it was a quilter’s way of saying, this one is for you.
That person might have been a public figure, a community leader, or someone deeply personal like a family member or friend.
Why Are There So Many “Choice” Quilt Blocks?
One reason there are so many choice quilt blocks is that quilt names were not always standardized.
In the 1800s, patterns were often shared by memory, conversation, and observation rather than formal printed instructions. As blocks moved from one quilter to another, names often changed too.
The same block might carry one name in one area and a different name somewhere else. That is part of why so many traditional quilt blocks include the word choice.
What Is the Squire Smith’s Choice Quilt Block?
The Squire Smith’s Choice quilt block is a late Victorian-era design first documented in 1899.
It is known for its strong, braced diamond-like effect and for the way repeated blocks create a striking secondary star pattern across the quilt top. It is one of those traditional quilt blocks that feels especially satisfying because the design keeps revealing more the longer you look at it.
Who Was Squire Smith?
That part remains uncertain.
In 19th-century America, Squire was sometimes used as a title for a Justice of the Peace or another respected local figure. It is possible the block was named in honor of someone known that way.
But Squire was also used as a given name, especially in parts of the rural South and Midwest. So there may have been a real man named Squire Smith whose name was stitched into quilt history through this block.
We may never know for sure.
Why This Block Still Matters
The Squire Smith’s Choice quilt block is a wonderful example of what makes vintage quilt blocks so compelling.
It has a memorable design, a bit of mystery, and the kind of visual interest that still feels fresh today. Even without a complete backstory, it continues to stand out — and that staying power says a lot.
Final Thoughts on Squire Smith’s Choice Quilt Block
Not every traditional quilt block comes with a full history.
Sometimes the name stays, the pattern stays, and the details behind it fade over time. That does not make the block any less meaningful. If anything, it reminds us how quilts carry stories forward, even when parts of those stories are lost.
The Squire Smith’s Choice quilt block may still hold onto its mystery, but the design itself has clearly stood the test of time.
How to Make Squire Smith's Choice — Step by Step
Finished block size: 10" Piecing method: Half-square triangles (HSTs) Skill level: Beginner-friendly — no paper piecing required!
What You'll Need
2 squares, 8" × 8" (fabric 1)
2 squares, 8" × 8" (fabric 2)
Fabric to make 2 sets of 8 at a time Half Square Triangles (HSTs)
Simple materials. Beautiful result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Make your HSTs Using the 8-at-a-time method, make 16 half-square triangles from your red and white squares. (Full 8-at-a-time instructions are linked right here — it's easier than it sounds!) Trim each HST to 3½" × 3½".
Step 2 — Arrange your HSTs Lay out all 16 HSTs as shown in the image below. Take a moment here — the direction each triangle faces is what creates that secondary star effect when the blocks come together.
16 HSTs laid out to form Squire Smith’s Chioce Block
Step 3 — Sew into rows Sew your HSTs into 4 rows of 4 using a ¼" seam allowance. Press your seams.
Row construction
Step 4 — Join the rows Sew your 4 rows together using a ¼" seam allowance. Give everything a final press.
Completed Squire Smith’s Choicw Quilt Block
And just like that — you've made Squire Smith's Choice! 🎉
Save This Tutorial for Later 📌
Not ready to sew today? Save this post to your Quilt Tutorials or Quilt History board on Pinterest so it's right there when you are!
More Choice Blocks Are Coming
There are so many more blocks in this series — each one with its own little piece of history tucked inside. You won't want to miss them.
Join the Straight Stitching newsletter and I'll send you a free PDF pattern for Old Tippecanoe as my welcome gift. It's another block with a wonderful story, and it makes a perfect companion to this one.
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Happy Stitching,
Tiffany