Mary Ellen Hopkins’ Hidden wells technique

Hidden wells is a unique quilt block technique developed by Mary Ellen Hopkins in 1989. The design uses strips of fabric sewn together and then cut and rearranged to create dynamic and complex-looking patterns without requiring advanced piecing skills.

In the hidden wells technique, the blocks are constructed by layering strips in various colour combination which can be either different or the same width. Once assembled, these strips are sewn together, cut into sections, and rotated in specific ways to reveal striking diagonal or radiating patterns.

This method provides a high level of flexibility since you can adjust the number and width of strips to produce a wide range of visual effects, from bold geometric designs to softer, more blended looks.

A key feature of the hidden wells technique is its versatility with colour placement. By experimenting with contrasting or tonal fabrics, quilters can control the visual depth, creating a block that appears both intricate and carefully crafted—making it ideal for quilters at any skill level looking to add dimension to their projects without complex cutting or assembly.

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You can now purchase individual chapters from my book as bundles of 4 unique quilt patterns.

If you prefer to own the complete book, Turnabout Patchwork, please note it is currently out of print. However, you might still be fortunate enough to find a copy on Amazon.

Explore all the quilts from the book in real-life projects!