Four Strips Quilt Block Pattern

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A four-strip quilt block is a simple and versatile design that can be created using fabric strips of various colors and patterns. Here are the steps to sew a four-strip quilt block:

Materials:

• Four fabric strips of equal length (e.g. 2.5 inches wide by 20 inches long)
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Iron and ironing board

Instructions:

1. Choose four fabric strips of equal length. You can use coordinating colors or patterns, or mix and match to create a more eclectic design.

2. Lay out the four strips side by side, with the first strip on the left, and the fourth strip on the right.

3. Take the second strip and place it right side down on top of the first strip, aligning the raw edges on the top and sides.

4. Sew a ¼ inch seam along the top edge of the two strips, using a straight stitch on your sewing machine.

5. Press the seam open with an iron.

6. Take the third strip and place it right side down on top of the second strip, aligning the raw edges on the top and sides.

7. Sew a ¼ inch seam along the top edge of the two strips, using a straight stitch on your sewing machine.

8. Press the seam open with an iron.

9. Take the fourth strip and place it right side down on top of the third strip, aligning the raw edges on the top and sides.

10. Sew a ¼ inch seam along the top edge of the two strips, using a straight stitch on your sewing machine.

11. Press the seam open with an iron.

12. You now have a completed four-strip quilt block! You can repeat these steps to create additional blocks, or combine your blocks with others to create a larger quilt.

Note: You can also add borders or sashing to your quilt blocks to create additional interest and variation in your design.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks:

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the size of your finished quilt block. You can come to a decision based on a number of factors: doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in half, or choosing the size based on your available fabric.

NOTE: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2″ squares, first you’ll subtract the sum of the seam allowances (1/2″), double the finished block size (from 3″ to 6″), and add the seam allowance back in (1/2″). So, when all is said and done, you will cut a 6-1/2″ piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add to your finished block measurement. For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4″ square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks, you’ll add to the length and width measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3″ x 4″ in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks:

When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. To make a 4″ finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle:

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to add 1-1/4″ to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4″, you’d cut your squares 5-1/4″.