Two By Two Quilt Block Pattern

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Sewing a two by two quilt block is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed with a few basic sewing tools and materials. Here are the steps to follow:

Materials:

• Two different fabrics, each cut into 2 squares measuring 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Rotary cutter and mat (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by selecting two contrasting fabrics that you would like to use for your two by two quilt block. Cut two squares of each fabric, each measuring 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches.

2. Place one square of each fabric right sides together, ensuring that the edges are aligned.

3. Sew a 1/4 inch seam along one edge of the squares, using your sewing machine.

4. Open up the squares and press the seam to one side, using your iron.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining two squares of fabric.

6. Place the two sewn squares right sides together, ensuring that the seams are aligned.

7. Sew a 1/4 inch seam along one edge of the squares, using your sewing machine.

8. Open up the squares and press the seam to one side, using your iron.

9. Your two by two quilt block is now complete! Repeat the above steps to make additional blocks, and then join them together to make your quilt top.

Note: If you have a rotary cutter and mat, you can use them to cut your squares more accurately and quickly. Additionally, it is important to be consistent with your seam allowance to ensure that your blocks are the correct size and fit together properly.

 

The secret to the perfect four patch is all about ironing seams so that they butt together when the seams are joined. You may make the four patch by cutting individual squares if you want to make a scrappy quilt or only a few blocks to make with pre-joined strips. I'll take you through both methods.

 

Cut two A squares and two B squares in your required size. Chain piecing, join A square to a B square, right sides together, with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press towards the dark fabric.

This is your result:

 

This is also the result of cutting across pre-joined strips to create two units.

To make a standard four patch, the width of the unit cut from pre-joined strips is the same as the width of the original strips. 

Press all the seams towards the dark fabric so that the seame butt-up.

Take the two A/B and place them right sides together, butting seams. Pin if required. Join with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance, then press.

 

 

Wider Application:

You can apply this technique to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4x4 grid, no matter how many pieces, the basic principles apply. It is repeated over and over again each four patch laying adjacent to the next. As long as you keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions, piecing will become easy.

All of the following blocks have 4x4 grids and can be pieaced as a four patch.

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″.