Double Four Patch Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Double Four Patch Quilt Block

The Double Four Patch is a classic and versatile block made by combining four-patch units with solid squares. It's a great stash-buster and works beautifully in scrappy or coordinated quilts.

Materials:

• 16 fabric squares (8 of each color), each 2½" × 2½"
• Sewing machine, thread & pins
• Rotary cutter, cutting mat & ruler
• Iron and ironing board

Instructions:

1. Cut eight squares of each color at 2½" × 2½".
2. Place one square of each color right sides together. Pin and sew a ¼" seam along one edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Press the seam toward the darker fabric.
3. Repeat with another pair of squares. Press seam toward the darker fabric.
4. Place the two two-square units right sides together with seams running in opposite directions. Pin and sew a ¼" seam along one edge. Press seam to one side. This completes one four-patch unit.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 to make a total of four four-patch units.
6. Trim each four-patch unit to 4½" square.
7. Arrange the four units in a 2×2 layout, rotating as desired to create the Double Four Patch pattern. Sew together in rows, then join the rows. Press seams.
8. Your Double Four Patch block is complete! Repeat to make as many blocks as needed.

Four Patch Piecing Tips

The secret to a perfect four patch is pressing seams so they butt together when joined.

Cut two A squares and two B squares. Using chain piecing, join an A square to a B square, right sides together, with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press toward the dark fabric.

Press all seams toward the dark fabric so they butt up. Place the two A/B units right sides together, pin, and join with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press.

Wider Application

This technique applies to all kinds of four patch blocks with a 4×4 grid. Keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions and piecing will be smooth sailing.

Nine Patch Piecing

The secret to the nine patch is pressing seams so they butt when joined. Cut 5 A squares and 4 B squares. Using chain piecing, join a B square to 3 of the A squares with a ¼" seam allowance.

Next, chain piece the remaining A and B squares to these units:

Your result:

For speed, cut A and B strips and join into A/B/A and B/A/B units. Press every seam toward the dark fabric, then cut across the pre-joined strips:

Same result, but faster:

This methodology applies to all kinds of 9-patch blocks with an underlying 3×3 grid.

When it's not obvious which direction is the dark, remember the basic ironing plan:

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Important: Always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You'll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½" to your desired finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½" to both the length and width. To double a block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.

Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".