Four Patch Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Four Patch Quilt Block

The Four Patch is one of the most fundamental quilt blocks — a perfect beginner project and the building block for countless more complex designs. It features four equal squares arranged in a classic checkerboard pattern.

Materials:

• Two contrasting fabrics, each cut into two 5" squares (four squares total)
• Sewing machine & thread
• Scissors or rotary cutter & mat
• Iron and ironing board

Instructions:

1. Cut two 5" squares from each of your two fabrics.
2. Place one square of each fabric right sides together. Sew a ¼" seam along one side. Press the seam open. Repeat to make a second two-square unit.
3. Sew a ¼" seam along the opposite side of each unit to create two strips. Press seams open.
4. Cut each strip in half to create two 2½" units.
5. Place the two units right sides together, aligning seams. Sew a ¼" seam along one side. Press seam open.
6. Sew a ¼" seam along the opposite side to complete the Four Patch block. Press seam open.
7. Congratulations — your Four Patch block is complete! Repeat to make as many blocks as needed, then join them together to create your quilt top.

Four Patch Piecing Tips

The secret to a perfect four patch is pressing seams so they butt together when joined. You can make a four patch by cutting individual squares (great for scrappy quilts) or using pre-joined strips for speed.

Cut two A squares and two B squares in your required size. 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. Your result:

This is also the result of cutting across pre-joined strips. 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 seams toward the dark fabric so they butt up. Place the two A/B units right sides together with butted seams, pin if needed, and join with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press.

Wider Application

This technique applies to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4×4 grid — no matter how many pieces — the basic principles apply. Keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions and piecing will be smooth sailing.

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".