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How to Make an Easy Four Patch Quilt Block

One of the easiest and most versatile quilt blocks is the four patch block, which consists of four equal-sized squares arranged in a grid. Quilting is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that allows you to create beautiful and functional objects with your own hands.

If you’re a beginner quilter, you may be looking for simple and fun projects to get started. It is a simple quilt block that you can make in different colors and different sizes. Even if you are a new quilter, you can make this square for your first project.

The four patch block can be combined with other blocks to create countless beautiful quilts, from classic to modern. They are versatile and can be used in a wide variety quilt designs from smaller squares to larger squares for a larger quilt.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a four-patch quilt block step-by-step, using basic sewing skills and materials.

How to Make an Easy Four Patch Quilt Block

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Quilt Pattern Using This Four Patch Design

Introducing the Easy Four Patch Quilt Pattern Ombre Sunset

Directions: How to Make an Easy Four Patch Quilt Block

Skill Level

This quilt block is perfect for a beginner.

You should be comfortable with sewing squares together. Measuring and using a rotary cutter. Nesting seams together and pressing seams.

Finished Size

It depends upon the beginning squares and rectangles started with.

Materials

Four fabric squares same size, or fabric strips cut into rectangles. It is recommended to use at least two different fabrics for a nice contrast.

Thread

Equipment/Tools

Rotary Cutter

Quilting Ruler

Cutting Mat

Rotating Cutting Mat

Iron

Ironing Board or Pressing Mat

Pins

Sewing Machine

My Favorite Quilting Supplies

Quilt Block Notes

Use a ¼-inch seam allowance. I recommend using a special presser foot with a ¼-inch guide if you have one for your machine.  This will help you get uniform seams, and matching seams.

Nest your seams. This means that the seams of each row are aligned, and the pieces fit together almost like the pieces of a puzzle.

Right Sides Together. Sew fabric together with right sides together.

Quilt Block Instructions

Using Four Squares for the Four-patch Blocks

You can either cut your own squares of fabric or use a charm pack. This is a fun way to use up those fabric scraps for a real scrappy look too.

Fabric Selection

Choose fabrics that complement each other and fit your desired color scheme. You’ll need two contrasting fabrics for each block.

Cutting Fabric

Determine the finished size of your four patch quilt blocks. For example, if you want a 6-inch finished block, you’ll need to cut two squares of each fabric measuring 3.5 inches (including a ¼ inch seam allowance). Make sure to cut accurately to ensure precise piecing.

Piecing

Take one square from each fabric and place them with the right sides together. Sew a ¼ inch seam along one side, then press the seam allowance towards the dark fabric. Repeat this process with the remaining two squares.

Joining the Pairs

Take the two pairs you created in the previous step and place them right sides together, aligning the seams. Sew a ¼ inch seam along one side, then press the seam allowance in any direction.

Finishing

Your four patch quilt block is complete! Trim any excess fabric to make it square and neat. Repeat the steps to create as many four patch blocks as you need for your quilt design.

Making Four-Patch using squares

Strip Piecing Method for 4-patch blocks

Using this easy strip piecing method is a quick way to make many four-patch blocks at once.  When you want to make a lot of four patch blocks, this method will save you a ton of time.

Choose different fabrics in any contrasting or complimenting colors of fabric. Use a jelly roll, fat quarters, or yards of fabric cut into strips. The strip size will depend on the finished quilt block size desired.

All sewing in this tutorial uses ¼” seam allowance.

All fabric is sewn right sides together unless otherwise noted.

Strip Piecing Method for 4-patch blocks

How to Make the Four Patch Quilt Block using the Strip Piecing Method

Begin by cutting the Strips for The Four Patch Quilt Blocks

The size of the four patch quilt blocks determined the length and width of the strips. The chart below gives a few measurements of common sized blocks for you to follow.

Chart for Four Patch Quilt Block Sizes Using the Strip Piecing Method

When planning the fabric, you can either use the jelly rolls, full widths of fabric, or even fat quarter widths. The longer the width of fabric (WOF), the more two patch rectangles you’ll get.

For the strips, I used strips of fabric from a jelly roll, which measure 2 ½” X 42”. For the contrasting fabric, I used a printed cream fabric. I cut it into strips to the same size.

Sewing and Cutting the Strips into Rectangles

Take a darker colored strip of fabric and a light fabric strip and place the right sides together. Pin in place as needed along the length of the strip.

Sew together the length of the fabric strips using ¼” seam allowance on one side of the long edge. Remove the pins as you come up to them during sewing.

Press the seam to the side with the darker fabric. Pressing to the darker side keeps the seam allowance from showing through the quilt top when you’re finished.

Easy 4-patches

Cutting the Strips into Rectangles

Use a smaller ruler and line up the center seam with one of the horizontal lines on the ruler.  Square off one end of the strips by using a rotary cutter and cutting along the edge of the ruler.

Next cut the strips apart to create two patch rectangles.  Make sure to cut the rectangles to the same width as when you cut the two strips to sew together.  My strips are 2 ½” side so I cut my rectangles at the 2 ½” mark. (These are sometimes referred to as a 2 patch at this point).

Joining Rectangles Together into a Four-Patch Square

Side Note: I used the red and white quilt blocks for a red and white scrappy quilt. Had to make quite a few so the strip method worked nicely.

Make the Four Patch Quilt Block

Next, line up 2 two patch rectangles with the center seams nested together and the colors facing the opposite directions.

Pin at the center to hold in place. Using the ¼” seam allowance, sew the rectangles together, removing the pin as you sew up to it.

Press the four patch block open.

The four patch block is now ready to sew into your pattern.

Using the Quilt Block

Quilt Layout

Now that you have several four patch blocks, you can arrange them in various ways to create your desired quilt design. Experiment with different layouts, such as straight rows, on-point settings, or alternate with other block designs.

Piecing the Quilt

Once you have finalized your layout, join the four patch blocks together by sewing them along the sides with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Continue piecing until you complete the quilt top.

Making Rectangles using the Strip Method

Quilting and Finishing

Layer the quilt top with batting and backing fabric, then quilt as desired. You can quilt by hand or use a sewing machine. Finally, bind the edges of the quilt to finish it off.

The possibilities are endless with four patch blocks. You can combine them with other block designs, add sashing, or create borders to further enhance your design. Have fun exploring different arrangements and techniques to make your project truly unique.

These are perfect for a table runner, baby quilt, or any quilt size you desire.  

How to Make an Easy Four Patch Quilt Block
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How to Make an Easy Four Patch Quilt Block

One of the easiest and most versatile quilt blocks is the four patch block, which consists of four equal-sized squares arranged in a grid. Quilting is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that allows you to create beautiful and functional objects with your own hands.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes

Equipment

  • Thread
  • Equipment/Tools
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Quilting Ruler
  • Cutting Mat
  • Rotating Cutting Mat
  • Iron
  • Ironing Board or Pressing Mat
  • Pins
  • Sewing Machine

Materials

  • Four fabric squares same size or fabric strips cut into rectangles. It is recommended to use at least two different fabrics for a nice contrast.
  • Thread
Estimated Cost 1

Instructions

Using Four Squares for the Four-patch Blocks

  • You can either cut your own squares of fabric or use a charm pack. This is a fun way to use up those fabric scraps for a real scrappy look too.
  • Choose fabrics that complement each other and fit your desired color scheme. You’ll need two contrasting fabrics for each block.
  • Determine the finished size of your four patch quilt blocks. For example, if you want a 6-inch finished block, you’ll need to cut two squares of each fabric measuring 3.5 inches (including a ¼ inch seam allowance). Make sure to cut accurately to ensure precise piecing.
  • Take one square from each fabric and place them with the right sides together. Sew a ¼ inch seam along one side, then press the seam allowance towards the dark fabric. Repeat this process with the remaining two squares.
  • Take the two pairs you created in the previous step and place them right sides together, aligning the seams. Sew a ¼ inch seam along one side, then press the seam allowance in any direction.

How to Make the Four Patch Quilt Block using the Strip Piecing Method

  • Begin by cutting the Strips for The Four Patch Quilt Blocks
  • The size of the four patch quilt blocks determined the length and width of the strips. The chart below gives a few measurements of common sized blocks for you to follow.
  • When planning the fabric, you can either use the jelly rolls, full widths of fabric, or even fat quarter widths. The longer the width of fabric (WOF), the more two patch rectangles you’ll get.
  • For the strips, I used strips of fabric from a jelly roll, which measure 2 ½” X 42”. For the contrasting fabric, I used a printed cream fabric. I cut it into strips to the same size.
  • Sewing and Cutting the Strips into Rectangles
  • Take a darker colored strip of fabric and a light fabric strip and place the right sides together. Pin in place as needed along the length of the strip.
  • Sew together the length of the fabric strips using ¼” seam allowance on one side of the long edge. Remove the pins as you come up to them during sewing.
  • Press the seam to the side with the darker fabric. Pressing to the darker side keeps the seam allowance from showing through the quilt top when you’re finished.
  • Cutting the Strips into Rectangles
  • Use a smaller ruler and line up the center seam with one of the horizontal lines on the ruler. Square off one end of the strips by using a rotary cutter and cutting along the edge of the ruler.
  • Next cut the strips apart to create two patch rectangles. Make sure to cut the rectangles to the same width as when you cut the two strips to sew together. My strips are 2 ½” side so I cut my rectangles at the 2 ½” mark. (These are sometimes referred to as a 2 patch at this point).
  • Make the Four Patch Quilt Block
  • Next, line up 2 two patch rectangles with the center seams nested together and the colors facing the opposite directions.
  • Pin at the center to hold in place. Using the ¼” seam allowance, sew the rectangles together, removing the pin as you sew up to it.
  • Press the four patch block open.
  • The four patch block is now ready to sew into your pattern.

Notes

Chart for Four Patch Quilt Block Sizes Using the Strip Piecing MethodQuilt Block Notes

Use a ¼-inch seam allowance. I recommend using a special presser foot with a ¼-inch guide if you have one for your machine. This will help you get uniform seams, and matching seams.
Nest your seams. This means that the seams of each row are aligned, and the pieces fit together almost like the pieces of a puzzle.
Right Sides Together. Sew fabric together with right sides together.

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