Quilt block · Checks and chains · First quilt
Four Patch quilt block
The simplest pieced block: four squares, two dark and two light, the darks on the diagonal. Also called Simple Four Patch.
What to cut for one block
A 6″ finished block measures 6½″ before it’s sewn into a quilt. Each fabric’s yardage is the least that cuts its strips across the width of fabric, with a strip to spare for straightening.
Background · Snow in the picture
2 squares
- A2 squares 3½″
Dark · Navy in the picture
2 squares
- A2 squares 3½″
Worked out by @quarterinch/cutting · ¼″ seams included · strips cut across 42″ of usable width · the letters are the pieces the sewing steps name
A 9″ finished block measures 9½″ before it’s sewn into a quilt. Each fabric’s yardage is the least that cuts its strips across the width of fabric, with a strip to spare for straightening.
Background · Snow in the picture
2 squares
- A2 squares 5″
Dark · Navy in the picture
2 squares
- A2 squares 5″
Worked out by @quarterinch/cutting · ¼″ seams included · strips cut across 42″ of usable width · the letters are the pieces the sewing steps name
A 12″ finished block measures 12½″ before it’s sewn into a quilt. Each fabric’s yardage is the least that cuts its strips across the width of fabric, with a strip to spare for straightening.
Background · Snow in the picture
2 squares
- A2 squares 6½″
Dark · Navy in the picture
2 squares
- A2 squares 6½″
Worked out by @quarterinch/cutting · ¼″ seams included · strips cut across 42″ of usable width · the letters are the pieces the sewing steps name
How it’s sewn
For the 6″ block. Choose another size above and these steps follow it.
- Make 1 four-patch unit
Sew the squares in pairs and press each pair’s seam toward the darker square. Join the pairs, turning one so the seams nest, and press the long seam open. Each measures 6½″ (6″ finished).
For the 9″ block. Choose another size above and these steps follow it.
- Make 1 four-patch unit
Sew the squares in pairs and press each pair’s seam toward the darker square. Join the pairs, turning one so the seams nest, and press the long seam open. Each measures 9½″ (9″ finished).
For the 12″ block. Choose another size above and these steps follow it.
- Make 1 four-patch unit
Sew the squares in pairs and press each pair’s seam toward the darker square. Join the pairs, turning one so the seams nest, and press the long seam open. Each measures 12½″ (12″ finished).
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Questions
Short answers.
Something else? A real person replies.
hello@quarterinch.app
Is Four Patch the same block as Simple Four Patch?
Usually, yes. Block names vary by region and by book, and the same block is often sold under several. Our library lists Simple Four Patch as other name for this one, so a search for any of them finds it.
What size should I make it?
Its 2 × 2 grid lands on the ⅛″ marks at 6″, 9″ and 12″, so every piece measures with a ruler at all three. It also cuts cleanly at 4″, 7″, 8″, 10″, 14″, 15″, 16″ and 18″. In Quarter Inch you can make it any size, and it says when a cut falls between the lines.
Can I paper piece it?
Yes. It splits into 2 sections (A and B), each sewn on its own paper in order and then joined with straight seams. In Quarter Inch, the Foundations tab prints its papers at true size (with Quilter).
Is it a good block for a beginner?
It’s a first-quilt block: 4 pieces in 1 shape. Nothing in it curves or has to be set in. We work the level out from the block’s own geometry, never by eye.