There is so many ways to make 4-Patches. Today, we are going to go over the very basic version of it.
We’re going to start with 4 pieces, hence the “4”-Patch, and sew them all together.
Let’s get Started!
How to Make a 4-Patch
Cut List:
- 2- 3 1/2″ Patterned fabric
- 2- 3 1/2″ Background fabric
Let’s start by laying these out. We’re going to make it look like a checkerboard.
Fold the right pieces over onto the left with right sides together. Line up the right sides.
You will then sew 1/4″ along the right sides of the pieces.
Take the pieces to the iron and press. Make sure you press them the same way.
In order to do this, start with both pieces darker side up. Set the seam by placing the iron on the sew seam.
Fold the pattern side back so it’s open, and press the seam flat while open.
Line up the pieces back in a checkerboard pattern.
Now you’re going to fold the top side down so they are laying on top of each other.
Right sides together.
Line up the top edges and the middle seams. The seams should be able to line up perfectly, “Nesting”. One seam should go to the left and the other to the right.
You will then sew along the top edge that is lined up. (1/4″ seam!)
Take the sewn piece to your ironing board. Set the seam by ironing the seam while still closed. Open it with your fingers and do a finger press. Then hit it with your iron and iron it good and flat.
The center should line up perfectly. If it doesn’t, and it bothers you, go back and take it out, and fix it.
Measure and Trim
Now let’s trim it. We want it to be 6 1/2″ square. If you did it right, you shouldn’t have to trim it to much.
You just need a square that is at least 6 1/2″ square.
Line up the very center of your block at 3 1/4″ both vertical and horizontal.
And line up the vertical 3 1/4″ line on the square with the vertical seams on your block and the horizontal 3 1/4″ line with the horizontal seams.
Holding the square in place firmly, trim the right and top of the block. (That’s assuming you’re right handed. )
Flip your block around a whole 180 degrees, line up the bottom and left edges with the 6 1/2″ vertical and horizontal lines on your ruler. The center should line up perfectly at 3 1/4″ point.
Trim the right and top edges.
And there you have it! Mine’s not perfect along the edges, but I’m going to just leave it like that.
Questions
If you have any questions, please go watch the YouTube video. I go into much more detail in the video, and you can watch it and follow along.
If you have questions after that, drop them in my comment section below, or on the comment section of the video and I will come and answer them.
How to Make Any Size 4-Patch Block
What if you want a different size of your block? It’s time to do some quick math.
Decide what size you want your unfinished 4-patch block. Divide that size in half. Add 1/4″ to that size, and that will be your starting size of your 4 pieces.
For example, if you want it to be 4 1/2″, you’ll divide that in half: 2 1/4″. Add 1/4″: 2 1/2″.
Cut out 4- 2 1/2″ squares: 2 of each color or 4 different colors, or any combination in between.
Beginner Skill Builder Sampler Quilt
If you are sewing along with me and making Beginner Skill Builder Sampler Quilt make your 4-patch, and save it to make block 2 later this month.
Next week I’ll teach you how to make No-waste Flying geese. Week 3 I will go into detail how to trim flying geese. And week 4 will be putting all the pieces together to make block 2.
Tag me!
I would love to see your progress. Just tag me at #theashleytomlinson or #ashley_sunnymade and I’ll be able to see you on social media.
I want to see how they turn out!
Happy sewing!
