Stitchtale

Four-Patch quilt block

Four squares and two seams. You can make a stack of these while the kettle boils.

3 steps, start to finishWatch the Four-Patch sew up, cut to press.
Sew a Four-Patch quilt

Try it in your colours · Design your own quilt with it

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Quilts made with the Four-Patch

Cut sizes for one Four-Patch block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Four-Patch block
PieceCutQty
Center squareaccent fabric3½″ × 3½″2
Background squarebackground fabric3½″ × 3½″2
Cutting for one 9″ finished Four-Patch block
PieceCutQty
Center squareaccent fabric5″ × 5″2
Background squarebackground fabric5″ × 5″2
Cutting for one 12″ finished Four-Patch block
PieceCutQty
Center squareaccent fabric6½″ × 6½″2
Background squarebackground fabric6½″ × 6½″2

Good to know

What size should I make a Four-Patch block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 2 by 2 grid, so a finished size that divides by 2 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Four-Patch blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Four-Patch good for a beginner?

Yes. It's all squares, so it makes a lovely first block. Keep your ¼″ seam steady and the corners will meet.

What's the trick to a neat Four-Patch?

Sew two long strips together and cut them into pairs. It's faster than sewing squares one by one.

Coffee and a few seams?

Start a quilt with the Four-Patch and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.

Sew a Four-Patch quilt