Patchwork Play – How to Piece a Four Patch Block

A four patch is a great block to get started with because it’s so simple – four squares come together with matching seams in the middle. It’s super simple cutting and piecing, and the patchwork blocks can be combined together in so many ways to create unique, beautiful quilts.

Let’s learn how to piece a four patch block in this video:

I had SO much fun making this video and trying stop motion animation for the first time! The section with the blocks dancing around was created by clearing the table and moving the blocks a little at a time, then snapping a picture for each frame. It was fun to do and has definitely given Josh some ideas for filming funny Lego videos!

 Here’s the specific piecing directions for this Four Patch quilt block: 

Cut 2 – 3 1/2-inch squares in cream fabric (I used Island Batik Cream)
Cut 2 – 3 1/2-inch squares in teal fabric (I used Island Batik Bermuda)

Piece the cream squares to the teal squares. Press your seam allowances open, then match the seams in the middle and piece the two units together. Give the block a final press, then make a bunch more for fun!

As you can see, there’s a lot of quilt layout options when it comes to four patch blocks. I typically see these arranged in a patchwork checkerboard, but there’s a lot more that you can do just by rotating a few blocks to create a totally different arrangement.

Did you enjoy learning more about patchwork? What other funky ways can we change this block to give it a new look? I have a feeling I’m going to need to play with patchwork a lot this month!

Now for the equally important question – how would you QUILT this block? 

Join in the fun of the Leah Day Quilting Facebook Group. This week I’m challenging everyone to piece a four patch and quilt it in a creative way. Post your creatively quilted four patch by next Friday to share it with the group!

Looking for even more tips on precision piecing? Learn all the steps to piecing perfectly with matching seams every time in the book How to Piece Perfect Quilts!

Let’s go quilt,

Leah Day