Exploring the Basics: Making a Four Patch

The humble four patch block is a building block for many other blocks.  It is simple, yet essential for many more complex blocks, and can stand on its own for simple quilts as well.  Let's look at the basics of the block.

Constructing a Four Patch Block

A four patch block is....well, a block made of four patches or pieces (I would say squares, but you'll see why I hesitate at that word in just a minute).  You can make it by cutting four units or pieces and stitching them together.

But....if you read my post from a few weeks ago, you may also remember that you can quickly and easily strip piece a four patch block!  By sewing two strips together in the size and fabric as determined by the pattern - or by your personal choice - you can then cut the resulting strip set into units to sew together to create your four patch!

This four patch is made up of four equal size units, resulting not only in a square block, but in a balanced four patch.

Other Types of Four Patch Blocks

But any four units sewn together TECHNICALLY create a four patch.  The block above is made up of two squares (medium teal and dark teal) and two rectangles (light lime and medium lime).  Sewn together they make up a four patch block.

Ah-ha!  Now you may be thinking of other blocks that you didn't originally think of as four patches!

One of my favorites, the pinwheel block, is at it's core a four patch block.  See?  It is made up of FOUR half square triangle units!  This applies to other similar blocks (Broken Dishes, Double Four Patch and so on).

But wait - how is a DOUBLE four patch still a four patch?  Well, dear friend - because the smaller four patch units (dark and light teal - above) make up TWO patches in the overall block.  Ah....making sense now, right?

Some Four Patch Quilt Examples

Here is a simple example of a basic four patch quilt - just a few simple four patches and some large spacer blocks - quick, easy and super sweet.

Putting those same simple blocks on point makes it a bit more interesting!

The uneven four patch blocks can make for interesting, yet easy designs as well!

And look at what happens with the uneven four patch block when you make the large square AND the background or spacer squares the same fabric.  Fun!

I could go on and on - the basic four patch is really anything BUT basic!  It is definitely a building block for other more complex blocks.  

Head over to Kate's blog to get some additional tips and ideas on strip piecing.

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