TL
Quick Four-Patch Quilt Block
Toby LischkoDescription
A four-patch quilt block is a very common unit in many different quilt patterns and is made from four pieces of fabric. While there are several different ways to create a four-patch unit, Toby Lischko shows you a quick and easy way to make one that uses less time and less thread and that lays flat when pressed.
Four-Patch Quilt Block
Toby first begins by explaining what a four-patch quilt block is. She then shows how to cut the fabric for the unit. While you would normally cut all of your pieces separately, Toby shows how the fabric must be cut in order for her method of making the four-patch unit to work correctly. This requires that two different colors of fabric are used and positioned correctly before being cut at the same time.
After she demonstrates how to do this, she shows which side of the fabric needs to be facing up while stitching. Toby explains that when learning how to make a four-patch quilt block, as well as with any quilt piecing, it is important to have an accurate and consistent quarter-inch seam allowance. She explains how to measure and mark seams for stitching.
Toby goes on to show how to stitch the first two seams of the four-patch unit, one right after another. Once those seams are stitched, Toby shows how to open them up and finger-press the seam.
Then, without trimming the thread, she shows how the fabric can be aligned and the final seam stitched. By using this method of making a four-patch quilt block, you can save time and thread, as well as make sure that all of the right fabrics stay together within the unit.
While four-patch quilt blocks are used for many quilt designs, you can easily make variations of them, such as a disappearing four-patch quilt. You can also use them when learning how to create your own quilt blocks.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
Already a member? Sign in
3 Responses to “Quick Four-Patch Quilt Block”
Premium Membership
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Quilting Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Patterns, and Tutorials
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the National Quilters Circle Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Quilting Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Patterns, and Tutorials
- 2 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the National Quilters Circle Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
Gold Membership
$336 Value
Get everything included in Premium plus exclusive Gold Membership benefits.
- 24/7 Access to Premium Quilting Videos, Projects, and Tips
- Step-by-Step Instructional Demos, Patterns, and Tutorials
- 8 Full-Length Video Downloads to Watch Offline
- 3 Full-Length Quilting Classes to Keep for Life
- 2 Printable Quilting Guides
- Discounts on Purchase-to-Own Content in the National Quilters Circle Shop
- Access to Ask the Expert Program
- Exclusive GOLD LIVE Streaming Events
Why would you clip the thread? The idea of pulling the thread is the tails will help stabilize the junction, if you clip them it will create a situation for the seams to open and cause a hole. The longer threads help prevent the seam from opening.
Love this method! No matter how careful I am, my centers often don’t match. I also like the way the middle seams are opened like you would do with hand piecing.
I love the tip about construction! But...please engage the IDT on your machine. It will really improve your results!