Dazzling Quilts with 4-Patch Blocks
Start with the basics, then make a few simple modifications, to change what was traditional into modern! A 4-patch block—a simple, yet elegant patchwork design—has such potential! Presto, you’re a quilt designer, creating one-of-a-kind designs. Welcome to Sewing With Nancy’s first episode of the three-part series, Change-Up Patchwork.
A 3-color 4-patch serves as the basis for this blog and corresponding TV show.
Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt
Begin your change-up patchwork journey with a traditional 4-patch. Mix up the line-up using three different sizes of 4-patches for 4″, 8″, and 16″ finished quilt blocks. The various sizes of 4-patch blocks are cleverly combined with solid blocks to create a modern small-to-large block theme. It’s a can-do quilt!
- Learn how to create rows of 4-patch blocks and squares. The different sizes of the 4-patch blocks nest together!
- Lay out the quilt rows and watch the Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt take shape. (We laid out the rows on our studio floor. Can you spot some of our “spike” marks that we use for lighting?)
Spinning 4-Patch
The beauty of this quilt is its simplicity! Tweak the sizes of the 4-patch strips and the patchwork design gives the illusion of movement when four blocks are combined. Use bold, bright batik fabrics or your fabric print/solid combination. Remember, you’re the quilt designer.
The TV show and book detail how to change the sizes of the strips. Featured is a 4-patch design, an uneven 4-patch. The block by itself doesn’t look like much
. . .but arrange four of the same blocks together—presto, a Spinning 4-Patch!
High-Low 4-Patch
A block that is usually symmetrical takes on a totally different feel when what was balanced becomes uneven. Don’t change the sewing steps, only the strip sizes. Can you see the strata sections? Watch the show online and you’ll get all the details!
It’s an ideal block for a table runner.
Book Features Nine Great Quilts
Find these easy 4-patch quilts, and six additional quilts, in the new Change-Up Patchwork Book and DVD or in the Change-Up Patchwork Starter Set.
Watch Change-Up Patchwork on Sewing With Nancy online.
Nancy’s Notions is giving away one copy of the book, Change-Up Patchwork. Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway, telling us which of these designs you’d like to make.
Congratulations to S. Carter, the randomly selected winner of a copy of Cabin Fever Quilts DVD from Nancy’s Notions.
Her comment was, “Wow! those contemporary quilts really are great. I have been making traditional quilts, but I would like to try these out.”
Bye for now,
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Barbara Stover
Love the ( spinning 4 patch)
Pam Hill
I can’t wait to get this and if not won will buy one as son as it is available. Our 4-H 1st time quilt project is a 4 patch, that a lot of people think is boring. I’m hoping this will wake them up to the possibilities. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making sewing a dream all can reach.
Clovis
High low 4 patch looks interesting to make.
Diana
Love the black, pink, grey quilt and all the block sizes! That looks like it would be fun to make and arrange, and the hot pink really makes it pop.
Karen Jencks
I love the spinning 4 patch and also the colors you used.
Sandra Howard
I like the Spinning 4-Patch. It would be a great way to use up scraps.
Sheila
I like the High Low four patch.
Donna K
As a newbie to quilting, and loving modern quilts, these are great ideas!
nancy lewis
I love the spinning 4 patch. This is such a neat idea and could be made with so many different color pallets.
Cyndi
I LOVE the pink and black quilt. I have seen the show several times and love how striking this quilt looks. I would love to win this book.
When we are making quilts we often forget how wonderful easy pieced quilts can look.
Thank you for the give away.
Jeff
These quilts are wonderful and variations I have not seen. They would be wonderful to make for the safe house as I planning to make the quilts for all the Nee beds for the men’s safe house and have been looking for designs Think I have found patterns that can appeal to all males And not be sports related
Linda
I make tablerunners for family every year for Christmas.
ANN JAEGER
My nephew is expecting a daughter in October and any of these quilts would be great in the batiks I have in my stash!
Barbara Rodebush
I like the can-do 4-patch. It would make an elegant table runner.
Marsha Lamberth
I love the pink and black quilt. I have never made a contemporary quilt, but this one looks like it would be a lot of fun to make. I want to try this. I would love to have this book.
Bonnye
I like the can do 4 patch quilt. Quite stunning..
Sue Burmeister
I would like to make the “High-Low Four Patch”. I would embroider a design in the larger square and select pastel colors to make a baby size quilt.
Nancy
I think a spinning 4 patch in batiks would be fun to try,
Rebecca S Smith
love all of them but would love to do the Hi lo block first!
Ilana
I’d make the Can-do 4-patch first.
Susan Dalen
I think high low quilt is stunning! I’m going to make a table runner version for my sister and one for me in our favorite colors.
Julie B
I like all the colors and the movement in the Spinning 4-Patch.
Karen
I like the Can-Do 4 patch. I would have never thought of changing the block sizes and putting them together like that to make something truly amazing.
Glenda Hackett
I like the high low pattern, would love to give it a go!
Linda Mays
I would like to make both the spinning 4 patch and the can do 4 patch. I have the perfect fabric for both of them.
Eleanor VanSant
I love these ideas. They look simple to make but no one would ever know!! Love getting that in a quilt.
Ruth
What creative designs from the simple 4-patch.
CAROL L
Spinning 4 patch is a definite must do! As a beginner quilter, I think I can tackle this!
Barbara G.
I like the spinning 4 patch the best. Depending on the fabric, would make a cute baby quilt!
Barb Herreid
I like the Can-Do 4-Patch — I think it would make a nice Quilt of Valor!
Donna
Change-up patchwork is just what I am looking for. What a great way to turn ordinary into something of your own.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Sue Craighead
The Spinning 4-Patch appeals to me. As a bigger quilter, I think it’s simple enough for me to do and offers a fun project for the use of colors and patterns.
Susan
I have your book but as of yet have not done any of the quilts. Seeing this article has gotten me inspired to use the three color quilt to do a Community Service quilt for a young man or older boy. It is such an interesting design. Thanks for reminding me to get busy on that project.
Linda E in AZ
I really like the Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt – very interesting geometric progression
Thanks!
Jackie T
The High-Low 4 Patch really makes a great looking table runner.
Tina
Spinning four patch is my fave. Thanks so much!
BARBARA MERKLEY
Love the Can-Do 4 patch. It is stunning.
Linda Smith
BeautifuI didn’t realize if I did simple changes I could create new ?? I am going to go out on a limp and try it !!
Pat
I’d love to make the spinning four patch. It is such a clever design. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
Doreen Linehan
I’d do the Can Do 4 Patch Quilt. It reminds me of hearts.
Nell
They all look like fun to make, but my favorite is the high-low 4-patch.
Ann Scott
The high low four patch looks like it would be nice for a fun feature fabric my grandkids like! I want to start there, then try others with your ideas!
Rita Broshko
i would love to make the spinningfour patch!
Lucy
I would make the pink, grey, black 4 patch – just love the colors and the style of the blocks. Gorgeous! Sure would love to win!! Thank you.
beth
I like the spinning 4-patch design. I have plenty of fabric in my stash that I could use for this quilt design
Susan Spiers
The Can-do 4 patch quilt is my favorite! Love the graduated sizes!
Starla
Fascinating what can be done with just four squares.
Charlotte Hebrank
The spinning 4-patch quilt.
Barbara Thomas
Love the four patch with changing sizes….
had not thought to do that!! Love the graphic results!!…I have to give this a try!!
Susan Pridgen
I really like the spinning 4-patch. It looks simple enough that even I, as a beginner, can achieve a neat, polished look.
Joyce
I love the spinning four patch.
Gwenn
Just goes to prove once again “it’s all in the mind’s eye.”
Louise Ward
Have made just a few quilts so would appreciate and use anything pertaining to quilting–quilting is wonderful and fulfilling
Kathi May
I love the “can do”. It looks difficult but is so “WOW”.
BevM
The Spinning 4 Patch looks the most interesting.
Rhonda D in KY
The Spinning 4 Patch is my favorite! I enjoy watching your shows – so much inspiration plus a learning experience to boot.
P Murphy
I am always amazed at how easy it is to make an interesting design with just one block. Love the way the table runner turned out!
Sandra Schuster
I’d LOVE to make ALL of them!! Great for gifts and charity quilts!!
Ennis A
All patterns are nice Spinning 4 patch is my fav though!!! Thanks.
Marty
I’d first try High-Low in some brights and then a Spinning Four-Patch with some stripes. 🙂
Lillian K
I really like the look of Can-do four patch.
Delores K.
I love the Can-do 4-patch. I ran across the show where Nancy was demonstrating and tried to scribble notes down how to do it and of course I can’t make sense out of my notes now. I would love to have the book since I know it will have clear instructions.
Mary
Using the hi-lo four patch for a table runner is a great idea!
Terry
The high low four patch looks interesting. It looks like a good pattern to use for a child’s quilt if some novelty prints are used instead of one of the solids. I’ve never designed my own quilt before. You make it look less intimidating and I think I’m going to try it. Thank you.
Elaine Snyder
I like the Can Do four patch. I really do like all of them. It is amazing what you can do with four little patches.
Faye Wiggins
I would make the high Low 4 patch in bold colors for a child!
Faye Wiggins
I’m sorry. I meant I would make the spinny 4patch in bold colors fpr a child
Martha Alway
Love the spinning four patch!
Monique
They are all beautiful. would love to make the spinning 4 patch with lovely batik fabrics that were gifted to me. Thank you.
Rhonda Maxfield
Love them. Think I would try the hi low first. Have just the stash. Nancy you are so creative. Thanks
Vickie Walker
I would love to make all of what you shown, I’ll make the Spinning 4-Patch first.. So simple and yet looks so hard to make.. THank You!!!
Brenda Longfellow
These all look so very interesting but I think I would definitely go for the spinning 4 patch. Looks so unique and not so hard for someone who has only made a few quilts. Thank you for this opportunity.
Brenda
JoAnne
Spinning 4 Patch !!
Without a doubt has got pizazz.
Edna Marks
love the can do 4 patch! that is the one I would make first.
Laura
Can’t wait to make a Spinning 4 patch for a child’s quilt. Such a happy and versatile design.
margaret
I love 4 patch designs – can’t believe the different arrangements
Maggie Drafts
I offered to help a “non-quilter” make a quilt for her expected 1st grandchild; this will be the PERFECT project for a beginner!
Thanks, Nancy. Does your over-active brain ever take a break?
Mary Martin
I want to do the “Can Do” as a celebration of the beginning of my “retirement!”
Jean
It is incredibly inspiring to see blocks we know and love changed into more blocks to love.
Rosalind Gutierrez
The “Can-Do 4-Patch” catches my interest and I have some pink handkerchief fabric waiting in the wings.
Peggy
I can’t wait to try the Spinning 4-Patch. It is colorful and interesting. Thanks so much for all your tips and help through the years.
Sandra Brantley
I would like to make all of them and then experiment with other ways and sizes. It looks challenging and fun. Since I give most of my quilts away to charities, these look like really fast quilts to whip up.
Sandra Cantrell
I would start with the most simple.
Lynn S Mullen
I like the Hi-Lo patchwork block for wheelchair quilts, t-shirt quilts, and raffle block quilts. The block size is flexible, the strata are flexible in size and offer opportunities for a variety of colors, and this block could also combine with different sizes of itself, like Nancy’s pink-white-black 4 patches. Great patchwork block!
Sally
Would love to make the pink white & black quilt
Kris Leaman
I’m thinking the High Low 4 patch has a lot of interesting possibilities. If I don’t win, I’ll be purchasing this book!
LInda Owens
I think I would make the spinning 4 patch quilt first. Then the high-low four patch. Thank you for showing how the 4 patch can be used.
L Watson
I would like to try the High-Low 4-Patch for a quilt instead of a table-runner. I even like the sample colors. The teal and gray look great!
Nancy Richardson
I would love to make the Spinning 4 patch block into a quilt. I am looking for a simple pattern to make a graduation quilt for my Pastor’s daughter. This one would be perfect!
Donna Ohl
I would like to use the Hi-Lo 4 Patch. It would be an easy quilt to make, and the largest piece is “asking” for an applique.
Having the CD and book would be a terrific aid to my quilt making.
Anne Z.
Love the High/Low 4 patch. I love playing with value, as well as color contrast.
pat edmiston
I am in charge of finding patterns for our community service quilts and I think the Can-do four patch pattern in red, white and blue would be great for our veterans. Thanks for a great pattern.
E. Watson
I love the high-low 4-patch block! I even like the colors!
Donna Fecteau
These ideas are wonderful. I want to try the High low pattern with a fussy cut square as a baby quit.
T Vaughan
The Spinning 4 patch looks like a happy quilt to snuggle and to make.
Denise Zuhlke
The spinning 4 patch is a perfect example of an easy design that when finished looks much more complicated. Non quilters would think you labored extensively over something that was fairly quickly made.
Johanna Fritz
I love the Can Do 4 Patch quilt and block. I am a hand dyer, and I see ENDLESS design possibilities for this for personal quilts and to use in charity quilts. I love to design in EQ7 and I can see making a lot of variations of this quilt. Great Pattern!!
Julie R
Spinning 4-patch has a lot of movement. Great for a baby or child’s quilt!
Sue Emden
The Can Do 4 patch intrigued me. Sometimes I like a quick & easy quilt to sew that looks more complicated. Thanks for inspiring us!
Sue
The Can Do 4 patch intrigued me. Sometimes I like to sew a quick & easy quilt that looks more difficult. Thanks for inspiring us!
Linda Walter
I had no idea 4 patch blocks could be so contemporary! My stash fabrics better get ready to escape from the darkness of their plastic bins.
Ann T Watzka
Thank you for the chance to wind the Change-Up Patchwork book. I love the concepts that such simple shapes can be manipulated into stunning quilts. As a fan of bright and modern, I see these being perfect layouts for a modern quilt. Thanks again, Ann
mary mandernach
The spinning 4 patch looks like a fun quilt to make
Martha
I like the hi-lo patch, could see constructing that with precuts. Love the simplicity of them all.
Dorothy Breitenstein
I love them all but would make the spinning 4 patch first. Thanks for a chance to win.
Anne Cravillion
The Can do 4 patch is so neat! That one first and then the others 🙂
What fun!
Nancy L Smith
I like the spinning 4 patch. Could see it as a baby quilt or a charity quilt
Judy H Wubbena
The Can Do 4 patch is absolutely amazing! That is truly an
interesting quilt I’d like to make.