
A 4-Patch Quilt Block Gets a Modern Remake
A 4-patch quilt block is a quilting basic. Four squares of the same size sewn together is an ideal way to learn how to quilt. Yet, this basic quilt block design is not limited to four same-sized squares. There are options. Change the dimensions and presto, a new, fresh look!
Quilting Basics—The 4-patch Quilt Block
Before learning how to remake the block, here’s a quick review of piecing together a 4-patch quilt block:
To create a 8-1/2″ block (8″ finished block):
- Cut 4-1/2″ crosswise strips:
Fabric A (pink)
Fabric B (black)
Fabric C (gray)
- Form two stratas or strip groupings:
Fabric A and C
Fabric B and C
- Strip piece two stratas. Align right sides and long edges. Stitch using a 1/4″ seam.
- Press seam allowance towards the darker fabric.
- Subcut the strata into 4-1/2″ sections.
Align right sides of sections from each strata. Stitch with a 1/4″ seam. Press the seam allowance in one direction.
Note from Nancy: The steps above are a quick visual representation of how a 4-patch is created. When making a project, I create many blocks at once using chain-stitching techniques. Complete instructions are listed in Change-Up Patchwork.
Design Note: Each 4-Patch block is laid out next to a solid square (black) to achieve the design above.
Modern Remake—The High/Low 4-Patch
Ready for a remake? Simply change up the measurements to create a renovated 4-patch design. Both quilt blocks are 8-1/2″ (8″ finished) and were sewn using the same technique. The main difference—aside from color—is that the crosswise strip sizes were changed. Here’s how to create an 8-1/2″ (8″ finished) High/Low Block.
Fabric A (Light Gray): Cut strips 2-1/2″ wide and 6-1/2″ wide.
Fabric B (Dark Gray): Cut strips 2-1/2″ wide
Fabric C (Aqua): Cut strips 6-1/2″ wide
- Strip piece two stratas:
Strata One: 2-1/2″ strip of Fabric A to 6-1/2″ strip of Fabric C
Strata Two: 2-1/2″ strip of Fabric B to 6-1/2″ strip of Fabric A.
- Subcut Strata 1 into 2-1/2″ sections.
- Subcut Strata 2 into 6-1/2″ sections.
- Stitch and arrange the high/low 4-patch blocks to create a table runner or take off with your own unique design. The resources you need to design and sew your own project are in Change-Up Patchwork.
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 the 3-part series of Change-Up Patchwork on Sewing With Nancy online.
- Episode one features the versatility of a 4-patch block.
- The star of episode two is the square-within-a-square quilt block.
- The third episode features the basics for stitching the traditional 9-patch block.
Nancy’s Notions is giving away a copy of the Change-Up Patchwork DVD. Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. One random winner will be chosen.
Bye for now,
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Tiff w
Looks like a great book to redesign some great quilts
Enid
I would love to win this. Great ideas.
Melinda Lee
This would be helpful in starting to learn how to quilt.
Debbie K
Love the pink and black combination
Janice Hobbs
Thank you Nancy for all of your wonderful ideas. Gives me another option for Quilts of Valor!
Mary L.
Love, love, love the idea of taking the basics and giving them a twist of new life. Well done, Nancy.
Beverly
It’s amazing how a few simple changes give a whole new look to classic quilt blocks! Would love to have this book for inspiration.
Sybil Derderian
I wouldn’t have thought of changing the proportions, but it’s an interesting result. The pink & black one in the background of your show is another innovative approach to an old standard! Thanks for all your great ideas and videos!
Kathleen Sergas
Would love to win this…
Sharon Thomsen
I can totally see so many options for this. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Christine Gottman
Looks so interesting. Really enjoy your articles.
Linda Grienke
Watched this series on TV and would love to win the book as I was very intrigued by this quilt
elsa wade
I would love to start on this quilt. My sewing machine is ready.
Susan Burns
So many options for this block!
Sam VanSant
Would love to win! Nancy’s ideas are such winners! Have several books and love them!
Julie Kill
Love the new twists! Always a source of invoations!
Maryon Evans
A wonderful tool for any quilter, regardless of skill & experience.
Susan Spiers
Thank you for the tip on the 2.0 inch stitch length-this makes sense-I do sometimes have issues of seams separating when using 2.5 inch! Beautiful quilts! thank you, Susan
Debbie Dorombozi
I would love to win this book
Linda E in AZ
Thanks for the Change-Up block dimensions, looks like an interesting variation.
CAROL L
Using the same basic block but just changing the measurement of the 4 square block totally changes the look of a quilt! Thank you Nancy!!
Terri Mc
Love the new four patch design, but the disappearing four patch is still a favorite.
Clovis
The change up of the blocks really change the look of the quilt.
Ellen
Love the modern clean look, making quilts like these
is sure to please and will go together easily and quickly!
I can see a fun grandma/grandchild project for the summer!
Rosie
Thanks for giving us so many new (old) ideas. The look is totally different. Love it.
Edna Marks
Would love to win this, like the variations of the blocks
Lillian Klaeger
I like the idea of something new from a traditional design. Would love to get this book.
Starla
I love twists on traditional designs.
Linda Shumway
I’m always on the lookout for quick and different patterns for baby quilts that will not constrain me to a basic pattern and will be exciting for both baby and parent. You’ve done it again, thanks. Of course I’ll need the book, memory loss and all that!
Barbara Neeley
I love people who are not afraid to think out of the box and create different ideas and projects that will stretch our imagination. Thanks
Barbara
Connie W
The CD would be a great help to assemble this amazing quilt. The colors compliment each other as well. Thanks for your inspiration, Nancy.
Kathy Hartwell
Would love to learn some new techniques/blocks and this looks like it would do the trick. Thank you for sharing with us all that you do.
Gina M
I am an old-school quilter who could use inspiration to update my quilts! “Change Up Patchwork” could change-up and CHARGE UP my sewing style!
Linda Buzz
A great new idea for a quick quilt gift.
Fay Barker
this looks easy and if i can get started quilting again, i will try it…thanks Nancy for all your wobderful shows on sewing and quilting. I even watch the reruns…!
Cindy Holthaus
Looks like a new way to do quilting. Would love to win the book.
Judy M
Anyway you slice it, love my patches, PLease may I have some more!!~~~~~~~ hoping for a roll of the random “Pick Me”!!
Lynn
A great way to mix traditional patterns with modern ideas and to keep our quilting minds going on forever.
Linda Rupe
I love black and white with pink! A vintage color combination in a modern rendition, too.
Katie Caprero
Wow this is great. I have been looking for ideas for a more “modern” quilt, and I have just found it. Thanks, Nancy. You always have the answers.
Karin McElvein
I watched every one of these when they were on my pbs station. So creative. I would love a copy of the book
Pat E
I love the old favorites, especially when they are “modernized”. I would love to have a copy of this book w/CD –
Karen B.
Love the quick way to strip cut the 4 patch pieces. Would so love to win this book. Thanks.
Ann
I love piecing traditional blocks, your Change Up looks really fun! Thanks for all the great ideas!
Nancy
I love how these blocks are made. Four patch is a great block.
Cyndy from The Funny Farm
I have the book already and it’s full of fun ideas. Would love the supporting DVD to keep with it!
Linda Keys
Have watched you for many many years.and so enjoy your techniques. Will so enjoy to get back to quilting,we have been remodeling our house but it’s about done so I can finally get reorganized and start quilting again.
Dorothy H
What fun ideas! I would love to add that to my collection of Nancy’s books!
Barbara
Thanks for the helpful tutorials.
Sue Proffitt
I love the idea of Change Up blocks. I just completed a
disappearing Nine-patch. Probably I will do another one soon.
Cindy K
I like the bold, modern look of these quilts.
Brenda Ackerman
Thank You So Much Nancy for sharing this fantastic video tutorial on updating a four patch! It is really something I had never considered doing and seeing the way that you used the graph paper and just let your ideas trace onto the paper; was so inspiring!! Of course, having you explain the math involved was a major bonus for me. Math is not my best subject. LOL. I would love to win this spectacular book and DVD and learn even more from you! I am off to watch the other parts of this series. Have a spectacular day!
Mary
new ideas!!! I would love to own the book.
Bonnye
Four patches are great for using up your scraps. The quilts are beautiful.
Mary Jean
Thanks for the great ideas, always welcome information.
Carol Schon
Four patches are a favorite unit — I am always interested in seeing different approaches to making them and using them in a quilt.
Helen Stewart
I’m always up for new ideas to change the looks of some designs. I would love to win the book.
Marty
Like the elongated 4-patch in “modern” solids!
Gail Beam
A great book for those of us who are new to quilting with some easy blocks for us to practice on.!
Michelle Hall
Looks like there are lots of fun ideas in this book
Gloria McCulley
I would love to have this book! With its wonderful ideas.
Chris
I love all your books Nancy. I am a seasoned quilter but I always learn something new and enjoy the patterns. You keep me moving forward.
Jeanette withrow
An interesting retake on the traditional four patch block. It gives a modern twist
Deborah L
Nancy, you certainly keep us all motivated. Thank you.
Kathy Gabel
I love your ideas for 4 patch.
Sandra Cantrell
Inspiring.
JoD
Love these blocks! A few years ago I made one with prints that look awesome together. Working on another. It seems to be my niche. You don’t have wasted scraps either.
Angela Curtis
Great ideas as always. Thanks for the giveaway!
Linda
Thank you Nancy for all of the new ideas! Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabulous book.
Jodie S
I’m always amazed at how many variations there are to any single block. One is truly limited only by the imagination!
June
Fun ways to switch up the four patch! Always so creative here. Thanks!
Elizabeth Ray
I love these Modern takes on such a simple old block!
Mary Hendricks
Amazing technique
Janice Selden
How clever. It’s hard to believe that this is as simple as diagramed. I’m sure I can master this.
linda arnholtz
Nancy, I couldn’t figure out or even imagine how one would cut 2-1-2inch strips or 6-1/2 inch strips, and then sew 1/4 inch seams until I realized I interpreted the instructions incorrectly.!
Doreen Fulton
Love this quilt and would love to make it.
Christine M
Love these ideas!
Doreen Linehan
Looks easy enough to do. Some day I hope to try it.
Lin
Oh what a wonderful way and easy to incorporate new ways into block making. Thank you.
E. Watson
Super cool. Love Nancy’s fresh and modern take on traditional ideas.
Carol
What an interesting way of changing very simple blocks. I love it,
Linda Edwards
Thanks for another great idea. You always have such helpful blogs and shows.
Dale
Thank you for another idea. Your creativity shows each day!