Shadywood Quilts

Cut and Assemble Triple Four-Patch Blocks

Block 3

From one assorted print, cut:

• 2-3-1/2" squares
• 4-2" squares

From one medium or dark print, cut:
? 1-1-1/4?12" strip

From one light print, cut:
? 1-1-1/4?12" strip

1. Aligning long edges, sew together the medium or dark print 1-1/4?12" strip and the light print 1-1/4?12" strip to make a strip set (Diagram 4). Press seam toward darker strip. Cut strip set into eight 1-1/4"-wide segments.

2. Sew together two Step 1 segments as shown (Diagram 5) to make a Four-Patch unit. The unit should be trimmed to 2" square including seam allowances. Repeat to make four Four-Patch units for each block.

Strip-piecing method: To speed up the cutting and piecing of the Four-Patch units. After assembling a strip set, cut it in half. Layer the two halves with right sides together, making sure the light strip from one half is atop the dark strip from the other half (Diagram 6). Because the seam allowances are pressed toward the dark strip, they're now in opposite directions, causing the two halves to "lock" in place. Cut the layered strip set into 1-1/4"-wide segments; then sew the layered segments together along one edge to make Four-Patch units. Carefully handle the segments as you move them to the sewing machine so you don't "unlock" the seams.

Make 176 2" four patches for step one.

Scrappy Tip: Cut WOF fabric strips in half to create more variety in your teensy 4-patches.

 

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