Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The 4-patch: easy, patchwork goodness

The humble 4-patches from my back-to-basics patchwork interlude turned into this handsome quilt top. 
A variation of "Cloe's Quilt" pattern, 51" x 67"
Scattering the stylized floral fabric across the top adds a bit of playfulness and contrast to the grid-like composition. The solid white provides the brightness and sparkle (and a blank canvas for future free-motion quilting). I can't decide if the framed blocks look like window panes or a tiled floor. What does it look like to you?

What a fun top to piece—especially the 4 patch blocks. You can crank out a bunch of these little gems lickety-split. Here's how:

Cut strips WOF (width of fabric or width of a Fat Quarter). My strips were 3.5" wide. Pair up the strips.
Cut and pair up strips.
Sew each strip-pair together along the long edge. Use a 1/4" seam.
Chain piecing the strip sets goes quickly.
Subcut the strips into 2-patches and sew two pair together to make 4-patches. The chain piecing saves time and thread. I like the random scrappiness of these 4-patches. So, don't stress over selecting the pairs… just pick and sew.
Chain-pieced 4-patches.
That's it!
Scrappy 4-patches.
Easy. Scrappy. Patchwork goodness!
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