Easy Four-Patch Quilt
Using One Layer Cake
This quilt uses just one layer cake. Perfect!
To watch the complete tutorial, click on the image above or click HERE.
This quilt is super easy and super fun to make. All you need is one layer cake to make this quilt top. I used flannel, but this would work with any fabrics, including scraps. I also have a downloadable PDF for this pattern for free in my store.
Quilt Overview:
Block Size: 9” (Unfinished–Before Sewn into a Quilt); 8.5” (Finished–After Sewn into a Quilt)
Quilt Size: 51” x 59.5” using ¼” seam allowance (Please note: If using flannel fabrics, I like to use a slightly larger seam allowance to accommodate any fraying. This will result in a slightly smaller quilt.)
Supplies You Will Need
Fabric:
One Layer Cake or (42) 10” Squares (I used Lakeside Gatherings Flannel by Primitives Gatherings for Moda in the video)
Batting: Twin Size (you will have extra)
Backing: 3.25 yards
Binding: ½ Yard (If using 2.5” wide cross-grain binding)
Other Supplies:
Matching or Neutral Thread
9” (or larger) Square Ruler
Rotary Cutter
Cutting Mat
Pins (optional but helpful)
General Sewing Supplies (sewing machine, iron, pressing surface, etc.)
Getting Started
Step 1: Separate Light, Medium, & Dark Fabric
Separate the layer cake into three piles: lights, mediums, and darks. Use a black and white photo or a red film called a Ruby Beholder to find the fabric color value, which is the level of light/dark fabrics in relationship to the other fabrics.
Once you have three piles, separate the medium fabrics to create two piles of 21 squares (21 light/mediums and 21 dark/mediums).
Step 2: Make Four Patch Blocks Using the Two-At-A-Time Method
Match and Sew the Right and Left Sides
Match two squares together, one from each of your two piles, putting right sides together. Sew ¼” down both sides (right and left). Do this with all of the squares. You will have 21 units. Please note: If you are using flannel, I like to increase the seam allowance from ¼” to ⅜” because flannel tends to fray. I also lower my stitch length some.
Cut The Block
With the seams you just sewed on the right and the left, line your ruler up on the 5” mark. Cut the unit in half. Press these units to the dark fabric. You will have 42 units (2 of each/21 sets). Note: For the next step, I like to keep the sets together when making each four-patch, but you can mix them up for a more scrappy version of this quilt. Cut the unit in half. Press the units open, with the seam allowance to either side or press open, if you’d like. You will have 42 four-patch blocks.
Match Units
Next, match the opposites together of each fabric set, right sides together. Match the dark side with the light side and the light side with the dark side. Because we pressed to the dark side, the seams will nest together.
Sew The Sides
Turn the unit so the middle seam is horizontal. Sew ¼” down both sides (right and left). Do this with all of the squares. With the seams you just sewed on the left and right sides, line your ruler up on the 5” mark.
Step 3: Squaring Up the Blocks
Square Up Top and Right Sides
Place your ruler so that the 4.5” mark is lined up with one quadrant of each four-patch. Trim top and right edges. Tip: Remove the scraps before removing the ruler. This allows you to cut again if something didn’t fully cut through while not having to try to align the ruler up exactly a second time.
Squaring Up the Other Sides
Lift the ruler and turn the block to the top right corner now is at the bottom left position. Line up the 9” mark on the left and bottom edges. Trim the top and right edges to square up the block. Do this for all 42 blocks.
Finishing
Lay the blocks out as desired. Sew the blocks into rows. Next sew the rows together. Enjoy!
Please let me know if you have any questions! As always, I am happy to help!
Happy Quilting!
Kris