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    Fast Four Patch Quilt Tutorial

    Last Modified: September 26, 2024 by Amy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 129 Comments

    This quick and easy quilt is one of my most popular quilt tutorials of all time: a fast, beginner-friendly Fast Four Patch Quilt. This simple patchwork quilt is perfect for a scrappy look and showing-off a fun feature print fabric. It's also a great project for a beginning quilter.

    It's been 9 years since I first published this pattern and felt like it was time for an update. If you are brand-new to quilting, be sure to check out my Beginning Quilting series for all the basics on supplies, cutting, piecing, and quilting!

    Fast and Easy beginning quilt tutorial - perfect of using precut fabric squares.

    Four Patch Quilt Tutorial:

    This is one of my favorite simple quilt patterns for a quick baby quilt. It works really well to show off a main 'feature' print contrasting with a variety of prints in scrappy four-patch blocks. The quilt shown here finishes at 40" x 56". 

    If you would like a printable version of this Crib-size pattern you can find the PDF Pattern here. 

    I have fabric requirements, cutting and piecing instructions for Throw, Twin, Queen and King sizes below.

    Tips: Choosing Fabric

    For this four patch quilt I used the Riley Blake collection I designed called Portsmouth. It's a nautical, summer-y collection. This quilt is so versatile that you can use whatever color scheme or palette you want.

    Here are some tips on choosing fabric. (None of these are hard, fast rules. You can use what ever suits your fancy. Just some tips that I use when choosing fabric for a quilt.)

     

    This four patch quilt design is great for showing off a big print and then pairing it with a variety of different fabrics that contrast well. 

    If you're stuck trying to choose fabrics, start with your "main" feature print. This can be a larger scale print (if you want) because the blocks are larger scale and can show off a busier print.

    Fast Patchwork Quilt pattern and red, white, and blue fabric

    I chose the toile-looking Seacoast print for the feature fabric squares and then used the navies, blues, reds and a few of the coral pieces as the contrasts prints for the 4-patch blocks.

    (I personally chose to avoid the other light-background fabrics in the four patch blocks as they didn't contrast as much with the light background print.)

    Finished four patch quilt: 40" x 56"

    Fabric Requirements for your Four Patch Quilt:

    • 1 ¼ yard background print
    • At least 8 different ⅛ yards for contrasting four-patch blocks (you can use more if you want) OR a couple of packages of 5" precut squares (you will need to trim the squares down to 4½ " x 4½ " but precuts are a great way to get a variety of prints)
    • 2½ yards backing fabric (If you are careful with the width of the backing and choose something wider that 42", you may be able to get by with 1 ¾ yards and not piecing a back.)
    • ½ yard binding

    Cutting the fabric for the Four Patch Quilt:

    • From background print cut 5 strips 8½” x width of fabric. (The pattern instructions assume you will only get 4 squares 8½” x 8½” from each strip, but if your strip is longer than 42½” and you cut very carefully, you could get 5 squares per strip. It’s okay if they include a tiny bit of selvage that will end up in the seam allowance.)
      • Sub cut into 17 squares 8½ " x 8½ ".

    • From ⅛ yard prints cut 72 squares, 4½” x 4½” - you can cut 9 squares 4½” x 4½” from each ⅛ yard
    • From binding fabric cut 5 strips 2½” x width of fabric

    Piecing the Quilt

    As I mentioned, if this is a first time making a quilt, I have lots of beginning quilting tips and instruction is my Beginning Quilting Series including supplies and basic piecing skills.
     

    Match 72 squares up into contrasting pairs.

    Sew squares together using a ¼" seam allowance. (IMPORTANT NOTE: A consistent ¼" seam allowance is key to consistent piecing.)

    You can 'chain' them through quickly without even cutting the thread. Press seam to one side.

    Match each pair of 2 squares with a contrasting pair of 2 squares with seam pressed in opposite direction.

    Place right sides together and sew to a four-patch blocks. Press long seam to one side.

    Make 18 four-patch blocks.

    Layout quilt blocks into seven rows of five blocks each. Row 1 Start with a four-patch block in the first row and alternate with feature print squares.

    Row 2: start with an 8½ " x 8½" feature print square 
     
     
    I recommend laying out the blocks before sewing the blocks and rows together to get a nice, balanced layout.
     
    Sew squares into rows, pressing seams toward the 8½" square blocks. This will create nesting seams when you go to sew the rows together and make the assembly much easier as well as matching up points.

    Sew rows together and press seams all the same direction.

    Layer quilt top with quilt batting and backing and baste together into a "quilt sandwich". If you're new to quilting, you can find details to walk you through the basting and quilting process here.

    I used the Portsmouth Plaid in red for the back of the quilt. You can find a list of other retailers carrying Portsmouth fabric on Etsy or The Fat Quarter Shop.

    For Binding sew the 2½" x wof strips end to end. Binding tutorial here.

    And voila! A super quick - and very cute - four patch quilt!

    Beginner friendly, simple first quilt tutorial by Amy Smart

    This is a great quilt for using up fabric and showing off fun prints. Here is a previous version in a brighter color palette:

    Here is another previous version of this simple four patch quilt design.

    You can find the free printable PDF for this Crib Size Fast Four Patch Quilt here.

    Perfect beginning-quilting project. Fast Four-Patch quilt is one of my most popular tutorials!

    I have an expanded version with fabric requirements and piecing instructions for Throw, Twin, Queen and 2 different King size options here for purchase in a printable PDF format. 

    Baby Lock Sewing Machines

    Big thanks to Baby Lock Sewing Machines for sponsoring this free pattern and lots of other content on my site. I love my Baby Lock sewing machines and have loved working with them as an ambassador for Baby Lock for over 6 years now.

    You can read some of my sewing machine recommendations for different budgets and preferences here. And check out Baby Lock for their latest promotions and specials going right now.

     

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    If you'd like more Free Baby Quilt Patterns and Tutorials Click Here

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda Powell

      September 10, 2014 at 5:47 am

      Those fabrics are beautiful Amy, I love this colour palette too. I am a beginner to all this as you know so thank you very much for the tutorial which I have shared on my G+ page (so I can find it again when I attempt this haha) The coral colour really makes this I think, stunning 🙂

      Reply
      • Carrie Morrisette

        August 11, 2024 at 7:19 pm

        When can we find the 10" squares of the Portsmouth white large print? I just love this print. I have the Jelly roll but need the larger print on white.

        Reply
        • Amy

          August 13, 2024 at 2:15 pm

          Sadly, that particular print is now out-of-print, so it's pretty scarce. 🙁

          Reply
    2. Frankie Carson

      September 10, 2014 at 6:46 am

      I love your colour palette! <br />Frankie<br />https://knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

      Reply
    3. Heidi

      September 10, 2014 at 7:39 am

      Beautiful quilt! Love the colors your chose!

      Reply
      • Jennifer Yates

        January 04, 2025 at 5:02 pm

        Do you have this pattern for a king size quilt (# or squares, yardage, # of rows?

        Reply
        • Amy

          January 09, 2025 at 2:08 pm

          Yes! The printable PDF version includes size options from Crib to King! 🙂 https://diaryofaquiltershop.com/collections/downloadable-pdf-patterns/products/fast-four-patch-pdf-quilt-pattern

          Reply
    4. A Quilter's Mission

      September 10, 2014 at 10:55 pm

      Great fun quilt! Yes, this color pallet is wonderful.

      Reply
    5. Carmen Lee

      September 11, 2014 at 8:12 am

      Ammy, I love your choice. These quilts are really wonderful , it&#39;s fabric is beautiful as well as designs are very nice.

      Reply
    6. Rebecca Barnes

      September 11, 2014 at 9:53 am

      I love the back - thanks for the tutorial

      Reply
    7. Rozina

      May 22, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      I have a question, I have a yard of main fabric I want to use, if I were to order a 1/4 of a years more in order to have enough to do this quilt would that totally screw me up? This is my first quilt so it's probably a silly question. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lindawithani

        October 09, 2015 at 2:20 pm

        I would say, just to be on the safe side, order more than the 1/4 yard you are missing. I would go for at least 1/2 yard. And good luck with your first quilt!

        Reply
    8. emmalee

      June 06, 2015 at 5:11 am

      This is beautiful....

      Perfect to showcase a fabric collection I have my eye on,

      Can I Ask is the twin size equivalent to
      single ?

      Im in Australia and our sizes go bassinet ,
      cot , single , king single , double , queen king.

      I have v

      Reply
      • emmalee

        June 06, 2015 at 5:12 am

        *have never made a quilt, my mum is the quilter I make baby / toddler clothes for my miss 2

        Reply
      • Amy Smart

        June 08, 2015 at 1:46 pm

        I'm guessing it's the equivalent. I don't know the measurements of a single, but I'm sure they're very similar.

        Reply
    9. Janine

      June 17, 2015 at 5:57 am

      Thank you for adding the other measurements and requirements!!! I love the quilt and it hate having to figure out what to buy for a bigger one! LOL...
      Thanks again,
      Janine

      Reply
    10. Kelly

      September 06, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Wondering if the King size requirements are correct. How can the double/queen be 3 1/2 yards of focus fabric and the king size require double that?

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        September 08, 2015 at 10:48 am

        Thanks for your question. I went back and checked my math. I was off slightly and have updated the measurements. But still, that King size is almost double the Queen requirements. Those King-size quilts are just exponentially bigger. It's crazy.

        Reply
      • Mona Marin

        December 23, 2017 at 5:36 am

        I'm making a king-size quilt for my husband for Christmas who is a retired vet, I need a quick and easy process to finish the back of the quilt can you help me ?

        Reply
    11. Judy

      October 07, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      Thank you for making this pattern available free.
      Love your choice of fabric, will be making this in
      baby colour maybe adding embroidery/applique.
      Again thank you

      Reply
    12. Linda

      October 15, 2015 at 1:19 pm

      Love the tutorial. I've not done to much quilting but like to do embroidery. Your directions are very clear and anxious to try this! Thank you.

      Reply
    13. Lorena

      October 20, 2015 at 8:16 am

      I have a question about the quilting. What color thread was used for quilting the three pieces together? I'm making this quilt with different fabric but since there are so many colors I'm not sure what color to use when quilting.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        October 20, 2015 at 10:47 am

        I just had the quilter use a cream/neutral thread that would blend with most of the prints.

        Reply
    14. Michelle

      December 05, 2015 at 5:29 pm

      There seems to be a little something off with the measurements -- after sewing the 4.5" squares with the .25" seam, they won't match the 8.5" blocks anymore like in the pictures, but rather be off by .25". Were either of the squares cut to different dimensions, perhaps?

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        December 05, 2015 at 8:13 pm

        Hmm. I'm sure that's right. Because four 4" x 4" squares (finished) will create an 8"x 8" finished block. So unfinshed the blocks would be 4.5" and 8.5". Check your seam allowance. Even if it's only slightly bigger than a 1/4", it could skew things and the block will end up slightly smaller. Let me know.

        Reply
      • Katie

        April 09, 2018 at 9:26 pm

        I had the same issue Michelle. I just used the "square up" method to get all my blocks to be the same sizes.

        Reply
        • Clara

          February 15, 2020 at 4:12 pm

          I had the same issue, but I feel it's my fault. Pretty sure I was slightly bigger than .25. So I just plan on squaring them up. It will make it a bit smaller, but it's a lounge (twin size) quilt for my husband to snooze in his chair with. So if it is smaller it's not a big deal.

          Reply
          • Jon Anne Winstead

            May 03, 2025 at 5:21 pm

            Do you do videos at all? Just curious! Thank you!!

            Reply
            • Amy

              May 05, 2025 at 12:38 pm

              Unfortunately, I just haven't ventured into video much. Video requires more equipment, time editing, etc. Luckily, there are lots of others who do provide video options!

      • Nancy

        August 07, 2021 at 1:35 pm

        I agree. If you sew together a four patch block using 4 1/2" squares, the finished four patch block would be 8", not 8 1/2". Therefore the larger squares should be cut to 8", instead of 8". Anyway, that's what I'm thinking. But cute quilt, I'm going to try one!

        Reply
        • Amy

          August 07, 2021 at 2:33 pm

          The 8 1/2" measurement is for the added seam allowance. For example, if you laid 4 4" x 4" tiles in a square you'd get an 8" x 8" square. But when quilting you need to build in the 1/4" seam allowance on all four sides. This is why when you cut and sew together 4 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished fabric squares you will get an 8" x 8" finished block - but UNfinished it will be 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" because it still has the 1/4" seam allowance on all four sides. This is why you need to cut the offset (one-piece) squares 8 1/2" x 8 1/2".

          That said, if your seam allowance is even a thread or two wider than 1/4" the 4-patch block will shrink to a smaller size. If all of your blocks are smaller because the seam allowances are wider that 1/4" on the 4-patch blocks, then I recommend trimming your off-set (one-piece) squares smaller to match the size of the pieced blocks.

          I hope that helps clarify.

          Reply
    15. Amy

      January 23, 2016 at 7:16 pm

      What is the square by row layout for the twin quilt? Second quilt so still a beginner. Really excited to try this quilt.

      Reply
    16. Amy Baird

      January 23, 2016 at 10:53 pm

      How many blocks by rows for a twin? Want to make sure I do it right. My second quilt so I am still a beginner. 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        January 25, 2016 at 4:37 pm

        Layout blocks 8 blocks across by 11 rows down.

        Reply
    17. Leanne

      January 30, 2016 at 1:47 am

      Thanks so much for these easy to follow instructions. I'd purchased some fabric quite some time ago and didn't have a project in mind only that it was going to be some sort of patchwork. This is my first ever quilt, I started making it today and it's looking fabulous so far!

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        February 01, 2016 at 11:49 am

        Awesome! I'm so glad to hear! I hope you'll enjoy it.

        Reply
    18. Jane

      February 02, 2016 at 8:42 am

      Will this quilt look ok with a few random small squares of another fabric that goes well with the others. I am not sure I have enough of the 13 that I need, they cut my pieces too small when I bought them. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        February 02, 2016 at 8:49 am

        Oh, that's so frustrating. But yes, I would just add other fabrics in colors that go well. I think it will look even better with more variety. 😉

        Reply
    19. Michelle B

      February 10, 2016 at 12:01 pm

      Hi! I am so excited to try this pattern, in a twin size, but I can't figure out how to cut the focus fabric. At 1 3/4 yds, 44 in wide, I can only get 35 8/5" squares out of it. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Any help would be appreciated!

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        February 10, 2016 at 8:24 pm

        Ahh! You're right. There's a typo - should say 2 3/4 yards. THanks for the heads up! I'll fix it right now!

        Reply
    20. Francine Skoglund

      March 02, 2016 at 9:00 am

      This was my first quilt EVER and now I'm totally quilt crazy. I made a lovely pink quilt for my granddaughter for Christmas and she and her parents love it. Thank you for your great instructions!

      Reply
    21. Gerry Robideaux

      March 02, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Some of terms used for fabric are confusing to me. For instance, what is a "layer cake"?

      Reply
    22. Stephanie Lunn

      May 25, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Hello! I am hoping to try this pattern out for my first quilt. I see these really cute Fat Quarter fabrics at JoAnn and was wondering if those would work ok for the four-square patches? I'm not sure how many "Fat Quarters" I would need to equal 1/8 yard. Any help would be appreciated.

      Thanks,
      Steph

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        May 30, 2016 at 3:02 pm

        Hi Steph!

        Good question- you can get 16 4 1/2" squares from 1 Fat Quarter. So if you are making the crib size quilt, you would need at least 5 Fat Quarters.

        Reply
    23. Jenna Stamas

      July 09, 2016 at 2:07 pm

      Could you tell me the dimensions of each block for the backing? I'm trying to mimic your design with the fabrics I picked out and would like to know dimensions for each block. I know it's 40 inches across for each fabric.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        July 10, 2016 at 9:36 pm

        Just making sure I understand your question - do you mean the 4-patch block measurements? They should measure 8" x 8" finished (8 1/2" x 8 1/2" unfinished.) Let me know if that is not the information you are looking for.

        Reply
    24. Bobby Jo Oliveras

      August 05, 2016 at 4:13 pm

      Just made this quilt using the new Star Wars fabric as the focus piece with contrasting 4 patch. It came out beautiful. I made the twin size and the directions were easy to follow and accurate. Now I'm making a double size with John Deere fabric as the focus. Love this pattern.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        August 06, 2016 at 3:52 pm

        Those sound awesome! I'm glad the directions were helpful!

        Reply
    25. Brenda

      September 16, 2016 at 8:37 am

      I'm having trouble getting you links to social media working.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        September 16, 2016 at 1:50 pm

        Thank you SO much for letting me know! I think I've fixed them. I didn't realize they weren't working so I really appreciate the time you took to tell me!

        Reply
    26. Mandy

      November 03, 2016 at 6:09 pm

      If the fabric store cuts exactly 1/4 yard and their cut is off- it doesn't leave you with enough fabric. Just an FYI. I couldn't figure out what I had done wrong until I realized that's what happened. I'm going to add a border so it will work out to be a twin size quilt. Might want to get a 1/2 yard of each fabric instead.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        November 05, 2016 at 11:08 am

        Oh, I hate when that happens. 🙁 Good solution though and thanks for the suggestion.

        Reply
    27. Sarah durham

      November 17, 2016 at 8:33 am

      I am wanting to make a wheelchair blanket and have told 36x36'', so 4.5 x 8'' finished block so have 2 x 1 mini squares rather than them made into 2x2 blocks. Do you think it would work?

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        November 18, 2016 at 11:24 am

        Sure. Or to make it even easier, do a quilt that is 32" x 32" and then add a 2" border (cut 2 1/2" strips) and then you'll have 36" x 36".

        Reply
    28. Alicia O'Brien

      January 06, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      Hi Amy!

      I love this quilt! I need to make a crib quilt for my son, how could I adjust this for crib quilt dimensions?

      Thx!

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        January 09, 2017 at 12:12 pm

        The quilt as demo'd is close to a crib size quilt at 40" x 56". If you want slightly bigger, I suggest graph paper and sketch it out in the finished size you're aiming for, and then add the additional blocks.

        Reply
    29. Lisa

      January 09, 2017 at 7:42 pm

      Amy, I'm a new quilter...I have some precut fabric squares that are 5x5 and 10x10. What are the dimensions of the big square? I know I'll have to trim my 10x10 squares but want to make sure of the measurements.

      Thanks, Lisa

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        January 10, 2017 at 1:29 pm

        Cut the big squares 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" and the small squares 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"

        Reply
    30. Erica MT

      January 19, 2017 at 6:29 pm

      I'm late tho the party but had a lot of fun using this pattern idea!

      https://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w606/ericamt82/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/Finished%20Quilts/20161221_153637_zpsudpgnqcp.jpg

      Reply
    31. Karen Beasley

      January 27, 2017 at 8:41 am

      Amy, I have my fabric on order and can't wait to get started on this beautiful quilt. I have made four quilts so far, but all have been crib size. You are so easy to follow! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        January 27, 2017 at 10:52 am

        Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    32. Samantha

      February 23, 2017 at 8:45 am

      I have 4 prints and they are 1/2yd each will that be enough for this quilt to make for a baby?

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        February 24, 2017 at 1:59 pm

        Yep!

        Reply
    33. amarea

      March 27, 2017 at 5:56 am

      Love this quilt! I'm taking a quilting class now, so I may use this pattern for my first "on my own" quilt. I definitely don't want to attempt free motion quilting yet. How would you suggest doing the quilting with only straight lines? 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        March 27, 2017 at 10:32 am

        I would quilt the straight lines a 1/4" away from the seams. That's one of my go-to quilting plans. (I'm still terrified of free-motion myself!)

        Reply
    34. Melissa Meisterhans

      May 09, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      Can you give the measurements for a throw sized quilt? If you already have, will you point me in the right direction? TIA

      Reply
    35. Marjorie

      June 14, 2017 at 1:20 pm

      Hi. I am wanting to use this pattern to make a lap blanket. What would I need?

      Reply
    36. MiMi

      August 02, 2017 at 6:01 pm

      I have not made a quilt yet, this one looks like a good candidate for my first try! I am not understanding how I would use the 10 strips as the border for the King size... Would i sew 2 sets of 2 of them together, ending up with two 84" strips, would those be the border of one set of edges, and then sew the other 2 sets of 3 of them together, ending up with two 126" strips, which would be the border for the opposite set of edges?? HELP!

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 03, 2017 at 1:48 pm

        Good questions. Here's how I do it - I sew the strips together end to end and then trim them to the length of the side I'm going to attach them to. I have a tutorial with pictures of my border method here: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2013/11/virtual-quilting-bee-sashing-and.html

        I hope that helps!

        Reply
    37. Sabrina

      August 24, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      This quilt is beautiful and I want to try this as my first quilt, making it for an elderly nursing home patient but can you tell me how to make it throw size? How many blocks and how many rows across the top and down?
      Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 12, 2018 at 12:44 pm

        Hi Sabrina! I finally updated the tutorial to include a Throw Size (56″ x 72″) variation.

        Reply
        • Sabrina

          April 15, 2018 at 8:51 pm

          Thanks so much!

          Reply
    38. Marnie

      September 19, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      I am so excited, not only have I found a tutorial I understand in an effort to try my hand at quilting (first time quilter, long time pinner) but you actually still respond to questions from your followers. THANK YOU! Look for lots to come your way.

      Reply
      • Amy

        September 20, 2017 at 10:16 am

        Thanks, Marnie! I hope you have fun with your quilt!

        Reply
    39. Darci

      November 10, 2017 at 7:32 pm

      Quilters, I have a question about how to deal with the back side of this quilt. I'm getting ready to cut some of the fabric that I plan to use on both the front and back, and I realize that I failed to consider how making a larger version of this quilt would affect the back.

      One of the pictures shows the back with five wide strips of fabric that span the whole width of the quilt (11th picture down from the top of the page.) Those are solid pieces of fabric, right? HOWEVER, I'm making the double/queen size (80" x 88"), so my fabric will not be wide enough to be solid strips. Oops!

      BTW, I plan to use only 3 different fabrics on the back rather than five: 1 yard of one, 3 yards of another, and 2 yards of a third.

      So.... how do you think I should deal with this back? I have enough fabric, but not enough to make solid strips across, like in the picture. I just don't have the experience to know how best to proceed. ? Make big blocks? Try to match prints to give the effect of solid strips? Or some other fix? Any ideas or advice you feel like sharing would be so appreciated! And thanks for reading this long-winded post. ?

      Reply
    40. Debbie

      November 29, 2017 at 9:29 am

      What would the measurements for a throw size quilt be?

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 12, 2018 at 12:44 pm

        56″ x 72″

        Reply
    41. emilylarnold

      December 08, 2017 at 9:40 am

      For a queen size quilt , how many 4.5 squares would need to cut out of each coordinating fabric ? 220? The math is confusing me

      Reply
      • Amy

        December 08, 2017 at 1:09 pm

        Yes, you need a total of 220 4.5 x 4.5 squares. You'll sew those together to make 55 4-patch blocks.

        Hope that helps!

        Reply
    42. Emily N

      December 12, 2017 at 7:38 am

      I'm making this in the twin size (first quilt!), but I'm stumped on the backing. I got 5 yds of the fabric for the backing and have measured multiple times but just can't seem to figure out the layout for it. Any tips or tricks?

      Reply
      • Amy

        December 12, 2017 at 1:57 pm

        So, I always go back and forth about telling people how much fabric to buy for backing - whether to buy a lot so it's only one seam to piece a back, and then have a lot left over, or as little as possible, which might involve more piecing.

        Here's how I would piece this one: Cut into two 2 1/2 Yard (90") pieces and sew together side by side. This will create a 80" x 90" piece of backing. (If the background print is not directional) you could trim 7" off one side and sew it to the bottom of the backing, making it 73" x 97" so that you have more space on all sides to make quilting easier.

        I hope that helps! Thanks so much for your question. I did change the backing yardage to 5 1/2 yards just to eliminate the extra piecing.

        Reply
    43. Beverly Burchwell Caudill

      January 22, 2018 at 7:57 am

      Thank you so much for the beautiful pattern, also I love how you also provided the instructions for other sizes, that was very helpful!!!

      Reply
    44. courtney

      February 18, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      Attempting the queen size quilt. Spent 5 hours cutting square, and only have 80 4.5s. Is the average or is there a faster way to get this done? haha Only my second quilt 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 12, 2018 at 10:50 am

        Sorry I'm so slow getting back to you on this. :/ If you cut 4 1/2" wide strips of fabric, then you can cut them into squares much more quickly. I hope that helps!

        Reply
        • Brittany

          December 29, 2023 at 7:59 am

          Would this look okay if the feature fabric was a solid color? Has anyone tried it that way? This is going to be my first quilt and my OCD has taken over.

          Reply
          • Amy

            December 29, 2023 at 2:37 pm

            I think a solid color works great for this quilt!

            Reply
    45. Valerie Womack

      March 09, 2018 at 6:59 pm

      Hi Amy - I'm new at quilting but have been a sewer for 50 years. Do quilts work well with flannel fabric? I want to try this pattern with some I got on sale? Thanks for the tutorial.

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 10, 2018 at 8:45 am

        Yes! Quilts made with flannels are wonderful! This pattern would work great with flannel fabric.

        Reply
        • Valerie Womack

          March 10, 2018 at 9:36 am

          Thanks Amy - will share picture when I finish. May take me a few months. lol

          Reply
    46. quinn

      March 13, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      how would I make this smaller for a baby blanket

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 12, 2018 at 10:49 am

        Just make fewer blocks/squares. The blocks are 8" x 8". Using that number, decide how big you want your baby quilt to finish. Graph paper or sketching it out will make it easy to customize it to whatever size you want.

        Reply
    47. Sally R Woodford

      April 12, 2018 at 9:24 am

      I plan to use fabric from "old" flannel shirts my husband wore for work. I've read that I should apply iron on interfacing to the fabric to keep it from stretching. Do you think I should do this before I piece them together or after I've made the blocks? Also, I am wondering about using the fleece fabric for the backing. Is it a good idea to mix fabrics? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 12, 2018 at 10:42 am

        Definitely apply the interfacting before you piece them together. If possible, I would apply the iron on interfacting, where possible, before you even cut the squares. It will give them stability and help them keep their shape - it will make it SO much easier to bot cut AND sew them together.

        I've never personally used fleece for a quilt back. My only hesitation is if the shirts are all cotton and the fleece is polyester, the cotton parts could shrink differently, but where these are shirts that have probably been washed dozens of times already 😉 I think you'll be safe. I would try googling it to see if someone talks about using fleece as a quilt back, just to be safe.

        Reply
    48. judie

      May 17, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      New to quiliting - I am making a king size quilt - I am wanting to make the 4 patch with borders. what size do i need to cut my squares?

      Reply
    49. Dora Otto

      June 03, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      I would like to make this quilt for my daughter. She has a full sized bed and I don't know how much material I would need. Could you please help me?

      Thank,
      Dora Otto

      Reply
    50. Kristal

      August 17, 2018 at 5:36 pm

      I have a question. I just cut 80 five inch squares. Do you know what size I would cut the larger middle squares if I sewed the 5" squares together for the quad??

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 20, 2018 at 6:53 pm

        Cut the larger squares 9 1/2" x 9 1/2".

        Reply
    51. Sharon Hulin

      September 27, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      For the twin size it should be 11 strips @ 8.5 for full block. Equal 44 sq. You list 9 strips. FYI. Thank you for sharing.. beautiful❤️

      Reply
    52. BARBARA V

      December 29, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Help! I cut my small squares 4 1/2" X 4 1/2" and when I sewed them together with 1/4" seams, the resulting squares are 8" X 8" and don't match up to the bigger 8 1/2" squares. Have I made a mistake?

      Reply
      • Amy

        December 29, 2018 at 6:13 pm

        Hmm. Without looking at them, my guess is your seam allowance is a little wider than 1/4". A scant 1/4" will help your squares end up at 8 1/2" x 8 1/2".

        https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/10/quilting-tip-scant-14-inch.html

        Reply
        • BARBARA V

          January 14, 2019 at 9:25 am

          You were exactly right! Either it's off on my sewing machine or I don't know how to use it. My seams were all just a little too big. I reviewed your tutorial and will get it right next time. I just trimmed down all my blocks and carried on. I finished binding it today and now my first quilt is in the books. Thanks for sharing these instructions.

          Reply
    53. Nanette

      January 15, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      Should be 8" squares to 4, 4 1/2" squares. I verified by using paper. Once the 4 1/2 squares are sewn together using a 1/4" seam allowance it becomes a 8" square. ?

      Reply
      • Amy

        January 16, 2019 at 11:24 am

        The squares are 8" x 8" finished in the quilt (that's what you will get when you combine 4 finished 4" x 4" squares) but to allow for the seam allowance, cut them 8 1/2" x 8 1/2". If your four 4" x 4" squares sewn together are coming out smaller than 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" (before they're pieced into the quilt), check the seam allowance. And, if you've already sewn together all of your 4-patch blocks and they're coming out smaller than 8 1/2" x 8 1/2", then yes, square them down to the smaller size.

        A scant 1/4" seam allowance will help pieced blocks stay the size planned for. https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/10/quilting-tip-scant-14-inch.html

        Reply
    54. Theresa DeBon

      February 10, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      Absolutely lovely! Thank you from us visual learners for all of the pictures. New to quilting at 63 and sorry I waited so long.

      Reply
    55. Karen Benitez

      May 15, 2019 at 7:25 am

      Hi Amy - this says baby quilt in the opening paragraph but the smallest size you give instructions for is the 72” throw. I’d like to make this for a stroller or smaller size throw. Do you have the instructions for that? Thanks so much - this is so pretty!

      Reply
      • Amy

        May 15, 2019 at 2:11 pm

        Hi Karen! The main quilt in the tutorial (demo, cutting list, etc) is for a 40" x 56" quilt. If you want to make it smaller, just remove a row of blocks at the bottom? Or just sketch out the size quilt you need based on the 8" x 8" blocks. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    56. Karen Benitez

      May 15, 2019 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks Amy!!

      Reply
    57. Jane

      July 16, 2019 at 12:22 am

      Hi Amy, As a beginner quilter I love this quilt but I want to make the blocks bigger, ie. 12" finished size. So if I cut the large blocks to 12.5" and the smaller ones to 6.5" each that should give me 12" blocks when joined, is that right?
      That means that 4 across and 5 down gives me a finished size of 48" X 60" not counting any borders.
      Will this size block look ok?
      Thank you and thankyou so much for the tutorial
      Jane

      Reply
      • Amy

        July 16, 2019 at 3:14 pm

        Yep! You've got it! I bet it'll look great. Let me know how it turned out!

        Reply
    58. Lisa

      July 24, 2019 at 4:53 am

      So I have a lot of 8 inch blocks already cut. What size do I cut my small blocks? Im a beginner so all of this is confusing lol Also has anyone used different prints for the focus fabric? I wondered if it makes the design to busy?

      Reply
    59. Katrina Sowden

      September 16, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you for this beautiful pattern! I would love to create some blocks, unfinished 8 1/2 x 8 1/2, that are made up of 3, patches, 6 patches, 9 patches. Can you recommend a resource that breaks down simple patterns that make up 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 unfinished blocks.

      Reply
      • Amy

        September 18, 2019 at 10:29 am

        I don't know of a simple resource, but I know if you Google 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" quilt blocks a ton of resources will come up!

        Reply
    60. Olivia Harding

      September 21, 2019 at 9:40 am

      Hi, Amy, I love this pattern! Do you think I could add a layer of batting in between the front and back to make it a bit warmer? Also, do you think it would be an issue for the blocks on the front to be cotton fabric and make the backing flannel for extra warmth? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Amy

        September 21, 2019 at 4:54 pm

        Absolutely! I always add batting between my front and back. And yes, I think you're totally fine to use flannel for the back! You may want to pre-wash/shrink the flannel ahead of time as it will shrink a little more than regular quilting cottons when washed.

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    61. Lisa Clark

      April 19, 2020 at 12:35 pm

      Thank you for this tutorial. Hoping you can help me answer a few questions: I am making a memory throw-sized quilt out of men's dress shirts. 1) For the batting, do I use the same yardage as I would for the backing? 2) For the men's cotton dress shirts, should I use a stabalizer or not necessary? Love your site. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 20, 2020 at 9:31 am

        Hi Lisa!

        This post will help a lot with batting and backing: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/10/little-bit-batty.html

        I've never made a quilt with men's shirts, but my guess is that unless they're super lightweight (like threadbare) you don't need to use any stabilizer. The shirts as they are should be just fine. You may want to spray them with some starch though, just to give them a little extra stability while you piece.

        Good luck!

        Amy

        Reply
    62. Elisa Flores

      March 02, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      Thank you for sharing your pattern, I have enjoyed using it. I like simply and easy!

      Reply
    63. Emma Kent

      May 08, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      I absolutely love this quilt pattern. Made one for my nephew and my daughter and now I have a new niece so I'm just starting the third version of this quilt. Thanks so much for this fantastic tutorial 🙂

      Reply
    64. Nancy

      August 07, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      My friend just said I was wrong about the four 4 1/2" squares, and it's true that my math skills suck so I give. Must be 8 1/2" after all. Sorry! I'm still going to make the quilt, because it's cute!

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 07, 2021 at 3:59 pm

        No worries! It happens to the best of us. 😉

        Have fun making this quilt!

        Reply
    65. Tevana B

      October 01, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      Why is the back piece cut into two pieces? There are no instructions on how to handle the back side in the .pdf I purchased. This is my very first quilt. Please help.

      Reply
      • Amy

        October 02, 2021 at 12:48 pm

        Hi Tevana - which size quilt are you making?

        The reason it is cut in two is because most fabric yardage isn't wide enough to cover the whole back. You need to sew the two pieces together to get a big enough back. I hope that helps. Let me know if you need more details.

        Reply
    66. Gwyn

      April 02, 2023 at 1:10 pm

      Now I'm thinking I could make something similar with 2 charm packs and a background, but I would have to keep in mind your recommendation about trying not to use the lights.

      Reply
    67. Brenda Towsley

      July 26, 2023 at 9:14 am

      how can i get the free patterns if I do not have a drop box?

      Reply
      • Amy

        July 26, 2023 at 12:43 pm

        The link is hosted by Dropbox, but it should just offer you a PDF file you can download and save on your computer.

        Reply
        • Mary Lou Regit

          April 04, 2024 at 4:02 pm

          Can I add borders to the throw size quilt? If so, how wide and how much fabric would I need? Thank you!

          Reply
          • Amy

            April 05, 2024 at 3:22 pm

            Yes! You can add any size border you'd like. Just cut the width-of-fabric strips 1/2" wider than you'd like the finished border to be. You'll need 7 of these strips. (1 yard if you're cutting 5" wide strips - more if you're cutting wider borders.)

            Reply
    68. Ally O’Donnell

      September 11, 2024 at 11:38 am

      I am doing the backing and starting on the basting! This is my first quilt, so i could be completely off. However, when i sewed my two backing pieces side by side, the back was much larger than the front. How should I resolve this?? Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Amy

        October 01, 2024 at 9:37 am

        Just trim it down. Leave at least 3" of extra width on all 4 sides before you quilt it. After quilting, trim off the excess.

        Reply

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