Saturday, July 7, 2012

Red, White and Blue Blog Hop: July 7


What fun to be part of the Red, White, and Blue Blog Hop arranged by Jane's Fabrics.


Over 100 quilters are sharing their blocks and ideas!  A few each day during the first part of July!   The complete list can always be found by clicking the button on the side-bar of Jane's Fabrics!  Please take a peek at all the inspiration posted by everyone!


4-Patch Blocks


I decided to share a fabulous technique for making 4-patch squares. This is such a versatile block, one that can be resized as you'd like, and can either be the main focus of the quilt, or a wonderful sashing or border.


I remember thinking how clever it was to sew two long strips of fabric together and then cutting them, rearranging and sewing to get a 4-patch. It seemed so much easier than cutting little squares - but if I wanted a more random look it always seemed that the little squares were the way to go.  And little squares are just not appealing to me to work with on a grand scale.


Billie Lauder, has figured out a terrific way to make 4-patches, and she has shared videos for making two fabric 4-patches and super scrappy 4-patches. These are really fun to put together.....  I used the Super Scrappy 4-Patch Method...


1: Pick your fabrics and end size. You will cut some squares one inch larger than what you want them to finish and then cut some strips that are half the width of the squares.
One


2: Put the fabrics together. You can sew squares together, or two strips to a square. Pick either squares or strips to sew onto a square. Sew 1/4 inch seams - sew the strips with one seam, the square with two seams (to make a tube).
Two


3: See the seams for how you sew the parts together! Just two seams for each part for now.
Three


4: Without cutting the seams you have just sewn, cut the square in half. Press the seams.
Four



5: Trim the ends if needed, then arrange the pieces so they are all next to each other. In my case I just looked to get it so the same fabric was not next to each other in either direction. The photo shows two columns of the blocks, the column on the left will be sewn to the column on the right.
Five






6: Fold the first square in half, use that as your cutting line.  After the first cut flip over the next seam and cut...

Six


7: If you use the ruler to measure your cuts, the unfinished block will be exactly the size you want.  (I found it's easier to use the folding method.)

Seven


8: In a really short time, you will have a lot of 4-patch blocks! Here are just a few examples of how you could arrange 4-patches so they are the highlight of your quilting project:
Eight A

Eight B

Eight C

Eight D

Eight E
I hope you will try this technique for making 4-patches - it's a lot of fun.

I added strips to make my 10.5 inch blocks.  That way I'll have plenty of room to do the Leah Day Free Motion Quilt Along!  

I'm releasing this post at midnight.  Check back later to see my progress as I make these blocks into a baby quilt!

Thanks for visiting - now please go on and visit the other quilters who are sharing:

Today's Contributers are:
July 7th
QuiltQuest (That's me)

See the list of all the blogs participating, click on the button on the side-bar of Jane's Fabrics!

47 comments:

  1. I've seen this method, but for my scrap system it wouldn't work. Thank you for sharing a new idea .

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  2. Fabulous tutorial, thanks for sharing. Cant wait to see the finished quilt.

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  3. A wonderful tutorial - must try this technique - looks like you have a lot of options with this block. Thank you for sharing. Judy C

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  4. Thanks for the tutorial , I'll have to give this a try and looking forward to seeing the baby quilt. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. I often wondered that there must be a way of joining squares rather than fiddle with little bits of fabric. Thanks for all the pictures and the marvellous tutorial.

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  6. Thank you for showing this technique. I will have to try it out.

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  7. This is going to make a wonderful baby quilt - they love bright colors. :) blessings, marlene

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  8. Great tutorial--thanks! Love your blocks!

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  9. Thanks for the tutorial. I'll definitely have to try it sometime and I'm looking forward to seeing your FMQ results! :)

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  10. Thank you for the great tutorial. I can use all the help I am able to find. Thank you for sharing in the hop. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  11. Thanks for the tut! Great to hop with you!

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  12. What a great technique. I can't wait to try it!

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  13. Wow!!!! I love these and the tutorial!!!! Thanks

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  14. amazing possibilities..looks like you had fun with this one

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  15. What a great technique! That postage stamp quilt looks more possible!!!!

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  16. Oh, I love 4-patch blocks! Thanks for sharing some great ideas on making them. I see some scrappy ones in my future. ;o)

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  17. Can't wait to try this technique, thanks. I have become a follower.

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  18. Thanks for showing all of the 4 patch layouts, those are great.

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  19. This is amazing.I learn something new everyday. Can't wait to try this out.

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  20. Happ Hop Day! Love your tutorial.Oh the things you can do, such possibilities. Great job and I cannot wait to the finished project!

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  21. Thank you so much for the reminder! I was once fortunate enough to take a class from the lovely Billie Lauder and forgot this tip ... like you I don't like cutting little squares for the scrappy look, I'd rather sew strips :) I'm going to have to come back again and again for your reminders. Beautiful job!

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  22. I like scrappy quilts and this technique will save time...IF I can figure it out! It must be my old age but it is difficult for me to follow directions...your pictures really help. Thanks
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

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  23. Thanks for introducing me to the Billy Lauder videos. They're great! I like time saving tips.

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  24. Now that is a pretty cool technique. thanks for sharing.

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  25. I love Billie Lauder, I watch her videos all the time. I've done the 4 patch that way before and love the ease of it. thanks for the reminder.

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  26. Great turorial thanks for sharing it.

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  27. Very fun tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing it! :)

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  28. Thanks for sharing your tutorial.Great block!!

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  29. Beautiful 4-scrappy block and great tutorial.Thanks for sharing!

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  30. Way cool!!! I love the way you show us so many different ways to use the four-patch - never would have thought of some of those ways!!! Thanks for sharing your creativity!!!

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  31. That is way cool way to do a 4 patch and hope to try it soon.

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  32. You taught me something new! Thanks for the tutorial on ways to use the four patch!

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  33. Great blocks and what a neat technique!! Thanks for sharing!

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  34. That is a really clever way to do the 4-patch! I will have to try it. Thanks!

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  35. Gosh what a great way to make a four patch. I've never seen that way so it was neat. I'm going to try it out for sure. Great job and Thanks for sharing.

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  36. Thank you for the great tutorial! Thank you for sharing :)

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  37. Very cool technique! Thanks so much for sharing it.

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  38. Thanks for the tut! It sure makes it look easy. I'll have to try that.

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  39. That is a lot of 4 patches very soon! Beats cutting them out one by one! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  40. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tutorial! I love it!!

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  41. I will definitely use your technique for making 4-squares. Thanks so much for participating--I love seeing new things!

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  42. great blocks - thanks for sharing :)

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Feedback is welcome!