Double Four Patch Quilt Block with Accuquilt Go!

The double four patch quilt block is an easy quilt block and a variation on the four patch quilt block. 

This quilt block is made with three fabrics: light, medium, and dark. 

This four patch quilt block can be laid out in many different configurations and color combinations to make completely different-looking double four-patch quilts.

Look at the end of this tutorial for some interesting layout options.  

Watch the video below or keep reading for a photo tutorial to make this easy double four patch quilt pattern.

WHAT YOU NEED for the double four patch Quilt block

• Accuquilt Go! Cutter with Qube (any size) - dies are marked with numbers on them.  The size of the die will be different for each Qube.
  • Die 1 (small square)
  • Die 2 (large square)
• OR Rotary Cutter, Mat, and Ruler
• Light, Medium & Dark Fabrics
• Thread
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

Accuquilt Cutting Instructions for the double four patch quilt block

Step 1: Calculate the Number of Strips Needed

Any of the Accuquilt Go! Qubes have the dies (#1 & #2) needed to create this block.  The size of your Qube will determine the finished size of the block.  My 10" Qube will make a finished 10" block. 

The size of the finished quilt blocks before being sewn into the quilt will be 10.5" which accounts for the seam allowances.

The size and number of strips needed will also vary according to your Qube size. To determine the size strip to cut, measure the width of the dark grey section on the Accquilt die.  Add 1/4" to 1/2" extra to this measurement and cut strips from the fabric.

To make one double four patch quilt block, only one strip from each color will be needed.  When making multiple blocks, calculate the number of strips you will need to cut.

Each double four patch quilt block needs 4 light squares, 4 medium squares, and two dark squares.  Calculate the total number of blocks needed for your quilt:

4 light squares * [Number of Quilt Blocks] = [Total Light Squares]

If your quilt has 10 double four patch quilt blocks, this would make 40 light squares, 40 medium squares, and 20 dark squares.

The easiest way to calculate the number of strips needed is to cut the first strip and use the Accuquilt cutter and die to cut the squares from the first strip.  This will give you an idea of how many squares you can cut from each strip. 

Calculate how many more strips you need by dividing the [Total Light Squares] by the number cut from the first strip.  Always round up to the next whole number.  Since one strip was already cut, subtract one and this is the number of strips remaining to cut.

[Total Light Squares] / [Number Squares cut from the first strip] = [Number Strips Needed] (round to next whole number) and subtract one.

Calculate how many strips are needed for each color.  It's likely the light & medium colors will need the same number of strips.

Step 2: Cut the Strips with the Accuquilt Cutter

An Accuquilt cutter will cut all of the squares needed for this block very quickly.  If you would like to learn more about the Accuquilt cutting system including a demonstration and pros and cons, click the link for our review.

Take your first strip and fan-fold it over the dark section of the die until you have up to six layers of quilters cotton. 

Place the cutting mat over the fabric and send it through the cutter.

The same strip can be fan-folded again until it's too small to cut any more blocks.

Repeat the process with the two dies and the fabric strips until you have cut enough blocks for your quilt. 

Rotary Cutting Instructions for the double four patch Quilt block

This double four-patch quilt block is still easy to make even if you do not have an Accuquilt Go! cutter.  Use your rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to cut the squares needed.

To make one 10.5" (10" finished) double four patch quilt block, cut the following:

• 4 - 3" Squares from Light Fabric
• 4 - 3" Squares from Medium Fabric
• 2 - 5.5" Squares from Dark Fabric

Cut enough squares for your entire quilt.

Assembly Instructions for 4 patch Quilt blocks

Step 1: Sew the small blocks together

The first step in assembling this block is to sew together the two 4 patch blocks.  There are different layout options for the four patch blocks so you will need to choose the layout you prefer. 

For my quilt blocks, I mixed in some butterfly blocks with the tulips.  Traditionally, the four patches would be made with the same two fabrics throughout.

Whichever orientation of the fabrics you choose, just sew all in the same way. If your fabric is directional, it will be important to sew half the sections together with the light fabric on the left and the other half with the light fabric on the right side.

If your fabrics are not directional, they can all be sewn together and then flipped into the proper placements.

Take the first two light and medium fabrics side by side.  Put them right sides together and sew the seam on the right side of the squares.

Thread your machine with neutral thread and bobbin color.  I usually will use white or cream for piecing.  Set the machine to a straight stitch at the default length.  Sew a 1/4" seam.

FASTER CHAIN PIECING METHOD

To sew the four patch sections together quickly, use the chain piecing method.  This method of piecing saves on the thread and is much faster since you do not cut your thread after each piece. 

To start, I placed my two fabrics side by side as shown below.

Then, put the first two pieces right sides together.  Sew along the right side as before but when you get to the end, just stitch off the end of the square.

Take your next two pieces, with right sides together, and put them up against the presser foot.  Start stitching and it will pull the piece under the presser foot and stitch.  

Continue along in this method and all of the small squares will be attached together in a long string like shown in the photo below.

Cut them apart as you are ironing.

Step 2: Iron the Seams

Iron all of the seams towards the medium fabric.  This will help when you assemble in the next step to get your blocks matched up.

Below are the piles of blocks ironed.  Since my fabric is directional, I sewed half with the yellow fabric on the left and the other half with the yellow fabric on the right.

Step 3: Finish the 4 patch block

Take two sections and lay them in the correct orientation as shown in the photo below.

Flip the one on top of the other and then sew the center seam with a 1/4" seam allowance. If the seams were pressed in the same direction, they will lock together in the center.

Sew all of the four patch blocks together using the chain piecing method as shown in the photo below.

Since I was mixing the butterfly squares into the blocks, I placed the butterflies in different locations.  The butterflies will be a little surprise hidden throughout the quilt.

Step 4: Iron the 4 patch block

Iron the seams to either side.  You will have a stack of completed four patch blocks.

Final Assembly Instructions to make the double four patch Quilt block

Below, I have the double four-patch quilt block layout with the larger squares in the corners and the four patches in the opposite corners.

Sew the top two side-by-side pieces together by taking the large square and flipping it on top of the four patch on the left, right sides together.  Sew them together with a 1/4" seam.

Next, flip the bottom two together with the four patch on top and right sides together.  Sew the 1/4" seam.

Press the seams towards the dark fabric.

Place the two rectangles right sides together and sew the final seam to finish the double four patch quilt block.

Press the seam to one side.  Below is a photo of the finished double four patch quilt block.

Below is another sample of a double four patch quilt block.  This one was assembled with the larger square on the left side.

To see some 4 patch quilt block variations, click the link for a Google image search.

For a tutorial on how to make a Double Four Patch Quilt with Feature Fabric, follow the link.

Other Accuquilt Go! Block Tutorials:

• Accuquilt Go! Propeller Quilt Block Tutorial - This block can be made with any Go! Qube.
• Accuquilt Hunter's Star Quilt Block Tutorial - Have you wanted to make a Hunter's star quilt but it intimidated you?  Don't be!  This a Hunter's Star Block on Board die makes it easy to get matching points.  Read our tutorial for many tips on assembling these blocks.
• Windy Pinwheel Block Tutorial - use your Accquilt Qube or traditional methods to make this block. We have instructions for both methods.
• Clay's Choice Block Tutorial - your Accquilt Qube will make the cutting and assembly of this pinwheel variation block quicker and easier!
• Learn Two Ways to Machine Applique with Accuqilt Shape Dies  

Some other quilt tutorials you may be interested in are below.

• Hunter's Star Quilt Tutorial
• I Spy Quilt Tutorial
• Pinwheel Quilt
• Sweet Bees Baby Quilt