Uneven Four Patch Block Tutorial

Uneven Four Patch Block Tutorial

Hello Everyone!    I’ve made some lovely scrappy blocks to share with you today.  For some time now I have had some very lonely half square triangle blocks lying around. I wasn’t quite sure where to go with them?  Although I do love Half Square Triangle Blocks, I felt these  needed something…

I previously discussed Uneven Nine Patch Blocks Antique Style. Here is the link.

Uneven Nine Patch Block Tutorial

Recently, I created the Floral Coins Blocks.  I enjoyed this project so much as there was only one  unit to cut, but even despite that, it still makes a beautiful quilt.   Here is the link.

Floral Coins Blocks

The combination of the One Patch, vs the Uneven Nine Patch and my lonely half square triangle blocks,  were my inspiration to this Uneven Four Patch.  I have a box of 1 1/2” strips cut which I was anticipting being part of a Log Cabin Quilt…..one day.  Well that hasn’t happened!!!  So, I might as well use them.  You could cut your own, or use a honeybun strips if you have some lying around.

I think this block has a lot of possibilities.  When blocks which are assymetrical are used, this increases the possibility of design, I think.  It increases the mathematical potential.  Its still a four patch, it only has four pieces, but its uneven.  And, you can use up a few scraps too!

BTW I hand dyed the background fabic.  I think it helps highlight the beautiful flowers in the scraps. Here is how I did that.

Antique Pink Fabric Dye 

That is how I came to make these blocks. All seams based on 1/4”.

Block size  5” x 5”

This is how I do it.

Uneven Four Patch Block Requirements 
1 of 4 1/2” x 4 1/2”  printed square
1 of 4 1/2” x 4 1/2” neutral square
1 of 1 1/2” x 4 “ strip

1 of 1 1/2” x 5” strip

Method
Take the two 4 1/2” squares.  put them right side together.  Draw a diagional line on the wrong side of the neutral square.  Sew a 1/4” seam along each side of the line.  Cut along the line.
 Open the blocks.  Press and trim to 4” x 4” square.
Take a 1 1/2” x 4” strip.  Sew to the upper side of one block.  You can chain these blocks through.  I’m treadling along on my Singer 15 from 1902.   She may be elderly but she still gorgeous!
 Then sew the 1 1/2” x 5” strip to the adjacent side as pictured below.  There it is.  Still a four patch, but definitely uneven!
Here is how they are looking so far.
 I think they have a lot of possibilities.  They could be teamed with 5” x 5” Charm Squares.  The strips could be continued to make a half Log Cabin blocks.  They could be sashed, or left as they are or even set on point.
You can make a different Pinwheel Block like this…
Or a scrappy Spool Block variation…
Or just grouped together in a scrappy Snowball variation like this …
And many more.  I’ll let you know how I put them together.  BTW I would love to see how you put them together if you decide to make some!
Have a great day!
Susie

7 thoughts on “Uneven Four Patch Block Tutorial”

  1. Hi Susie,
    I was definitely meant to see this post today…I had sewn half square triangles together of 2 vintage fabrics and when I was setting them up I realized they looked “blah”…and they are in a pile…for months…so since it’s weekend…I’m going to do this technique and liven those squares up. Thanks!

  2. I love what you’ve done here! I have about 90 half square triangles made with white,. and was looking to find an intreating way to use them. Will be for someday. Thank you.

  3. I absolutely love your scrappy snowball block! My sewing room is full of scraps and I need to use them up! Would love to use this block in a quilt. I love to make quilts but can only use so many, so I make a few to sell on Etsy. Do you have any objection to people selling quilts inspired by your blocks? If so, please let me know. I always list the inspiration for my quilts when listing and will be sure to mention your site if all is ok with you. Thank you.

    Beth

    1. Dear Beth, thank you so much for your lovely comment! That is okay with me. All the best for your sales. Susie

      1. Susie, Thank you so much! My sewing room is inundated with scraps! I am very excited to make this block. It is very beautiful. 🙂

        Beth

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