From Janet Wickell,
Your Guide to Quilting.
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How we Analyze Patchwork Quilt Blocks

We often refer to patchwork quilt blocks by the grid arrangement of their patches, such as four-patch, nine-patch and five-patch. Those terms reveal how a block is arranged, and once you understand how to analyze their structures, designing a quilt is a breeze.

Think of an initial grid of squares as your starting point -- like a piece of graph paper. Each grid can be be subdivided to create more grids, but the basic framework of the initial grid remains the same. Patchwork quilt blocks are exactly the same, and with a little practice you'll instantly recognize any type of layout.

Four Patch Quilt Blocks

Four-patch quilt blocks are one of the most commonly used designs. They initially contain four equal squares arranged in a grid of two across and two down. You'll see the beginning grid in the left and middle illustrations above.

Four patch grids in the block on the right have been subdivided, but you can still see the block's original four patch structure.

Four-Patch Quilt Block Patterns

• Easy Mock Basket Weave Quilt Blocks
• Maryland Beauty
• Cactus Pot Quilt
• More Quilt Patterns and Quilt Block Patterns