Analyze Patchwork Quilt Blocks
We can categorize patchwork quilt blocks by the gridded 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 bone structures, designing a quilt is a breeze.Imagine a 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 their structure.
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 can see that basic grid in the left and middle illustrations above.Four patch grids in the block on the right have been subdivided, but the block's original four-patch structure is still recognizable. Most four-patch quilt blocks have subdivided units. Take a look at some of the patterns below to see if you recognize their original grid.
