Easy Four-Patch Rag Quilt Pattern

By Janet Wickell, About.com Guide

Assemble the Four-Patch Blocks

Set your machine to sew a shorter than normal stitch length. Shorter stitches help keep seams intact when edges are clipped to encourage fraying.

1. Decide how you want to arrange the four small squares in four-patch blocks. Lay out components of a block next to your sewing machine.

2. Align the two sandwiches in the top row wrong sides together. Sew the sandwiches together along one edge with a 1/2" seam allowance. Repeat for the bottom row.

3. Join the rows, again placing wrong sides together. Push seam allowances in opposite directions and butt intersections together before you sew. (You can also try pushing allowances to each side of the seam and matching the blocks.)

   Use the first block for a visual reference as you assemble the remaining four patch blocks. That may sound silly -- these are very simple quilt blocks -- but it's easy to place a patch in the wrong position while becoming accustomed to this "backwards" sewing method.

4. To save time, chain piece all of the top row stacks, then do the same with the bottom row stacks. Remember to use a 1/2" seam allowance.

5. Clip the threads between units. Stack the top and bottom row pairs next to your sewing machine, arranging them to form the correct block layout.

6. Chain piece the rows together along their middle seam. Finger press the blocks open.

Take a minute to look at the backs of your quilt blocks. They have the finished look that we normally see on the top side of a quilt, making the rag quilt easily reversible.

Previous

• Learn How to Make a Rag Quilt with This Easy Pattern
• Get Familiar with Rag Quilt Basic Construction Methods
• Assemble the Rag Quilt's Four-Patch Quilt Blocks
• Assemble the Four Patch Rag Quilt
• Clip Seam Allowances and Finish the Rag Quilt
• Inspect the Rag Quilt for Broken Seams

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