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.
- 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.
- Align the top row sandwiches wrong sides together. Sew the middle seam with a 1/2" seam allowance. Repeat for the bottom row.
- Join the rows, placing wrong sides together. Push seam allowances in opposite directions and butt together before you sew.
Use the first block for a visual reference as you assemble the remaining blocks. That may sound silly--these are very easy blocks--but it's easy to place a patch in the wrong position while becoming accustomed to this "backwards" sewing method.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.


