How to Make a Patchwork Quilt

The term patchwork refers to fabric cut into different shapes and sizes and sewn together to form a large block. Several blocks make up a quilt. There are several types of patchwork blocks, such as a four patch, nine patch, double nine patch, churn dash and Ohio star. This example show you how to construct a four patch block quilt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Cut a 6 ½ inch square from cardboard to make a template for the large square. With your rotary cutter and cutting mat, make 50 squares of this size from various fabrics of different colors and designs.

2. Make strips of fabric 3 ½ inches wide from various gingham and striped fabric with a rotary ruler and cutter.

3. Sew two strips right side together along the long edge. Press seams to one side.

4. Cut the pieced strips 3 ½ inches wide using the cutter and ruler. You need 98 paired pieces. Press seams to one side.

5. Place two sets of pairs right side together. Carefully sew, matching seams together. Press seams to one side. You need 49 newly sewn blocks.

6. Rotate the large squares and the four-patch squares, while you sew together nine blocks to create a row. You need 11 rows to complete the quilt. Press seams to one side.

7. Sew all 11 rows together to form the quilt top. Be careful to match the seams. Press seams to one side when completed.

8. Cut backing and batting 1 inch larger than quilt top. Put quilt together in layers: backing right side down, batting and quilt top right side up. Carefully pin layers together all over quilt. Zigzag around edges.

9. Use crochet cotton to tie double knots at alternating blocks to help hold quilt layers in place.

10. Finish the edges of the quilt. Turn the backing ¼ inch so wrong sides are together. Next, turn it over to the quilt top, making sure all edges are covered. Pin and sew using an invisible stitch.