Quick Cut and Chain Piece Four Patch Units

You might be surprised at how quickly you can quick cut and chain piece with Perfect Patchwork Templates, too. Try this wonderful technique for making four patches. 

 

  • Place two fabrics right sides together.
  • Cut strips the width of the square template you are using.
  • If the strips weren't 6 or 8 fabric layers high when you cut them, layer them now.
  • Cut squares and nip the corners.
  • Chain piece, picking up two pieces at a time so they don't shift out of alignment. Alternate the fabric that is on top (this pair light on top, that pair dark). The chain can be as long as you want.
  • Press seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Cut apart in pairs. Place the first pair right sides together and sew into a four-patch. Chain piece the remaining pairs.

Here's a quick video on swirl pressing the centers -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVXi3hrsSiY

Excerpted from the Encyclopedia of Patchwork Blocks, Volume 1 published by Michell Marketing, Inc. ©1995 Martha G. Michell

Finished Sizes of Perfect Patchwork Templates Squares

It is true that, with a ruler, you can cut strips any size you can measure. These 21 Perfect Patchwork Template squares, between 1” and 6” finished size, are currently available and have matching half square triangles:

Download a printable PDF.