Three Great Quilt Designs From a Simple 4-Patch Block

How to make a 4-patch quilt block, Nancy Zieman, Change up Patchwork.

Three Great Quilt Designs From a Simple 4-Patch Block

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How to make a 4-patch quilt block, Nancy Zieman, Change up Patchwork.

A 4-patch block—a simple,  yet elegant patchwork design—has such potential! Start with the basics, then make a few simple modifications, to change what was traditional into modern! Presto,  you’re a quilt designer, creating one-of-a-kind designs. Welcome to Sewing With Nancy’s first episode of the 3-part series, Change-Up Patchwork.

A 3-color 4-patch serves as the basis for this blog and corresponding TV show.

Easy 4-patch quilts by Nancy Zieman, Change-up Patchwork

Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt

Begin your change-up patchwork journey with a traditional 4-patch. Mix up the line-up using three different sizes of 4-patches for 4″, 8″, and 16″ finished quilt blocks. The various sizes of 4-patch blocks are cleverly combined with solid blocks to create a modern small–to-large block theme. It’s a can-do quilt!

How to make a 4-patch quilt block, Nancy Zieman, Change up Patchwork.

  • Learn how to create rows of 4-patch blocks and squares. The different sizes of the 4-patch blocks nest together!

How to make a 4-patch quilt block by Nancy Zieman as seen on Sewing With Nancy

  • Lay out the quilt rows and watch the Can-Do 4-patch Quilt take shape. (We laid out the rows on our studio floor. Can you spot some of our “spike” marks that we use for lighting?)

How to make a 4-patch quilt block by Nancy Zieman as seen on Sewing With Nancy

Spinning 4-Patch

The beauty of this quilt is its simplicity! Tweak the sizes of the 4-patch strips and the patchwork design gives the illusion of movement when four blocks are combined. Use bold, bright batik fabrics or your fabric print/solid combination. Remember, you’re the quilt designer.

How to make a 4-patch quilt block, Nancy Zieman, Change up Patchwork.

TV show and book detail how to change the sizes of the strips. Featured is a 4-patch design, an uneven 4-patch. The block by itself doesn’t look like much

How to make a 4-patch quilt block by Nancy Zieman as seen on Sewing With Nancy

 . . .but arrange four of the same blocks together—presto, a Spinning 4-Patch!

How to make a 4-patch quilt block by Nancy Zieman as seen on Sewing With NancyHigh-Low 4-Patch

A block that is usually symmetrical takes on a totally different feel when what was balanced becomes uneven. Don’t change the sewing steps, only the strip sizes. Can you see the strata sections? Watch the show online and you’ll get all the details!

How to make a 4-patch quilt block by Nancy Zieman as seen on Sewing With NancyIt’s an ideal block for a table runner.

How to make a 4-patch quilt block, Nancy Zieman, Change up Patchwork.

Watch Change-Up Patchwork on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app. 

Change- Up Patchwork, part one, Nancy Zieman, Sewing With Nancy

Book Features Nine Great Quilts

Find these easy 4-patch quilts, and six additional quilts, in the new Change-Up Patchwork Book and DVD or in the Change-Up Patchwork Starter Set

How to Sew Easy Four-Patch Quits by Nancy Zieman on the TV Show Sewing With Nancy TV Show

How to Sew Easy Four-Patch Quits by Nancy Zieman on the TV Show Sewing With Nancy TV Show

Nancy’s Notions is giving away one copy of the new book, Change-Up Patchwork. Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway, telling us which of these designs you’d like to make.

Nancy Zieman's Giveaway Winner

Thanks for leaving comments regarding the last two week’s blogs titled, Cabin Fever Quilts, Amazingly Easy Quilt Designs. and Cabin Fever Quilts20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts. The random winner of the book, Cabin Fever Quilts is Susan K. She shared: I like the stretched log cabin block as something unusual and with a modern twist. I also like the downtown cabins quilt for its bold look—I could see it in almost any fabric style from traditional, to batik, to modern. Lovely quilts!

Cabin_Fever_20_Modern_Log_Cabin_Quilts_by_Natalia_Bonner_and_Kathleen_Whiting

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.

Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

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123 Comments

  • Dee Byler
    December 17, 2015

    I like the Can DO 4_Patch. I’m always looking for quick and easy patterns. I make Chemo quilts for the local hospital with my quilt guild.

  • Sandra Chavez
    December 17, 2015

    I love the spinning 4-patch. It is so festive and has a folksy look.

  • Candace W
    December 17, 2015

    Quilting is a new for me and the high low 4 patch would be great to get me going!

  • Rachela
    December 17, 2015

    Oooooooo….the Can-Do! And I love the colors you chose Nancy! My stash ‘somehow’ has a lot more black fabric than I remember buying, so I too will be making a Can-Do that has black as the anchor color.

  • Kate Thompson
    December 17, 2015

    Intrigued by the reworking of the four patch. Loved what you did to this iconic block.

  • Debra K Courtney
    December 17, 2015

    I like the Spinning 4-Patch. I like to try different patterns. I’ve been quilting for 5 years, & love it. I belong to an organization called “Quilts For Kids”, we donate quilts to children in the hospitals. We also make pillowcases and donate them to a different organization. We meet the 2nd Sat of each month, a new pattern is presented to us to make. We also have kits ready to take home and make, then turn them in at the next mtg’ing.

  • Ilana
    December 17, 2015

    I’d like to try the high-low 4-patch.

  • Diane C
    December 17, 2015

    I like the Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt, but also the spinning 4 patch

  • Enid
    December 17, 2015

    I like the Can do 4 patch. There are so many variations that can be made in the layout.

  • Mary Mortland
    December 17, 2015

    I love the spinning 4 patch design!

  • Bev M
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the Spinning Four Patch. It is cheerful and has great movement.

  • VickiT
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt most. The High Low 4 Patch would be a good one to put a fussy cut design or a special focus fabric into as well though.

  • Mary Gerth
    December 17, 2015

    I love the high low patch block as you can do so much with the color variation and design placement

  • Carol P
    December 17, 2015

    I like them all, but the spinning 4 patch look like a nice one to teach a friend who would like to start quilting. Starting with the larger blocks and working to the smaller ones.

  • Nancy N
    December 17, 2015

    I like the spinning 4-patch. It provides great movement and can be made scrappy.

  • Suzanne. Tetreault
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the spinning 4 patch design !

  • Sandra
    December 17, 2015

    Yes I would like to be the winner of the book.

  • Linda E in AZ
    December 17, 2015

    I’d like to try all of them – I make LOTS of community quilts for our guild, and these are perfect patterns for them.
    thanks!

  • BONNIE THIEM
    December 17, 2015

    I like them all but the High-Low 4 Patch is my favorite. Thanks.

  • Theresa cussimanio
    December 17, 2015

    I think the different size 4 patch would be a great veteran quilt to make and give away to a veteran in your local area.

  • Karen McDanel
    December 17, 2015

    I like the can do 4 patch. It breaks away from the traditional quilt block look.

  • Dianne Patterson
    December 17, 2015

    I LOVE the graduation in the Can Do 4 patch and have the perfect fabric to make it pop. I can’t wait to get started!

  • Julie Spangler
    December 17, 2015

    I love the spinning 4 patch. Ideas that I don’t imagine but love when i see.

  • Helen Owen
    December 17, 2015

    I love the Can-Do 4 Patch – looks fresh and complicated but it’s so easy!

  • Cynthia Laurens
    December 17, 2015

    Both of my young granddaughters are learning to sew and one really wants to quilt. I like the idea of small to large and will use it as a teaching tool to get her started on her own quilt. Thanks, Nancy.

  • Diane Q
    December 17, 2015

    I’m not much of a quilter, but these blocks look easy to sew and are very appealing to look at making me want to start on a quilt after the holidays.

  • Toni A.
    December 17, 2015

    Oh, the places this block could go——endless options.

  • Adele Swanson
    December 17, 2015

    That is the coolest thing I’ve seen a quite a while !! Can’t wait to watch the shows online

  • Dorisjean
    December 17, 2015

    I love the can do pattern and I think I “can do” that one!! Love your shows and books!! Thanks for all you do!! Merry Christmas!!

  • Gale Betterly
    December 17, 2015

    I’m intrigued by the uneven patch sizes. So much for thinking that all of the pieces had to be the same x inch squares! I’m thinking about a sampler table runner using several of these ideas before launching into a quilt for my guest room. Thanks for challenging me to think outside the box.

  • Diana W.
    December 17, 2015

    Love the “wow” effect of the first quilt, black, hot pink & white!! Plus blending all the sizes together – what an effect!! Would love to spend time playing with all the different blocks to see what could be designed.

  • Belinda Braeuler
    December 17, 2015

    I love the can-do quilt. It has so much movement.

  • Laurel Lee Pedersen
    December 17, 2015

    Lots of great ideas for quickly designing quilts that look complicated, yet are very easy! Thank you!

  • Cindy Schultz
    December 17, 2015

    I like them all, but I would probably try the spinning 4 patch first then try the high-low 4 patch. I love the bright colors in the spinning 4 patch and the modern look of the high-low 4 patch.

  • Pat Hanna
    December 17, 2015

    The High-Low 4-Patch table runner would be my first choice. I am wanting to make a table runner and that design is clean and sharp looking and think it would look great on my dinning room table.

  • Rhonda Davis
    December 17, 2015

    I like the spinning 4-patch the best. I would like to use bright, bold colors.

  • Carol Parker
    December 17, 2015

    I love to quilt with lots of color. I am a big fan of the disappearing nine patch, but can’t wait to try the Spinning Four Patch. My three year old granddaughter helps me quilt ( she has already tried her hand at a wall hanging for her mommy) and I know she would love the colors in this one. Thanks for the fantastic ideas in this blog.

  • Frances Naylor
    December 17, 2015

    I love the spinning 4 patch, the colors and patterns you could use would be endless, I love the brightness and boldness of this quilt. Very eye catching.

  • Terry Weingart
    December 17, 2015

    Would definitely do the Can-do 4 patch & the Spinning 4 patch

  • Dawn
    December 17, 2015

    I love the High-Low 4 patch. It would make a stunning bed quilt.

  • Jenean M
    December 17, 2015

    First I want to thank you for your daily blog. I so look forward to reading them and have learned so much. You truly are an inspiration to thousands of quilters. I really like the Can-Do 4-Patch Quilt. I like the movement that it creates. Thank you again for everything.

  • Stella
    December 17, 2015

    How wonderful to take a simple block and make it look so different in each quilt. I’d be excited to try this out if I win the book. Thank you for the opportunity.

  • Evie H
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the Spinning Four Patch. Love the bright colors and the motion. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Christine
    December 17, 2015

    This is just perfect; I am a beginner quilter, Thanks

  • Brenda Ackerman
    December 17, 2015

    I especially liked the Can Do 4 Patch Quilt! It never ceases to amaze me when I see a traditional block changed only with color value and variable sizes and yet the spectacular changes that occur. This design is one that really made me sit back and go WOW! So, Yes, I would love to make this quilt and would love to see what other quilts are waiting inside the cover to be discovered and created also! Thank You for sharing and having this great give away! Have a wonderful creative day!

  • Judy Crider
    December 17, 2015

    I love all the options from simple start!

  • LINDA Gillian
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the spinning 4 patch. I would try the others also, but the spinning 4 patch first.

  • Jo G
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the Can-Do 4 patch imagine all the color options

  • Pat
    December 17, 2015

    I would definitely like to make the spinning four patch. Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Donna G.
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the spinning patchwork. It’s so colorful!

  • Ann Coombs
    December 17, 2015

    I think the Spinning 4-patch is the one I would try. I’m an extreme beginner quilter & think I could ‘master’ this one. Thanks for all you do, Nancy. I’ve been a fan for over 20 years and have learned almost everything I know from you! Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

  • P. Muniz
    December 17, 2015

    I love the high low 4 patch. I would make the centers photos (or a pretty print). This pattern has many possibilities.

  • Janefaul
    December 17, 2015

    Will have to try these

  • Jean
    December 17, 2015

    I really like the spinning 4 patch and the high low table runner. I would make the table runner first.

  • Katharine Jenkins
    December 17, 2015

    I would really like to make the spinning 4-parch. It’s really hard to tell it is a 4-patch.

  • Mary Lou
    December 17, 2015

    I’d like to try the Spinning 4 Patch and I’m saying to myself “Why didn’t I think of that?” It would make a fun, quick baby quilt.

  • Donna W
    December 17, 2015

    I would like to make the Can Do 4-Patch. This is out of my normal box, but I am intrigued by it.

  • Peg G
    December 17, 2015

    That Can Do Quilt is just stunning and something so modern looking yet traditional.

  • Mary B
    December 17, 2015

    I love the spinning four patch, pinwheel are one of my favorite blocks, love this variation. It takes away that bulk in the center that is often problematic. Looking forward to seeing all variation, they look to be very versatile!

  • tina
    December 17, 2015

    I would love to try them all but I really like the high-low 4 patch. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Florine Carr
    December 17, 2015

    Spinning 4-patch- what a great way to use up your stash!
    Can hardly wait to try that one.

  • Shirley
    December 17, 2015

    always looking for a new way to use a block…

  • Barbara fleming
    December 17, 2015

    I can do it first and spinning next.

  • Martha
    December 17, 2015

    I like the uneven 4 patch because it looks hard but really easy. The colors you chose were great.

  • JonnieEarle
    December 17, 2015

    I like the High Low 4 patch and the table runner. Interesting but easy design. Thanks,

  • Susan
    December 17, 2015

    I want to try them all but especially the Can-Do quilt shown in black, pink & white. Fascinating.

  • Sharon Clark
    December 17, 2015

    I think the Can Do 4 Patch will be next, using red, black and white.

  • Starla
    December 17, 2015

    I love the pink and black quilt with the graduated sizes!

  • Joanne P.
    December 17, 2015

    I would love to make the Spinning 4 Patch. I like the pinwheel type quilt blocks.

  • Jerrie Chambers
    December 17, 2015

    I’m looking forward to making the spinning 4 patch. The colors used make it a perfect choice for children too!

  • Deb Mason
    December 17, 2015

    I like them all, lots of options by playing with color. These patterns will work great for boys/men charity quilts!!! Thanks Nancy

  • Donna N
    December 17, 2015

    High-low 4 patch is the pattern I would try first.

  • Sharon
    December 17, 2015

    That spinning four patch is very interesting. It’s hard to believe looking at the individual units that it could look so good. I’d love to win your new book. Thanks.

  • Barb W
    December 17, 2015

    All the designs are great, but the spinning 4 patch is on my next to make list

  • ANN S
    December 17, 2015

    “Can Do 4 Patch” THAT’S A WINNER

  • shirley cox
    December 17, 2015

    My favorite is the pink & black can do 4 patch. It is so clever

  • Adeline
    December 17, 2015

    Okay folks, change me up! I need a new idea for patchwork patterns for sure!

  • venita
    December 17, 2015

    I like the Can Do 4 Patch. My friend & I make a quilt each year for our church raffle and this looks like a fairly easy one. I love the idea of the changing blocks in all the quilts. Thank you

  • venita
    December 17, 2015

    I like the Can=Do 4 Patch. Each year my friend and I make a quilt for our church raffle and this looks like a fairly easy one.

  • Cyndi
    December 17, 2015

    I love the 4 patch block that increases in size. This looks like a fun quilt with great impact!!

    Thank you for the give away.

  • Francine Shea
    December 17, 2015

    Just getting into quilting. I would love this book. Thank you, Nancy, for the chance to enter this giveaway.

  • E. Ann
    December 17, 2015

    I love the simplicity of these designs. Yet results are stunning. It reminds me of helping family members hand quilt many years ago. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Rosalee
    December 17, 2015

    I love the look of High-Lo patchwork, thanks!!!

  • Diane F DBQ
    December 17, 2015

    I love the Spinning Four-Patch for its high contrast (as shown) and the movement it creates. Ease of piecing is also appealing and encouraging. Planning colors would be fun!

  • mae scott
    December 17, 2015

    I love the high-low pattern. I have a hard time with design and would love to have the know-how book. Thank you Nancy for all the wonderful post, I read every one.Have a blessed Christmas.

  • Maureen Scott
    December 17, 2015

    Oh I want to do the “Can Do” and the “Spinning 4-patch” they are both amazing and simple, but color and print could make every single one a different look! I’m going to be busy!

  • Marty
    December 17, 2015

    Love the High-low and look forward to making that with 4-patch blocks in January with “kid prints” to make Hospital charity quilts; thanks for the simple and effective design!

  • Patti
    December 17, 2015

    I’m going to make the High-Low tablerunner in your post! I’m a new quilter, so I really enjoy all your videos. Look forward to the emails. Thank you!

  • Mary Wippold
    December 17, 2015

    The Spinning 4 Patch is my favorite. I love the colors. I think I would want to make it more modern with a light gray in the larger part of the square and some eye-popping colors in the smaller part in the middle.

  • kathy
    December 17, 2015

    I love the look of the High Low 4 patch. On my list to do!! Thanks for the inspiration

  • Bonnie
    December 17, 2015

    I would love to make the Spinning 4-Patch. The bright colorful fabrics make a perfect project for a cold winter day. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  • Jan Carnes
    December 17, 2015

    The quilts are all interesting. The one that really captures me is the High – Low. I love the table runner shown.

  • Jennifer Reinke
    December 18, 2015

    Oh my! Just love these change- ups. Thank you for making me “think outside the Box”. The spinning 4 patch is wonderful and full of movement.

  • Rosemary Huppert
    December 18, 2015

    I love the “Can Do 4 Patch”, you can’t tell just by looking at it that it is only a 4 patch. I love simple patterns that I can use to make really nice charity quilts. Thank you Nancy!

  • Susan Putman
    December 18, 2015

    I would love to make the Spinning 4-Patch. I have a legendary stash of mottled batiks that would be perfect for this quilt. It would make a beautiful “first big bed” quilt for our grandson.

  • Susan Putman
    December 18, 2015

    It is definitely the Spinning 4-Patch for me – this would make a great “first big bed” quilt for our grandson.

  • Karen
    December 18, 2015

    I would like to make them all.

  • Deb M
    December 18, 2015

    The Spinning Four Patch looks like so much fun!

  • Ell
    December 18, 2015

    The high-low 4 patch looks more random and interesting.

  • Pat
    December 18, 2015

    Very interesting and simple ways to change up the 4 patch. I am so pleased the you are not only filming more programs but you are also designing new patterns for clothing. I look forward to more patterns.

  • Carole P.
    December 18, 2015

    I would like to make the Hi-low pattern and the Can-do 4 patch…..simple designs that are eye catchers!

  • Pat d.
    December 18, 2015

    I just love quilting.

  • Marianne Beach
    December 18, 2015

    So glad to see you back! Spinning 4 patch is what I’d like to make, if I won!

  • Mom C
    December 18, 2015

    I really like the different sizing of the 4 patches, it is an intriguing quilt pattern. Thanks

  • MarLane Dows
    December 18, 2015

    The Can Do 4 patch would be pretty in pale pinks with a strong accent color. That is what I would make

  • debe
    December 18, 2015

    I like the High-Low 4 patch. I sure like the method & I may actually get these done as they look do-able.

  • Mary Hutteman
    December 18, 2015

    I would like to do the spinning 4 patch.

  • Lillian K
    December 18, 2015

    The spinning 4 patch is interesting! Would love to learn more from the featured book.

  • Joanie
    December 19, 2015

    I like the hi low quilt pattern. It’s very interesting. Happy Holidays!

  • Cindy
    December 19, 2015

    I like the “Can Do” optical interest and think the spinning 4 patch could make a great kids quilt w/bright colors and fun prints

  • Rosalind Gutierrez
    December 20, 2015

    My eye is drawn to the Can-Do 4-Patch quilt done in pink & black.

  • Nargis
    December 20, 2015

    Nancy all the desings are great. I love the simplicity of these desings . My favorite is the spinning 4 patch nice for charity quilt . thanks for inspiration

  • Sue Tipton
    December 20, 2015

    Wow, they all look like fun to make, but the High-Low design looks 3D! I’d love to see that.
    Thanks for all you do. I am a 2nd generation watcher/follower of Nancy. Keep it up and God bless you and yours.

  • Denise Rehlander
    December 21, 2015

    Merry Christmas! Thanks for the giveaway! I like the spinning 4 patch with the sashing secondary pattern 🙂

  • Marge Dominic
    December 22, 2015

    I really like the “Spinning Four Patch” with the block in the sashing. makes a great scrap quilt.

  • ella ruth
    December 30, 2015

    I just love the 3 color 4 patch. I do like the spinning 4 patch, but the 3 color would probably be the easiest for me to start with. Thank you so much for sharing, Nancy. : )

  • Bea Perkins
    January 2, 2016

    Looking to retirement and the ability to devote more time to a sewing and you are an inspiration to me. I am inspired by your Change Up Patchwork to create more quilts for the Alzheimer Art Quilt Initiative.

  • Lynn Dean
    February 9, 2016

    I love the look of these quilts. I would love to make them all.

  • Maggie
    March 8, 2016

    I am a long time sewer and have resisted quilts but now I see that I could really create something beautiful with the instructions you give. I can understand them and I think this is what I should do and leave the “instant gratification” projects put aside while I enter into a new phase of my sewing projects. Thanks

  • Pam Wick
    June 10, 2016

    Can Do 4Patch and Vintage too!!!

  • Pam Clouthier
    October 8, 2016

    I love to sew and would enjoy working with all 4 patch blocks with Nancy

  • Pam Clouthier
    October 8, 2016

    I love four patch patch blocks with Nancy. Thank you.

  • debbie
    November 7, 2016

    I like the can do 4 patch …

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