FABULOUS FOUR-PATCH

Supply List

Use variations on the basic 4-patch including a quick and easy “4-patch” that is composed of triangles to create interesting quilts.  Learn about how to manipulate value (light and dark), texture, scale (the size of the print) and color in your quilts to get a fabulous quilt every time. 

Fabric:

The fabrics that you pick for this project don’t necessarily have to “match”, what’s most important is that the darks be really dark, the lights be as light as possible but still show up against the beige, white or ecru background fabrics.  The medium fabrics should bridge the gap between the darks and lights.  (Look at the sample).  You will need approximately ¼ yard of the following:

• 3 dark fabrics
• 3 medium fabrics
• 3 light fabrics

Dark, medium and light, refer the value of the fabric, not the color. Choose fabrics with varying textures and scales.  It is certainly ok to bring more fabrics to work with.

You will also need the following:

• ½ yard total of beige, white or ecru fabrics
• ½ yard of fabric for borders
• 1 yard of fabric for a back
• approximately ½ yard of fabric for binding
• Bring extra scraps of fabric to try techniques with.  It is important to have the freedom to try things without committing to making a whole quilt!

Bring fabric that is prepared to work with.  Which means, pre-wash if you are going to pre-wash (sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t).  Either way, press the fabric, and re-fold with the selvedge edges together, so that the folded edge is also even (no bunches). 

Other Supplies:

• Pen or pencil for taking notes
• Square ruler – 6” or 8” square ruler (optional)
• Long ruler – 12” x 6” or 24” x 6”
• Rotary cutter
• Rotary cutting mat
• Sharp pencil or other fabric-marking tool of your choice (for use on the wrong side of fabric)
• Sewing machine and basic machine sewing supplies, including:
  •       Thread for piecing (I recommend light gray)
  •       Extra machine needles
  •       ¼ inch foot
  •       Straight pins