Beginner block
Four patch quilt pattern
A queen-size four patch quilt is 86″ × 110″: 130 8″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 9⅝ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 7⅞ yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. Four squares in a checkerboard: the simplest pieced block there is. Thrifty quilters used it to turn the smallest scraps into whole quilts.
How much fabric for a four patch quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 62″ × 70″ | 86″ × 110″ | 110″ × 110″ |
| Blocks | 7 × 8 = 56 | 10 × 13 = 130 | 13 × 13 = 169 |
| Snow (blocks) | 1¾ yd | 3⅞ yd | 5 yd |
| Peach (blocks, border, binding) | 3 yd | 5¾ yd | 7 yd |
| Top and binding | 4¾ yd | 9⅝ yd | 12 yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 4 yd | 7⅞ yd | 9⅞ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF | 12 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 70″ × 78″ (twin) | 94″ × 118″ (king) | 118″ × 118″ (king) |
Cutting for one four patch block
Four squares, two light and two dark. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Every piece is a square or rectangle: cut it the finished size plus ½″ for the two ¼″ seams.
| Fabric | 4″ block | 5″ block | 6″ block | 8″ block | 10″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | 2 squares 2½″ | 2 squares 3″ | 2 squares 3½″ | 2 squares 4½″ | 2 squares 5½″ |
| Light | 2 squares 2½″ | 2 squares 3″ | 2 squares 3½″ | 2 squares 4½″ | 2 squares 5½″ |
Block diagram
- A Light (Snow)
- B Dark (Peach)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen four patch quilt?
About 9⅝ yd for the top and binding (3⅞ yd of snow, 5¾ yd of peach), plus 7⅞ yd of backing. That is for 86″ × 110″ with 8″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a four patch block?
It is drawn on a 2 × 2 grid, so it works best at 4", 5", 6", 8", 10" finished. 8" is the most common size.
Is four patch good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only squares and rectangles, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Four patch is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026