Making the 4-Patch Units

Last week I posted the cutting instructions for That Quirky Scrap Quilt (along) and today we are making the (52) 4-patch units. (See this post for an overview of the quilt.) I was worried that it would take forever to make 52 units, but they came together quickly. (They would have come together even quicker if I hadn't 'sewn' 10 of them together without bobbin thread! I hate it when that happens.)

First choose a light and dark 2 1/2" strips. Having a light and dark strip isn't strictly necessary, but I want to have a distinct light/dark pattern. Note that a fabric can be both 'light' and 'dark' depending on the other fabric it is paired with. If you are using scrap strips of varying lengths, choose two that are approximately the same length. Sew right sides together along the length of the strip with a quarter inch seam.

Set the seam by pressing the stitching line while the strips are still right sides together. Then press strips open. Do not run the iron up and down the seam because it can make the strips curve.

Square up the edge of the strip then cut 2 1/2" wide pieces off the the length of the strip.

Take two units, invert one, match seams and sew together. You can pin the seam, but after the first 10, 20 or 30 you probably won't need to anymore. :)