This tutorial is about about how to make the patchwork block ” Unknown Four Patch”. It’s our next block using From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A and I’m really excited. This block is made with only 2 shapes and it blows my mind how much variety you can make with just 2 shapes and different fabric placement.

Block information

Block Number + Name: 07 – Unknown Four Patch

Quilt Pattern: Homeward Bound Sampler for Free Block Friday. Enter your details below to get your copy of the pattern.

Construction Method: From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates and Rulers

From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates Used:

• From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A

I’ve put together bundles of the templates and rulers I used for this project and you can find them in my online shop.

Make Your Own Templates

If you’d prefer to make your own templates the pattern comes with free printables of the templates so that you can make your own. To help you with making your own templates I’ve done a tutorial showing you one way to make them.

Before You Sew

• I pressed to my own preference; a mixture of open and to one side. I’ve provided a photograph of the back of the block so you can see how I did it.
• I used a Schmetz 70/10 needle.
• I used Wonderfil Konfetti Cotton 50wt in Pale Grey (KT906) thread for piecing.
• I used the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A
• I used  Flatter by Soak in Yuzu 248ml as my starch.
• I used a design board to layout my pieces while I worked. Click here for a tutorial on how to make your own.

If you’d like to know “My Top 10 Beginners Patchworking Tools” you can find them by clicking here.

Measurements for the pieces needed to construct this block will not be provided in this tutorial. It is a prerequisite of making this block that you have a copy of the pattern. Measurements can be found in this pattern.

Choose Your Fabrics

I provide 2 colouring options for the Homeward Bound: Garfunkel and Simon. This tutorial shows the Simon version. If you’d like to make a version with the exact fabrics that I have used they are:

How to Make the Block

General Advice:

• Tolerance Levels: you need to decide what is an acceptable tolerance level for “mistakes”. For example if your blocks are consistently 12¼” instead of 12.5″ are you ok with this? Or if your seams matching are less than an 1/8″ “off” are you ok with this. There’s no hard or fast rule and it’s different for everyone, so remember it’s your quilt so make your decision for you.
• Press your seams at each step. Click here for a great article on how to press your seams for patchwork.
• You can iron and starch your fabric prior to cutting. I also starch when pressing bulky seams. If you can afford it, a wool pressing mat does wonders to help flatten seams.
• When pinning, pin away from you so that you don’t move your pieces when pinning.
• Where possible I chain piece all the pieces I can in one step. If you’re unsure of what chain piecing is, click here for a tutorial on how to do it.

The photos below show you the step progression of making this block. Please read the accompanying text before starting to make your block.

Block Assembly Steps

1: Split Triangle

Use the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates to cut all the block pieces. [Please see tutorial picture “Step One” for the pieces laid out.]

Refer to your copy of the pattern for which templates to use for each piece.

Pay careful attention to the direction and alignment of your pieces.

1. Attach Piece C to Piece B. Press. Repeat to make 8.
2. Attach Piece A to Piece D. Press. Repeat to make 4.
3. Attach CB to CB. Press. Repeat to make 4.

2: Split Quarter Square Triangle

1. Attach CBCB to AD. Press. Repeat to make 4.

3: Complete the Block

Use the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates to cut all the block pieces. [Please see tutorial picture “Step One” for the pieces laid out.]

Refer to your copy of the pattern for which templates to use for each piece.

1. Join squares to make rows. Press.
2. Join rows to complete the block. Press.

looking for sewing friends?

Got a Question?

If there’s something you’d like further details about the information covered in this blog post simply drop me an email via my contact page and we’ll get it sorted together.