In 2023, I put together a tutorial on how to make 60 4-patches sewing only 16 seams. I decided on 60 as that was the width of the strip set that fit under a 24" ruler and I thought it would be easier to manage. I've used the speed-piecing method many times since and found that it is very manageable to sew with a larger strip set to sew more blocks faster.
If you would like to make 100 4-patches sewing only 20 seams, you will need:
From yardage, cut:
- 5 strips – 4” x WOF* (Fabric A)
- 5 strips – 4” x WOF (Fabric B)
*width of fabric minimum 41"
Follow the instructions here as for making 60 4-patches, but sew 10 strips together instead of 6. With just 4 more seams, you have sewn 40 more 4-patches!!
You don't have to stop there. Do you need more than 100? For every 2 strips (1 Fabric A and 1 Fabric B), you will end up with 20 more 4-patches! Remember: you always need to have an even number of strips to make the initial checkerboard. If you end up with extras, save them for your next project or incorporate the patchwork into the backing.
Why not go scrappy?! Check out this quilt top I made using scrappy 4-patches from FQs.
Have fun!
~Keep in stitches,
Kat
