Could you help me on a 4-patch posie?
 

I really want to make a 4-patch posie, but I am having trouble understanding just how to cut the strips of fabric first before you line them up. I realize the fabric has to be one thickness, but then do you cut the entire length, or do you cut the fabric in half, like at the fold? Then do you stack those together by lining up the pins? I know you have to determine the repeat size, but then what? I've watched video after video and I am just afraid to get started! I don't want to mess up my material! Help!!

You should have at least a 12 inch repeat.

DO NOT wash the fabric because it will be distorted in pressing.

Cut the fabric in half, lengthwise, using 1/2 for the squares and the other 1/2 for borders. You need to find your repeat. You don't square up the first edge because this will let you know which piece is your cutting piece, or template. You place the first cut on the fabric and line it up so it matches. When you have all 4 pieces cut, you place them on top of each other and use the flat headed pins to hold the 4 pieces together. Place the pins so you don't cut over them with your rotary cutter. Another method I like to use, I pin, then I put a dab of Elmer's Washable school glue where the pin is, then press with my fingers, then go to the next layer, etc. The reason I now do this is because it seemed that no matter where I put my pins, I had to move them, when it came to cutting.

I hope this helps you. If not, I'm sure someone else on here will be able to explain it better than I.

Decide on the size you want your cut to be, it will depend on your pattern repeat. Because my repeat was 26 inches, I was able to cut 6 inch strips and then cut those strips into 6 inch squares. You will be cutting 4 squares that are the same with each cut.

It has been a while since I made mine, but I seem to remember that you cut your fabric in half so you are working with 22” wide pieces. After the 4 layers are stacked together (matching pins) then the subcuts depend on the size of your repeat. I'll dig out my pattern if this isn't clear and an answer to your question

you have four layers of fabrics. you find how often your repeats are, decide where to cut. 12 inches or 24 inches apart, etc. Then cut on the same area each time. layer four pieces, pin through a few matching designs and cut strips. if you cut 4 inch strips then you would take each strip of layers and cut those into four inch squares. each stack of squares will make one block. turn them how you want to make different designs.

Thank you so much for your help, all of you! I thought it would be easier to cut the fabric in half at the fold, then cut the repeats. I think the effect is just beautiful. Think I will try it on a table runner before I tackle a bigger quilt. Thanks again!

I love making these..they turn out so pretty. You can make any size block, just depends on how big you cut your strips.
Here's one of mine. I love oriental fabrics.[ATTACH=CONFIG]403382[/ATTACH]

Here's a picture of mine..love to do 4patch posie...[ATTACH=CONFIG]403387[/ATTACH]

[QUOTE=pocoellie;5944839]You should have at least a 12 inch repeat.

.... Place the pins so you don't cut over them with your rotary cutter. Another method I like to use, I pin, then I put a dab of Elmer's Washable school glue where the pin is, then press with my fingers, then go to the next layer, etc. The reason I now do this is because it seemed that no matter where I put my pins, I had to move them, when it came to cutting

QUOTE]

I like your idea of using elmers glue on the match points. I use a needle and embroidery thread to go down through the layers and knot on both sides. If I don't use all of it prepared layers I fold that up and put it back for another project. Elmers glue might be faster than the needle and thread though. I'll try that next time.

nativetexan... thanks for the great info and i just LOVE your quilt. the fabric is fantastic