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Four-Patch Surprise is a lap quilt pattern by Karen Murphy Gass of Idaho Quilt Company, presented by American Patchwork & Quilting Editors. It combines Four-Patch and Pinwheel blocks in a finished quilt top measuring 61-1/4 × 72-5/8 inches. The publisher describes the blocks as emerging “in unexpected combinations.” The pattern page was updated May 13, 2026. View the Four-Patch Surprise pattern at AllPeopleQuilt.
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What fabric do I need for the Four-Patch Surprise quilt?
The pattern specifies 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton prints. Its stated quantities are based on that fabric width and content; check the usable width and buy enough to meet each yardage requirement.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Fabric | Pattern quantity | Use or note |
|---|---|---|
| Blue print | 1-1/8 yards | Used with light blue in strip sets and triangle units. |
| Light blue print | 1-1/8 yards | Used with blue in strip sets and triangle units. |
| Rust print | 1-1/2 yards | Used for pieces added to the block corners. |
| Beige print | 3 yards | Used for block squares, inner- and outer-border components, and binding. |
| Backing fabric | 4 yards | Pattern quantity for the quilt backing. |
| Batting | 73 × 80 inches | Pattern-specified batting size. |
All measurements in the pattern include a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and pieces are sewn right sides together unless noted otherwise. The pattern uses named pieces and diagrams for some border and corner shapes, so consult its downloadable instructions for their exact geometry and cutting layout.
#1 Best Overall
- Pattern only
- Skill level: Easy
- Colorful Four-patches planted in straight rows zigzag around a triangle path
- Patricia Knoechel's Wall-hanging is glowing in multiple tones of hot pink and vibrant orange four-patches
- Patty framed her masterpiece with a unique border
How is the quilt assembled?
The design builds from strip-pieced Four-Patch units and cut triangle units, which become blocks and a pieced inner border. The instructions give both intermediate dimensions and finished sizes; keep those distinctions in mind when checking your work.
Make the Four-Patch blocks
- Sew six blue-and-light-blue strip sets, each made from 2-1/2 × 42-inch strips.
- Cut the strip sets into 2-1/2-inch segments. The pattern yields 80 segments; join them in pairs to make 40 Four-Patch units, each 4-1/2 inches square including seam allowances.
- Combine two Four-Patch units with two beige 4-1/2-inch squares to make each of 20 Four-Patch blocks. These blocks measure 8-1/2 inches square before their corner pieces are added.
Make the triangle units and corner pieces
Cut 39 blue and 39 light-blue squares, each 4-1/8 inches. Cut each square diagonally twice; the pattern calls for 156 triangles of each color. Pair matching blue and light-blue triangles to make 156 triangle units. Add rust Pattern A pieces as directed to create 120 block corner pieces. Use 80 in the blocks and reserve 40 for the inner border. Refer to the pattern diagrams for the shapes and orientation of Pattern A pieces.
Join blocks and borders
- Complete the blocks with their corner pieces. The pattern specifies a pieced-block size of 11-7/8 inches square including seam allowances; it separately lists the finished block size as 11-3/8 inches square.
- Arrange the 20 blocks in five horizontal rows and join them to form the quilt center. Its stated size is 46 × 57-3/8 inches including seam allowances.
- Build the pieced inner border from triangle units, beige Pattern B and reversed B pieces, block corner pieces, and corner triangles. Use the diagrams to identify the Pattern B shapes and their orientation.
- Add the beige outer borders, then layer the quilt top with batting and backing. Quilt as desired and bind with the specified beige strips.
What finished size should I expect?
AllPeopleQuilt lists the finished quilt top as 61-1/4 × 72-5/8 inches and the finished block as 11-3/8 inches square. Those are finished dimensions, unlike the intermediate block and quilt-center measurements above, which include seam allowances. The pattern specifies batting measuring 73 × 80 inches.
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The instructions call for repeated measured cuts: 2-1/2-inch strip segments and 4-1/8-inch squares cut diagonally twice. A rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and cutting mat are practical supplies for making those cuts, although the pattern does not require a particular tool or brand. When choosing them, check that the ruler markings suit the required measurements, the ruler and mat accommodate your cuts, and the ruler is compatible with your chosen cutter.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Pattern includes full-color step-by-step instructions on how to make the mini quilts in both Four Patch and Hourglass designs
- Pocket Prayers are made even easier using the Shabby Fabrics Pocket Prayer Quilt Panels (sold seperately on Amazon)
- Finished mini quilts measure approximately 2" x 2"
- Prayer and fabric are not included
- Designed by Jennifer Bosworth for Shabby Fabrics
Rank #3
- Pattern only
- Skill level: easy
- Finished sizes - lap (64" 74") and queen (88" x 100")
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
