Quatrefoil Quilt Block Tutorial

The Quatrefoil Quilt Block is a timeless design that combines the beauty of classic patchwork with the grace of a four-petal flower motif. It’s a perfect block for quilters who love symmetry, clean lines, and soft shapes that appear to bloom across the quilt.

Originally inspired by old architectural patterns, the quatrefoil represents unity and balance — qualities that shine through when this block is repeated across an entire quilt. Its layered look is created through simple squares and rectangles, making it both approachable for beginners and satisfying for experienced quilters.

Quatrefoil Quilt Block Tutorial

Whether you use modern solids, gentle florals, or playful prints, this block adapts beautifully to every fabric style. Let’s learn how to make it!

🧵 Fabric Requirements (for one 12½” × 12½” block)

Fabric A (Turquoise – petals)
• 4 squares, 4½″ × 4½″

Fabric B (Pink – frame/accent)
• 4 squares, 2″ × 2″
• 2 rectangles, 2½″ × 1½″
• 2 rectangles, 4½″ × 1½″

Fabric C (Mint – centers & tips)
• 5 squares, 2½″ × 2½″

Fabric D (White – background)
• 8 squares, 2″ × 2″
• 4 rectangles, 2″ × 3″
• 4 rectangles, 3″ × 4½″

All seam allowances are ¼″. Press after every step for best results.

✂️ Step 1: Make the Petal Units

1. Draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of each 2″ background square (Fabric D).

2. Place one square on a corner of a 4½″ Fabric A square, right sides together.

3. Stitch along the drawn line, then trim ¼″ outside the seam and press open.

4. Repeat the process on one adjacent corner of the same square to create a petal shape.

5. Make four of these petal units.

💠 Step 2: Sew the Center Unit

1. Take the 2½″ Fabric C square and the two 2½″ × 1½″ Fabric B rectangles.

2. Sew one rectangle to each side of the square.

3. Press seams outward.

4. Add the 4½″ × 1½″ Fabric B rectangles to the remaining sides to form a framed center square.

🩵 Step 3: Make the Corner Units

1. Sew one 2″ Fabric B square to one 2″ × 3″ Fabric D rectangle along the 2″ side.

2. Attach one 3″ × 4½″ Fabric D rectangle to the long side of that unit.

3. Place one 2½″ Fabric C square on the opposite corner from the small pink square, mark a diagonal line, stitch, trim, and press open (just like the petal units).

4. Make four corner units.

🧩 Step 4: Assemble the Quatrefoil Block

1. Arrange your pieces into three rows:

   • Top row: Corner unit – Petal unit – Corner unit

   • Middle row: Petal unit – Center unit – Petal unit

   • Bottom row: Corner unit – Petal unit – Corner unit

2. Sew each row together, pressing seams toward the petals.

3. Join the rows, matching points carefully. Press flat.

You’ll have a beautiful 12½″ block (12″ finished in a quilt).

🎨 Fabric & Color Inspiration

The quatrefoil design shines with high contrast between the background and the petals. Try one of these palettes:

• Fresh & Modern: White background with turquoise petals and pink accents.

• Spring Garden: Soft mint background with lilac petals and lemon centers.

• Bold & Bright: Black background with jewel-toned petals (magenta, teal, emerald).

• Scrappy Style: Use multiple floral prints for a quilt bursting with color.

🪶 Tips for Success

• Use a sharp rotary cutter for accurate cuts.

• Chain piece similar units to save time.

• Press carefully after each seam to keep your points crisp.

• Square up each unit before assembling the block for perfect alignment.

Free PDF

FREE PDF PATTERN HERE

The Quatrefoil Quilt Block is a timeless favorite that combines simplicity and sophistication. Its floral silhouette adds elegance to any quilt, and its easy construction makes it perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters alike. Whether you make a full quilt, table runner, or pillow, the quatrefoil pattern will always bring a touch of classic beauty to your sewing room.