Simple Layer Cake Quilt Pattern – Four Patch on Point

Learn how to make a quilt top using 1 layer cake. No other fabric is needed for sewing this quilt. It is so easy, you can finish it in a weekend.

It’s the Four and Ten quilt.

The quilt features a four patch right in the center and on point of the quilt block.

If you’ve been holding onto a favorite layer cake, this quilt is the perfect excuse to finally open it up and start stitching. This simple and charming quilt design features an on-point four-patch block framed by easy triangle borders—all created entirely from just one layer cake.

It’s a great weekend project with zero stress over matching points, thanks to a clever construction method that keeps things straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Whether you’re brand new to quilting or looking for a fast, satisfying finish, this project offers the perfect balance of simplicity and visual impact.

The mix of scrappy prints gives each block personality while the uniform layout keeps the quilt cohesive and clean.

If you love a quick-make with classic appeal, you’ll enjoy this one from start to finish.

Materials Needed to make the Quilt:

• 1 layer cake or 42 10″ x 10″ squares

Simple Layer Cake with Four Patch Quilt Instructions:

1- Divide your layer cake into two piles

2- using ONE of the piles, you will cut it down the center once

3- Cut it again down the center, so you will now have 4 squares (5″ x 5″) from EACH 10″ square.

4- Mix and match these 5″ x 5″ squares to make a four patch quilt block

5- Sew the four patch together and press

With the other pile of 10″ squares, Mark a line diagonally from corner to corner twice (it will look like an X on the wrong side of the square)

6- Lay one of the 10″ squares on top of the four patch, right sides facing

7- Sew around the whole square (sew with the four patch facing up because it will be a little bit smaller than the layer cake and you need to have a good seam)

8- Pinch the top square away from the bottom four patch and make a little snip with sharp scissors right at the X in the center, making sure you don’t cut the four patch!

9- Cut ONLY the top layer cake square on the drawn lines to the corners

10- Press open the four outside triangles, this will put the four patch center on point

11- Trim the block if needed

12- Lay the quilt out into four blocks in four rows.

13- Sew the rows together to finish the quilt top

One layer cake, no complicated piecing, and no points to match—this quilt is as stress-free as it gets.

With a satisfying layout and bold block movement, it’s a pattern you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you stick with a coordinated collection or go scrappy with your stash, the results are always striking.

Now that your top is complete, finish it off with your favorite quilting design—grid quilting, loops, or soft swirls would all complement the geometry beautifully.

Bind it up, snuggle in, or gift it forward.

This is the original instructions:

I Spy Quilt Block Video Tutorial

Watch how to sew the quilt block on Youtube

Finishing the Quilt

1. Cut or piece together your batting and a piece of quilt backing fabric.

2. Make a quilt sandwich with the backing, batting, and top.

3. Baste together with fusible batting, pins or basting spray.

3. Quilt as desired. A few of my favorite ways to quilt are Straight line quilting or cross hatch quilting. Use a walking foot on your sewing machine. Trim away the extra batting and backing.

4. Cut strips of fabric for the binding. Cut 2 1/2” tall (sometimes I use 2 1/4″) binding strips. Sew the binding strips together and bind using your favorite technique. 

Machine Quilting – How I did it

I did a simple meander quilting design – with an occasional circle. Nothing fancy or complicated. I kept is super simple so I could get it done in an hour or so.

The backing fabric is Christmas cats – which is adorable! I picked up a fabric bolt of this, so it probably will be showing up again in other quilts.

More Quilting Resources

• Tucking your binding to sew the binding ends together
• If you want a fun trick – this is a machine binding trick that looks handmade.

More Quilting Patterns:

Hour Glass Quilt – simple to sew and uses a layer cake again!

Eye Spy Baby Quilt – grab your pile of super cute five inch squares and a background and you are ready to get sewing.

Charm Blossom quilt – using a charm pack and some background for spacing, this quilt is perfect for weekend sewing.

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