All of my patchwork is based on a single patch:

I arrange and re-arrange the patch to create a 4-patch block. Then, I repeat the block to create the pattern.
Here’s a block I’m working with:

And here’s the resulting pattern:

There are four shapes in this pattern. Each of the shapes creates its own design, and the shapes can be combined to form new designs.
Let’s look at a few of them.
Shape A:

Here’s the 4-patch block for this pattern:

Shape B:

Here’s the 4-patch block for this pattern:

Shape C:

Here’s the 4-patch block for this pattern:

Shape D:

This pattern requires two different 4-patch blocks, alternated like a checkerboard. Here are the 4-patch blocks for this pattern:

There is actually a second set of Shape Ds in this pattern. If they were all colored the same way, you’d get this:

Here’s the 4-patch block for this pattern:

This would look better if the two sets were colored differently, like this:

This pattern requires two different 4-patch blocks, alternated like a checkerboard. Here are the 4-patch blocks for this pattern:

Here’s a question for you: Do you find this visual format helpful?? What sort of text would enhance the drawings?? Please leave a comment, because there’s more to come.
OMGoodness! This is utterly fascinating. I simply must know more. Cannot wait for more of your ideas and thank you so much for sharing!
For how long have you been quilting and is your background as an engineer?
Thank you, Carolyn (and you’re very welcome) . . .
I began quilting in 1976 (America’s Bicentennial), not because it was patriotic, but because it was “Americana.” I’m largely self-taught.
I am on vacation, but can’t wait to get home to print sheets. Already have ideas! Will be checking out your other ideas soon. Just need my laptop and printer.
Save your printer, Sue.
I’m putting together a neater presentation, expressly for printing. It could be ready by Sunday.
I didn’t see the check boxes with the first post. Looking forward to more!I love