Disappearing 4-Patch Tutorial

by | Jun 27, 2021 | 5 comments

For my June project for Crafter’s Edge, I thought I would give you a brief tutorial for a Disappearing 4-Patch block! I used this block in a quilt recently and will show you that at the end of the post.

For this tutorial I used the Crafter’s Edge Square dies. They come in 1/2 inch increments from 1-1/2 inches to 7 inches. You could make a quick and easy quilt with that 7 inch die!!

Crossover II

Squares

The square dies are perfect for this project. You can cut up to six layers of fabric and the open design makes for quick and easy fussy cutting!

First I will give you my method of deciding which size square to use for the desired block size. There are many methods, but I find it I think of it like this, it makes sense to me!

Take the size of the unfinished block you wish to make. In my case it is 8-1/2 inches unfinished, so that it finishes at 8 inches. Next I add 1-1/2 inches (this is because there are three 1/4 inch seams (both vertically and horizontally) to that which comes to 10. Next divide by 2, and this gives me the size square I need – 5 inches.

Okay, now that we’ve established that, let’s move on! Cut four 5-inch squares. These can be scrappy if you like or choose two colors. I had some left over fabric from a quilt I made earlier in the year, so that is what I am using. These fabrics are blenders from Island Batiks in mustard and black. Lay them out and sew them into a 4-patch block like this.

The next thing I like to do is flip the block over and spin the center seam like this.

Next, take this block to your cutting table. Most tutorials tell you to make 1 inch cuts, but I decided to make mine 1-1/2 inches. I cut 1-1/2 inches on either side of the center seam both vertically and horizontally. This is where a rotating cutting mat comes in very handy!!

This is how your block will look when all cuts are complete.

Next you will take the top middle piece and rotate it 180 degrees. Just leave it in place. Do the same with the other three outer middle pieces and your block will look like this.

Double check to be sure you have opposite colors next to each other all the way around. Then stitch together as you would a 9-patch starting with the top row, then middle, and finally bottom row. Next stitch the rows together.

An entire quilt of these blocks would be awesome. However, I used it in a quilt I made for my friend Karen, aka the Quilt Rambler. Here is a photo of the quilt and how I used the blocks.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and will give this block a try. They really are fun to make!

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5 Comments

  1. Kathleen McCormick

    That’s a nifty tutorial for the math. Honestly, I was just looking at the dies/adapter for my Sizzix – you are sealing the deal! The quilt you made for Karen is so awesome, I could see a great halloween quilt too with those colors and your fabulous embroidery….so many options, so little time!

    Reply
  2. Carol Kussart

    Great idea to use the 5″ die for those blocks! They look great in that quilt too!

    Reply
  3. rl2b2017

    Hi Brenda! That Crafter’s Edge cutter looks pretty darn handy for this project. I purchased a kit from Crafty (so how many years ago??!!) and haven’t yet made the disappearing 4-patch quilt yet. Thank you for the tutorial! I just love the looks of that center 4-patch – pretty colors all around. ~smile~ Roseanne

    Reply
  4. Daryl

    Love your block and thanks for the tutorial Brenda. I haven’t even made one of these or the 9-patch disappearing blocks yet. I know, where have I been? Probably sewing bags and purses that’s where, lol! Love your bright colored quilt!

    Reply
  5. stitchinggrandma

    Isn’t it fun to take a simple 4 patch and make it look totally different? I did that with a stack of blocks the ladies at assisted living made. I just couldn’t bring myself to using them as 4 patches, so I did some “slicing and dicing” too. Question about your die cutting machine….does it also have paper dies?

    Reply

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