Disappearing Four-Patch Block Tutorial

The latest iteration of a "Disappearing Nine-Patch" block is a "Disappearing Four-Patch." You'll find this one's just as easy to make, and turn into a fabulous scrap quilt.

Begin with an assortment of 5" x 5" squares - light and dark. Cut two of each print.

Use a scant quarter-inch seam to sew a Four-Patch block.

Press seam allowances to one side.

This block measures 9-1/2" X 9-1/2" unfinished.

Align a ruler 1-1/2" from the center seam. Cut across the block.

Your vertical cut will look like this, but do not move the pieces to separate them.

The sections are shown separated for clarification purposes only.

Repeat on the opposite side of the center seam, cutting 1-1/2" from the center seam. 

Tip: If you do your rotary cutting on a small mat, you will be able to turn the mat to make the second cut. (Don't rotary cut at an awkward angle, or toward yourself.)

Your vertical cut will look like this, but again, do not separate these pieces.

The photo is for clarification purposes only.

Perpendicular to the first pair of cuts, (shown here as horizontal cuts) make a second pair of cuts 1-1/2" on both sides of the center seam. Do not move the pieces to separate them.

To make the Four-Patch "disappear," turn each of the four middle segments indicated by the arrows. (Compare this photo to the previous photo for clarification.) Sew to join these nine patches.

Press the middle seam allowances away from the center as shown in this photo of the back of the block.

Your unfinished Disappearing Four Patch block will measure 8-1/2" X 8-1/2" unfinished.

8-1/2" X 8-1/2" block, unfinished