Learn how to make a second style of a 4 patch disappearing quilt block – the criss cross. This is a fun way to change a four patch into a new quilt block!
After trying a few disappearing quilt blocks— the 4 patch, 9 patch, 16 patch and pinwheel….I thought it would be fun to expand this just a little bit.
Today I will show you how to sew up the 4 patch disappearing quilt block– Criss Cross.
Materials Needed:
4 squares of fabric- equal in size (I used 5″ X 5″ squares and the block turned out to be 8″ X 8″ unfinished)
2– light
2– medium/dark
I found this quilt block to be most successful when the squares are the same– 2 light matching and 2 medium matching. This would be great for a 2 color quilt!
Instructions for the 4 patch disappearing quilt block- Criss Cross:
1) Sew your 4 squares of fabric together- same colors are opposite each other
2) Mark with a pencil 2″ from each corner on both sides. You should have a total of 8 marks on your square. These marks won’t show as long as you keep them inside the 1/4″ seam area
3) Line up your ruler with 2 of the marks and cut– these cuts will be diagonal and around 1 1/4″ from the center of the block
4) Repeat this— you will have one cut on either side of the center of the block, and another 2 cuts on either side the opposite direction
5) Move the larger pieces so the colors are alternating. You want them to go- light, dark, light dark. If two of the same colors are touching you need to make an adjustment. You can also play with the pinwheel in the center- do you want the same colors touching or opposites again?
6) Sew 3 pieces together to from strips. Sew the corner piece with 2 triangles {repeat with each side} and then one corner piece with the center and then another corner
7) Sew these rows together and square up the block. Mine squared up to 8″ X 8″
I am pretty sure that I will be making a few more of these! I love the look and they really are simple to sew.
What other style of disappearing quilt blocks have you sewn?
Disappearing Quilt Blocks & Patterns ebook:
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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Becky, Thanks for sharing the disappearing 4 patch. I have made the pinwheel and the hour glass but this with 5 inch blocks will make a nice pot holder.
Thank you Becky for the pattern 4 patch disappearing block .
I have to try this. But I wish you had posted a quilt size photo, vice only blocks, so we can see it put together.
How would I measure if I want the finished square to 10 inch. What would each of the 4 squares measure and how much would I measure in from each corner to make it correct.
Thanks for these great instructions!