4 Patch Disappearing Quilt Block – Criss-Cross

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
• Fabric: Coordinating fabric and optional scraps
• Tools: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine
• Thread: Matching or contrasting
• Extras: Pins, iron, marking tools (optional)

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!

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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.

Need Help With A Few Steps?

If you’re feeling a little unsure about where to cut or how to rearrange your blocks—don’t stress! This technique might look tricky at first, but once you try it a few times, it’ll click.

Try this:

• Practice on a few scrap squares before jumping in with your good fabric.
• Take a photo of your layout before sewing—it’s a great reference if pieces get flipped.
• Use a rotating cutting mat to make trimming the blocks easier and more accurate.

What other style of disappearing quilt blocks have you sewn?

Disappearing Quilt Blocks & Patterns eBook:

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~More Disappearing Quilt Block Tutorials ~

• 15+ Disappearing Quilt Patterns
• Disappearing Quilt Blocks and Patterns
• Disappearing Quilt Blocks – Row Along
• Disappearing 4 Patch Quilt Block Tutorial
• Disappearing 16 Patch Quilt Block Tutorial
• Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt Block Tutorial
• Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt Block – Arrow
• Baby Quilt Tutorial – Disappearing 4 Patch
• Printable Disappearing Quilt Block How To’s
• Disappearing Quilt Blocks, Quilts And Printables
• Disappearing 9 Patch With A Double Twist Tutorial
• Disappearing 9 Patch Quilt Block – Criss Cross Cut
• Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt Block – Double Pinwheel
• The Round Robin Edition 7 – Disappearing Quilt Blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is this block beginner-friendly?

Yes! As long as you’re comfortable cutting and sewing a 4-patch, you can totally handle this block. It’s a fun twist on a basic!

+ What layout ideas work well with this block?

Try alternating block directions or adding sashing between blocks for a cool visual effect. This block looks great in both scrappy and coordinated color schemes!

+ What size squares should I start with?

You can use any size square, but 5″ charm squares work great and make the math easy. The final block size will depend on your starting square size.

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