Disappearing 4 Patch Quilt Block Tutorial

Change your 4 patch into a disappearing 4 patch quilt block! It’s fun, quick and there are so many new layout options when you are done! Such a surprise!

After giving a little try with the previous disappearing  quilt blocks… I thought that doing it with the 4 patch.

The steps are just a little bit different, but the idea is the same.

You begin with a 4 patch… cut it right up {that totally is hard sometimes!} and play with the layout.

Your initial fabric choice and placement will change the outcome. I chose to use 2 different colors with 2 squares being the same color. This allowed a ‘constant’ so it wasn’t too crazy and scrappy.

Materials Needed:

• (4) 5 X 5 squares random, scrappy squares
• Fabric: Coordinating fabric and optional scraps
• Tools: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine
• Thread: Matching or contrasting
• Extras: Pins, iron, marking tools (optional)

Disappearing 4 Patch Instructions:

1)  Sew all 4 squares together to make a standard four patch quilt block

2)  Cut the now quilt block in four spots.

You can choose the width, depending on how you want your finished block to look.

— You will cut on each side of the center seam, on either side of the seam.

— You will then cut on each side of the seam -above and below it.

Here comes the fun part! You get to play with all the parts! Start moving them around.

Part of the beauty of the quilt block is the placement of the pieces once you give them a cut. There really are a lot of options here and if you play around with them, you will come up with the one you like the best. Here are a few different layouts that I came up with using my blocks.

Layout Ideas For Your Disappearing 4 Patch Blocks:

You have to remember to that when you sew them all together, there might be a secondary quilt block show up. Also, depending on how thick or thin you are cutting your pieces, this will affect the layout and the look of the finished project.

With this method there is also more pieces to play with. I used 2 background or dark fabrics, but if you used 4 different fabrics, the look would be much different. The idea here is that you will have fun putting them together. It will be kind of a surprise to see what happens and what you end up with. Have fun!

---

Tips & Tricks for the Disappearing 4 Patch

1. Use High Contrast Fabrics
Choose fabrics that really stand out against each other to make the final design pop.

2. Press Seams Open or to the Side
Press carefully after each step to keep the block flat and help everything line up when you resew the pieces.

3. Double-Check Measurements Before Cutting
Take a second look before you cut — accurate cuts make piecing much easier and cleaner!

4. Play with Layouts
After cutting, have fun rearranging the pieces. A simple twist can create a totally new and surprising pattern!

5. Square Up Your Block
Before sewing everything back together, square up the smaller units if needed. It helps keep your quilt top nice and neat.

Disappearing Quilt Blocks & Patterns eBook:

Here are a few patchwork quilts you can make with the disappearing quilt blocks:

Have you used this method before? What did you find was the most successful?

---

~ More Disappearing Quilt Block Tutorials ~

• 15+ Disappearing Quilt Patterns
• Disappearing Quilt Blocks and Patterns
• Disappearing Quilt Blocks – Row Along
• 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
• 4 Patch Disappearing Quilt Block – Criss Cross
• 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! If you’re comfortable with basic piecing and cutting, the disappearing 4-patch is a great project to try.

+ Do I have to use contrasting fabrics?

It’s highly recommended! High contrast between fabrics makes the design pop after cutting and rearranging.

+ Can I use scraps for this block?

Absolutely! Scraps work perfectly for a fun, scrappy disappearing 4-patch quilt. Just keep your fabric sizes consistent.

---