Skip to content
  • Shop
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Quilt Patterns
    • Fabric Design
    • Surface Pattern Design
  • Learn
    • Classes
    • Lectures
    • On-Line Classes
    • Tips and Tutorials
    • Quilt Along
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Quilt Patterns
    • Fabric Design
    • Surface Pattern Design
  • Kate Colleran Designs
  • Learn
    • Classes
    • Lectures
    • On-Line Classes
    • Tips and Tutorials
    • Quilt Along
  • Blog
  • Contact
Exploring Quilting Basics

Exploring Quilting Basics: How to Make the Disappearing 4 Patch Block

October 14, 2020September 28, 2021 16 comments

Welcome to our series exploring the basics of quilting! Last time, we discussed how to do a fusible appliqué. Next time, we’ll be looking at the stitch and flip quilt technique. To see all the posts in this series, click here. 

 

Hi friends!

Today in the Exploring the Basics series, Tammy and I are going to discuss the Disappearing 4 Patch block. I am going to show you 2 different methods that end up with 2 different looking blocks.

For each of these methods, I started with 5″ squares. I thought that was a great size as you can use charm squares!

Disappearing 4 Patch Block – Method 1

Step 1: Make a 4 Patch Block

Similar to the Disappearing Nine Patch block, this block starts with a basic  block. This time it is a 4 patch. Easy peasy.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Step 2: Then you cut it up!

Start by cutting the block, 1″ from the center seam on 2 sides.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

 

Then cut the other 2 sides.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Using a rotating cutting mat, or just rotating your mat, will be very helpful here so you don’t have to do cutting gymnastics!

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Step 3: Move the pieces around

Now the first step is to rotate the center block one turn.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Then swap the corner squares. The long skinny pieces don’t move!

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Step 4: Sew it back together

Now sew the block together.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Tada! The blocks should measure 8 ½” x 8½”.

 

Disappearing 4 Patch Block – Method 2

Step 1: Make 2 four patch blocks. 

For this method, start with 2 different 4 patch blocks. My blocks happen to have the same light fabric but they don’t have to; you can use different backgrounds for each.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Step 2: Cut them up!

To cut these 2 blocks, start by cutting a strip 2 ½” wide from each side and set the rectangles aside.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Take the center unit and cut a 2 ½” wide strip from each side.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Do this for both blocks!

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Step 3: Mix and Match

Now you get to decide if you want to mix up the units with all the same fabric in a block or mix and match the blocks.

If you use one color, they will look like this:

 

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

If you mix the colors, they will look like this:

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Which I think is more fun so that is how I made mine.

 

Step 4: Sew the rows together.

Start by sewing the pieces in the center row together.

Next you will add the top and bottom rows.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

You will notice that they are longer than the center row. Match up the centers of the rows and then once the block is sewn, trim the top and bottom rows.

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

The blocks should measure 8 ½” x 8½”.

I hope you have fun making  your own disappearing four patch blocks! Click here to see see what great tips Tammy has for you!

Disappearing 4 Patch Block tutorial featured by top US quilting blogger, Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs.

Like this tutorial to make the Disappearing 4 Patch Block? Pin It!

happy quilting!

Kate

Sign Up and get a Free Quilt Pattern!

Sign up for my newsletter, Behind the Seams, stay up to date on all my quilty news and offers AND get a free quilt pattern! Let’s get creative!

Click below to get started!

 

 
 
 
 

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our email list. Check your inbox for your link to the free pattern!

.

Disappearing 4 patchExploring the Basics series
About Kate

About Kate

Hi! I'm Kate Colleran, a designer who creates quilt patterns, fabric and surface designs. I lecture and teach about quilting. Welcome to my online home!

Related Posts

Wrap up 2021
Wrap up 2021
Exploring the Basics: How to Do a Fusible Appliqué
Exploring the Basics: How to Do a Fusible Appliqué
4 Essential Tips for Choosing Colors for your Quilt Borders
4 Essential Tips for Choosing Colors for your Quilt Borders
Exploring Quilting Basics: How to Choose a Quilt Design for your Next Quilting Project
Exploring Quilting Basics: How to Choose a Quilt Design for your Next Quilting Project

Post navigation

Exploring the Basics: How to Do a Fusible Appliqué
Exploring Quilting Basics: How to Do the Stitch and Flip Technique.

16 comments

  1. Kathleen Kingsbury says:
    October 14, 2020 at 11:30 am

    Thanks!! Love the fabrics you used.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      October 15, 2020 at 11:23 am

      Thanks Kathleen! The fabrics are from my new signature line with Island Batik called Tiki Punch coming out soon. I am having so much fun with them!

      Reply
  2. Pingback: Stitch and Flip Quilt Technique | Seams Like A Dream Quilt Designs
  3. Alberta says:
    June 22, 2021 at 11:37 am

    Love to try these.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      June 27, 2021 at 11:39 am

      They are fun!

      Reply
  4. Phyllis Gatto says:
    November 2, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    Love this site!!

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      November 17, 2021 at 12:57 pm

      Thank you Phyllis! So glad you are here!

      Reply
  5. Brenda Wood says:
    December 3, 2021 at 5:26 am

    Thank you for sharing this with great instructions and illustrations.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      December 10, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      Brenda,
      You are so welcome!

      Reply
  6. Ortien andayani says:
    February 12, 2022 at 3:03 am

    Thank you for the pattern, i would like to make it soon?

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      February 12, 2022 at 2:07 pm

      have fun!

      Reply
  7. Fran Sak says:
    July 29, 2022 at 11:33 am

    Hi Kate,
    I used 4 1/2” blocks for my 4 patches, then I cut them 2” front the center and I ended up with a perfect 16 patch. I’m tickled with this method. I also really like your method #2. I’m using these blocks to surround a panel. I plan to use them also for a quick baby quilt.
    Thanks for showing us the technique so clearly.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      August 1, 2022 at 8:03 am

      Fran,
      I am so glad the post was helpful- I like the idea of using the blocks to surround a panel. Great idea! Can’t wait to see.

      Reply
  8. Kathleen Gregory says:
    December 10, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Thank you for the quilting inspiration!

    Reply
  9. Pat says:
    December 28, 2022 at 7:42 am

    Your instructions were great enjoyed watching it please put more. I teach quilting and piercing. Thank u for sharing

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      January 13, 2023 at 7:52 am

      Thanks!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Dreaming In Color

Dreaming In Color

Hi, and welcome to my blog, Dreaming In Color.

There are posts with tips on making quilts, tutorials and information on my newest patterns and designs. Enjoy!

~Kate

Pattern Spotlight

Astria - a cool star quilt pattern with 5 blocks and a beautiful setting. We're highlighting this quilt on Instagram this week.

Available as a paper pattern, or a pdf download. Check it out today!
Astria
Pattern Spotlight

Categories

  • A Quilter's Alphabet (22)
  • Block of the Month (25)
  • Blog Hops and Quilt Alongs (231)
  • Exploring Quilting Basics (73)
  • Fabric and Surface Pattern Design (4)
  • Holiday Quilts (31)
  • Quilt Community (167)
  • Quilt Patterns (215)
    • Bags & Small Quilts (71)
    • Braid Projects (19)
    • Braid Quilts (8)
    • Fat Quarter Patterns (21)
    • Jelly Roll Quilt Patterns (5)
    • Precut Quilt Patterns (21)
  • Quilt Projects (75)
  • Quilt Studio Tips (35)
  • Quilt Tutorials (24)
  • Quilting & Sewing Gift Ideas (8)
  • Quilting Essentials (3)
  • Quilting Giveaways (180)
  • Quilting Tips & Tutorials (38)
  • Quilting Tools & Books (70)
  • Reviews (3)
  • Series (7)
  • Testimonials (3)
  • Uncategorized (7)

Search Posts

Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free quilt pattern!

Sign up for my newsletter, Behind the Seams, to keep up to date with news, promotions, giveaways and more!

Enter your email below to get started and get your free quilt pattern!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Recent Posts

  • March is National Quilting Month
  • Luna- a Mystery Quilt Along
  • February Block Remix- Lady of the Lake quilt block
  • Musings of a traveling quilt teacher…

Shop ElectricQuilt.com

Check out Craftsy's Free Classes!

Archives

  • Quick Links
  • Wholesale
  • Pattern Updates
  • Privacy Policy
  • Store Policies
  • Contact
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | Kate Colleran Designs LLC