Did you know that with a few simple cuts you can easily change a simple quilt block to one that looks much more complex than it really is? Learn a fun way to hack a simple four-patch quilt block into a more detailed block using these techniques by Amy Ball.

red, black and gray quilt blocks on gray cutting mat

In my opinion, one of the coolest things about quilting is all of the different ways that you can cut and sew the fabric together to create unique and interesting shapes. When you first look at these quilt blocks you might think that they are construed by first cutting the fabric into very small squares. That is, however, not the case. These blocks are construed using a method commonly referred to as “disappearing block”.

What is a Disappearing Four Patch Block?

A disappearing four patch block is designed by arranging and sewing together four squares of fabric to create a traditional four patch quilt block. Instead of leaving the block like this, it is cut up and the pieces rearranged to make the original design “disappear”. These blocks are great for using up scraps and you can put them together into quilts or other patchwork projects.

red, gray and black quilt blocks on white wall

What Can you Make with a Disappearing Four Patch Block?

hands holding two quilt blocks in front of wood fence

I took a few minutes and mocked up a couple of quilt top layouts using the blocks that Amy designed. These are very quick sketches to give you an idea of what the blocks do when placed next to each other in a quilt.

One layout features the blocks all set in the same direction. The other layouts feature every other block rotated 90 degrees. You can see that you can create some really cool layouts by rotating these simple blocks.

Amy’s blocks measure 7 ½″. The quilt layouts I mocked up are approximately 56×56. However, you can easily make them smaller or larger by adding or subtracting columns or rows from the final layout.

I’ve created a simple PDF with the layouts. It does not contain the block pattern, you’ll need to use Amy’s below for that. But they will give you something you can print out to look at as you arrange your blocks into a quilt.

It has been added to our Sewing Templates Library.

About the Blocks

In these tutorials there are two different designs, both using vertical and horizontal cuts. Because of the way the pieces are rearranged in these blocks, they are great for directional prints.

The blocks are called Mini Squares & Corners. You can get tutorials for both below.

Check back next month for Part Two which will feature designs that using diagonal cuts to the original four patch block.

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Disappearing Four Patch Blocks

In these tutorials there are two different designs, both using vertical and horizontal cuts. Because of the way the pieces are rearranged in these blocks, they are great for directional prints.

Prep Time30 mins

Active Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 30 mins

Yield: Blocks

Author: Amy Ball

Tools

Materials

Mini Squares Block

2 squares fabric 4 ½" x 4 ½" Color A
2 squares fabric 4 ½" x 4 ½" Color B

Corners Block

2 squares fabric 4 ½" x 4 ½" Color A
2 squares fabric 4 ½" x 4 ½" Color B

Instructions

Mini Squares Block:

Take four 4½” squares, two of one fabric A and two of fabric B. Sew them together into a four patch block with the fabrics alternating.
Cut across the whole block 1½” from either side of both seams.
Swap the two central vertical-seam rectangle units with each other, and then swap the two central horizontal-seam rectangle units with each other.
Now sew the units together into three rows.
Then finish the block by sewing the three rows together.
(photo of finished block)

Corners Block:

Take four 4½” squares, two of Fabric A and two of Fabric B. Sew them together into a four patch blocks with the fabrics alternating.
Cut across the whole block 2” above and below the horizontal seam.
Then cut 2” either side of the vertical seam but only on the middle section.
Swap the two long horizontal units with each other, and then swap central horizontal-seam rectangle units with each other.
Sew the units in the central section together into a row.
Trim 3¾” from either side of the central seam in both long horizontal units.
Now sew these to the row from step five.

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About the Designer

Amy Ball is a modern quilt designer and founder of Coffee Rings Studio. Amy regularly contributes projects to magazines and creates online courses and workshops for beginner quilters. Subscribe to Amy’s newsletter to receive your free ‘Guide to (near) Perfect Patchwork’ and follow her on Instagram at @coffeeringsstudio. Also, check out Amy’s digital and paper patterns in her Etsy shop.