Disappearing 4 Patch Quilt Block

Beverly’s Disappearing 9 Patch Baby Quilt. Used with permission.

While looking for a new idea for a baby quilt that needed to be made in about a week, I remembered my friend, Beverly, made a baby quilt that I adored.  She used French General fabrics and it was so soft and sophisticated looking, perfect for a little lady in the making.  I didn’t have any French General fabrics, but with inspiration, I looked all around the internet to find an idea to use.

And I stumbled across the disappearing 4 patch in several tutorials.  I could use a charm pack (which I adore) and find a coordinating solid to put it all together.  After looking at what options that I could lay my hands on quickly, I ended up with brights against a background of pure white muslin.  Crisp and cheerful.  Not the same feel as my inspiration quilt, but a good feel, nonetheless.

4 patch on the left, completed block on the right.

Here is the tutorial I used for making the block.  There are several other good tutorials out there and some videos, too.  If one way of presenting it doesn’t speak to you, do a Google Search and find another method.

I must admit that it was really scary to cut up a perfectly good 4 patch block!  I just knew that one slip of the rotary cutter and I would botch the job and I used up every charm square I had.  Nothing like putting a bit of pressure on yourself.  But, the quilt block you get after you make those four cuts and then move some things around and sew it all back together is nothing short of amazing!  It was stunning to see the transformation with each and every block.

Secondary design emerges when you put 4 blocks together.

And even better, a cool secondary pattern comes together when you put 4 blocks together.  I could really see how one of those pricey rotating cutting mats would be ideal for this.  I managed just fine without one, but held my breath a lot when moving my cutting mat so that nothing moved a smidge out of place.

I could totally see this block made up in varying sizes.  Hmmm.  How about Layer Cakes (10 x 10 inch squares) for a bed sized quilt?  I think that plaids would be cute like this, too.  Actually, everything from 30s reproductions to Civil War to French General fabrics could look fresh and interesting with this pattern.

I think I have found a winner!

What is your favorite go-to quilt block?

Till next time?

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