Moira in N.E. England

I’ve never made a ‘disappearing’ block before but would like to try it for my next children’s charity quilt.

I’ve looked at a number of ideas on Pinterest and they all seem to use 2 patterned and 2 plain squares.

I have a pile of random 5 inch squares, mostly patterned, left over from other projects that I would like to use up. Is it necessary to use plain squares too? Will the blocks still ‘work’ if they are made from 4 different patterned squares?

I do have some plain fat quarters in a selection of colours that I could use but would it look odd to have different colours?

Would love some advice here from experienced disappearing block makers!

Claire123

I have had good luck with the disappearing 9 patch and would recommend it. I don't remember specifically making the disappearing 4 patch, though. I made the blocks with white and purple colors and the inside square was pink. It went together quickly without a lot of work or stress. You will see results fast.

Tartan

You can use different fabrics in a Disappearing 4 patch. The pattern shows up best with high contrast between the colours which is why they are usually done with 2 fabrics.

LAF2019

You can use any fabrics you want. I would suspect that you wouldn't be able to see the overall "disappearing" pattern with that variety of fabric, but that it would just turn out looking even more scrappy and more interesting than if you have just sewn the squares together. If you are just going for a scrappy quilt top, then, that will do the job!

juliasb

The best tutorials I have found for any "disappearing " block is with MSQC. They come out perfect and as anything she does well taught.

Jordan

I believe that if you used two prints in the DP 4patch then it would not be enough contrast. You can go to MSQC and Jenny Doan does in incredible tutorials. I prefer the DP pinwheel tutorial which I am making now with Christmas fabrics.

TeresaA

I love Donna Jordan's disappearing 4-patch. It's a really interesting design and looks easy. Here's the You Tube and she has a link to the free pattern in the description.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ut43RXOTIs


Also, I think it would be perfectly fine to use different colors. Just make sure the contrast is fairly high.

jclinganrey

I think as long as you have a good contrast between lights & darks you'll be just fine.

Jingle

I made one earlier this year. I decided it was too much time and work to give away right now. Maybe in a few years when I forget all the time it took.

Irishrose2

I used charm packs for my first D9P, so it was scrappy, though controlled. I did use a unifying fabric for the center square so the kissing blocks would be the same color. How big do you want it? You can cut 12 5" squares from a FQ, so that would be enough centers for 12 blocks. Mine was 13 because I set it on point.