Disappearing 4-Patch Tutorial ...

... Libby's Version

Yesterday I reported on my progress with these Disappearing 4-Patch blocks.

Disappearing 4-Patch

There are many online sources for making the D4P.  I used Jenny Doan's method (Missouri Star Quilt Co.), but was frustrated that my seams didn't "nest" after the pieces were rearranged.  I thought I had figured out a solution, but then realized I was essentially rearranging virtually all the pieces.  Thinking there must be a simpler approach, I put some thought to it.

So here you have it:  The basic concept is to start with a 4-patch ...

Basic 4-Patch

My squares were 4" to start, but this technique works with any size square.  Then cuts are made an equal distance from each side of the intersecting seams.  I made my cuts at 1".

Cut 1" away from each seam

Jenny (and many others) has you then switch the corner squares left and right, and turn the little 4-patch center a quarter turn. The block is then reassembled like a 9-patch.

From 4-patch to 9-patch

But here's the rub:  I "spin" my center seam like Bonnie Hunter does.

It doesn't matter how many times I turn that center, the seams on the 2-patch rectangles (numbered 1 though 4 in the picture below) always go in the same direction as the center because they were just cut off that center 4-patch!

I much prefer to have my seams go in opposite directions so that they nest together whenever possible.  My Solution:

Simply reverse the positions of rectangles 1/3 and rectangles 2/4!!  Everything else stays in the same position and the seams will go in opposite directions.

This is not an original thought.  I saw a couple of tutorials on Pinterest that suggested switching the rectangles instead of the corner squares, but they didn't focus on the benefit if you spin the 4-patch seams.  I reckon if you are in the habit of pressing seams in one direction this benefit is irrelevant, but switching the rectangles involves moving only 4 pieces instead of 5!

Let me know if you've found this tip helpful.