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This month in the Beeline Lorrie shares about a disappearing 9-patch.  You can read it here as well.  Thanks, Lorrie, for the time you put into writing these great articles about quilting.


 DISAPPEARING 9-PATCH


As quilters, we love fabric. We purchase fabric, cut it up and sew it back together in different patterns.  One of my favorite blocks is the disappearing block. The history of this technique is basically modern in nature. It started with experimentation and evolution, with the technique being adapted and popularized through the work of numerous quilters and the influence of modern media like books and online communities. As we all know from going to quilt guild meetings, quilt fest, retreats and other get togethers, we learn from others in person. There are several books that show how to make disappearing blocks. The first known block used, and seems to be the most popular, is the 9-patch block. You start with a finished, traditional block, cut it up and sew it back together in a different order. There are several different ways to cut and make these blocks. 

If you head on over to the Utah Quilt Guild Blog, you will find the next monthly block - the Disappearing Nine Patch posted on April 14, 2025. There are great directions and pictures on how to make this. I have to admit that I have not made a 9-patch disappearing block. Ok, I know, I can't ask you to do if I don't. SO, I will make both blocks and post on the blog. I challenge each of you to do the same. I do love the look so we shall see how mine turns out. Short directions are first make a 9-patch using three different fabrics (light, medium, dark). You can use two colors or more, and any size. A charm pack works too and will give a scrappy look. Press and cut in the middle from top to bottom and from side to side. Rearrange and sew back together.


Full Quilt:



Sashing gives a different look too:



Another disappearing 9-patch is to make a double 9-patch. Make a disappearing 9-patch and cut; but prior to sewing together, cut five squares the same size as the squares in your disappearing squares. Example, start with 3 1/2" squares, 9-patch will measure 9 1/2" x 9 1/2" and then cut and squares will be 4 3/4" Cut five 4 3/4" squares and make a 9-patch with uncut squares in middle. Cut the new 9-patch as before and arrange.
How about another method. Make and cut a normal disappearing 9-patch. Before rearranging, cut four diagonal cuts. Rearrange and sew together.


There are so many different ways to cut and sew together. Can use two different 9-patch blocks and use pieces from both to rearrange. With two 9-patch blocks, try cutting diagonally and re-arrange those. Or, cut down center and then two cuts through the side. Another way is to cut in middle and then another cut halfway into one block (or both) and re-arrange. Try this with two 9-patch blocks. 


If you go to the website of Kate Colleran seamslikeadream.com, there are these and other ways to make and cut disappearing blocks.


DISAPPEARING 4-PATCH

Yes, you can make a four patch with 2 or 4 different fabrics. Once you have your 4-patch, you will make four cuts. Line your ruler on the seam and cut 1" from the seam. Repeat on each side. Switch out the top and bottom center and the middle centers. Sew together.




The last one is a quilt I made for my grandson:






Give any of these ideas a try. Use your creative imagination and go wild. There is no right or wrong. Only requirement is to have fun. Next month we will explore a different disappearing block that involves pinwheels. Have fun whatever you do.  Enjoy!

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