Disappearing 4-Patch, Disappearing Hourglass, and Disappearing Pinwheel Blocks are similar in that they start with either 4 squares of fabric or 4 Half Square Triangles (HSTs). The 4 Pieces are sewn together then cut into 9 sub-blocks. The charts below tell you what starting size fabric squares, or HST’s, to use and how to cut them. All of these blocks will work when cut into exact thirds. This results in all of the sub-blocks being perfectly square. The second chart is for the blocks that I will label as “Charm Pack Friendly”
I have had several questions about yardage requirements so I have included the calculations that I use below the last chart.
I also have a series of newsletters with free disappearing block designs and their associated quilts.
| Disappearing Block Sizes | |||
| Initial Square for a 4-Patch or Half Square Triangle for Pinwheel or Hourglass | 4Patch, Hourglass, or Pinwheel Before Cutting | How far to cut from center seam | Finished Block |
| 2 1/8″ | 3 3/4″ | 5/8″ | 2 1/4″ |
| 2 1/2″ | 4 1/2″ | 3/4″ | 3″ |
| 2 7/8″ | 5 1/4″ | 7/8″ | 3 3/4″ |
| 3 1/4″ | 6 | 1″ | 4 1/2″ |
| 3 5/8″ | 6 3/4″ | 1 1/8″ | 5 1/4″ |
| 4″ | 7 1/2″ | 1 1/4″ | 6″ |
| 4 3/8″ | 8 1/4″ | 1 3/8″ | 6 3/4″ |
| 4 3/4″ | 9″ | 1 1/2″ | 7 1/2″ |
| 5 1/8″ | 9 3/4″ | 1 5/8″ | 8 1/4″ |
| 5 1/2″ | 10 1/2″ | 1 3/4″ | 9″ |
| 5 7/8″ | 11 1/4″ | 1 7/8″ | 9 3/4″ |
| 6 1/4″ | 12″ | 2″ | 10 1/2″ |
| 6 5/8″ | 12 3/4″ | 2 1/8″ | 11 1/4″ |
| 7″ | 13 1/2″ | 2 1/4″ | 12″ |
| 7 3/8″ | 14 1/4″ | 2 3/8″ | 12 3/4″ |
| 7 3/4″ | 15″ | 2 1/2″ | 13 1/2″ |
| 8 1/8″ | 15 3/4″ | 2 5/8″ | 14 1/4″ |
| 8 1/2″ | 16 1/2″ | 2 3/4″ | 15″ |
| 8 7/8″ | 7 1/4″ | 2 7/8″ | 15 3/4″ |
| 9 1/4″ | 18″ | 3″ | 16 1/2″ |
| 9 5/8″ | 18 3/4″ | 3 1/8″ | 17 1/4″ |
| 10″ | 19 1/2″ | 3 1/4″ | 18″ |
The sizes below are for the initial squares or the sewn HST’s. The squares of fabric for the Half Square Triangles will need to be cut 1/2″ larger. For example for 5 1/2″ HST, you would cut the squares 6″, sew them into triangles and then trim to 5 1/2″
A few of the Disappearing Block designs do not need to be cut into perfect squares, either of the cutting sizes will work. I am calling these blocks “Charm Pack Friendly” and that will be noted on all the appropriate patterns. I have two sizes, 5″ for using charm pack squares and 4 1/2″ for when charm pack squares are used to create Half Square Triangles. The numbers below are closest to 1/3, but adding or subtracting 1/8 on either of those measurements won’t make much of a difference. For example, you could cut the 4 1/2″ HST 1 1/4″ or 1 3/8″ or 1 1/2″ from the center and it would all be fine.
| Charm Pack Friendly Blocks | |||
| Initial Square or Half Square Triangle | 4Patch, Hourglass, or Pinwheel Before Cutting | How far to cut from center seam | Finished Block |
| 4 1/2″ | 8 1/2″ | 1 3/8″ | 7″ |
| 5″ | 9 1/2″ | 1 5/8″ | 8″ |
Here is the Fabric calculation I use.
Remember that we are using the size of the square, not the size of the HST. Add 1/2″ to the size of the HST to get to the size of the starting square.
1. Width Of Fabric / size of the square (round down to a whole number) = # of squares per WOF
2. Determine how many blocks you need. Each block requires 2 light and 2 dark squares
3. How many blocks in the quilt X 2 (for the number of squares in a block) = # of squares required for the quilt.
4. # of squares / # of squares per WOF, round that up to the nearest whole number = # of strips of fabric.
5. # of strips X size of square = number of inches of fabric you need.
6. inches of fabric / 36 (inches/yard) = yards of fabric.
You will need the same number of yards of light and dark fabric.
Here is an example: Lets say you want 12″ finished blocks for a quilt that is 6 blocks X 6 blocks
According to the chart you would need 7″ HST blocks. So each starting square would be 7.5″
1. 40″ WOF / 7.5 = 5.33333 round down to 5 (squares per WOF)
2. You will need 36 blocks (6 X 6)
3. You will need 36 X 2 = 72 squares of each color fabric.
4. 72 squares/ 5 squares per WOF = 14.4 rounded up to 15 strips of fabric
5. 15 strips X 7.5″ = 112.5″ of fabric needed.
6. 112.5 / 36 = 3.125 yards of fabric which is 3 1/8 yards.
Hi, Brita!
I’ve made several sample blocks of your Disappearing Pinwheel-Top of the Stairs and cannot figure out how all of these pieces should be pressed so that everything nests. Will you please advise? THANKS!
I used your Top of the Stairs project and made a quilt top I would like to show you but don’t know how to attach the photo.
Hi,
Thanks so much. You can email me a picture of the photo at brita @ questioningquilter.com. Please remove the spaces. I have to show it with the spaces because I have been overcome by spam bots. So far, they can’t figure out the spaces.
I am excited to see the picture and I hope you will give me permission to share this on my website and YouTube community.
Brita
im sorry I CANTFIND WHERE TO GET JUST THE LAYOUT WITHOUT ALL THE Q&RS ON IT
Hi Yolanda,
I don’t know what you mean by all the Q&RS on it. Can you give me a little more detail as to what you are looking for.
Brita
Thanks for all the wonderful patterns and great directions – we sew for the kids in the nursing home Almost Home Kids and Chicago and the quilts need to be fun for the kids and easy to make. And as a bonus your patterns are so easy to read and make. Thanks so much!
I’m glad to have discovered your youtube tutorial for the “disappearing pinwheel”: top-of-the-stairs quilt.
It looked like advanced quilting but boy oh boy was I wrong.
It’s a prime example of working smarter, not harder, and having fun while you do.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Thank you so much for all you share….love it!
I appreciate the kind words.
Brita
Brita, my block finishes at 8.5″. Your chart does not show that. How far would I cut from the center?
Hi Sarah,
Some disappearing blocks have to be cut into exact thirds. So we calculate cutting the distance from the center seam as taking the starting 4-Patch, Hourglass, or Pinwheel size and divide by 6. Now all block sizes are appropriate for this type of block. Now some disappearing patterns don’t need to be exact, so I would need to know design you want to make and what starting squares or HST’s you are using.
I am sending you an email asking for some more information to help you along.
Brita
LOVE your technique.!!!!!!
Have you drafted a disappearing block for “Storm at Sea”. I’m sure you can do it with maybe two different blocks. My mind does network that way.
Patiently waiting,
Barb
Hi Barbara,
I have never tried doing this with Storm at Sea. That is a lovely pattern and I have mostly seen that as a paper pieces pattern. I will have to take a look and see if that can be done as a disappearing block.
Thanks so much for the idea, I will be sure to investigate this.
Brita
Question: I am making your Disappearing Hourglass/Morrocan Tile Design. I am using 5″ charm pack pieces. The half square triangles become 4 1/2″ as directed. But I notice in this article on your website that you say to cut 1 1/4″ from the center, but on the YouTube video you specify 1 3/8″ from the center which I’m doing. Why did you change this? Should I stop and cut differently? I’m not that far in to the project so I can stop and recut.
Also, would you mind including the 4 1/2″ and 5″ block sizes in the big chart so they are all together? I know they are mentioned elsewhere but this way we have one chart to keep and refer to. Just a suggestion.
Thanks and excellent designs!
If I look at the youtube video, she cuts 1 1/2″from center, only the text shows 1 3/8″. I would keep cutting the same distance you started with (1 3/8″from center). It is not a lot of difference and it will make almost no difference for the final quilt.
For your next quilt, you should look in the first column for the initial square size (5″ in your case), not the finished HST size.
I came across your videos today about the disappearing 9 patch and saw the pinwheel. I love illustration quilts and this is a fantastic design. Never thought it could be so simple. I have made 3 samples and think I finally have the chart figured out to make the size block I want. Cannot tell you how thankful I am for your sharing of information. I will be following your newsletters and videos. Have a wonderful Christmas.
I am so happy to hear that you like the patterns and have figured out how to use the block size chart. I would love to see any quilt that you make when it is done.
Thanks,
Brita
Hello Brita, I have just come across your videos while looking for ideas on what to do with a rail fence pattern, well, you have ideas in abundance, not necessarily for a rail fence but I am now eagerly opening some very colourful fat quarter packs which had been stuck under my table for ages as I wasnt sure what to do with them.
Love the videos and instructions, very clear instructions.
Thank you .
Hi Brita,
Like so many others, I have just come across your videos and I think they are great! Your information is straight forward and to the point, you don’t spend a lot of time talking about unimportant details. I love it! Any beginner can sew a four patch or half square triangle, but then the way you cut and rearrange them is amazing. I love the variety of the outcomes. Your methods turn a simple block into a stunning quilt. I also enjoy seeing the different colour options you provide at the end. So much good information! I’m really glad I found you. I have subscribed and signed up for your newsletter, I am looking forward to experimenting with your ideas. Thank you so much for sharing and keep the great videos coming.
I am so happy that you are enjoying them.
Hello Brita, I LOVE your U TUBE channel. PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE continue making them. You have penned my eyes to so many possibilities. You have taken a simple block and made it look like I’ve sewn for days to make one block… YOU are a gift of endless patterns, thank you so much….!!!
Susan
I am so happy that you like the videos. The real appeal of the disappearing blocks is how easy it is to make such a complicated looking block.
Take care and happy quilting.
I like to make them from 10 inch layer cakes. How to use layer cakes
Hi Gayle,
You can use the layer cakes to make 8 HST’s and I demonstrate how to do this on one of my YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSQfB1wwrRU&t=46s
Let me know if this helps.
Brita
brita@questioningquilter.com
Hi Brita! I love your videos so much, I’ve been telling everyone about you. I have a quick question about the chalk pen you use. Can you please tell me the brand and where to get it? I have been trying to find one like that for ages, but I live in a very small community with no stores that cater to crafters. We have to travel quite a distance just to purchase fabric.
The pen that you see me use is a Frixion pen by Pilot. The line disappears when you apply heat (press the fabric). There is some controversy about these pens because they can sometimes leave a ghost image even after they are pressed. I use this on the back of the fabric as a sewing line or a cutting line, so it doesn’t really matter if there is a very faint ghost line.
These are available in office supply stores as well as fabric stores and you can also buy them online.
Brita
Thank you! I’ll check next trip to the city!
Hello Britta
Just one question….. when cutting the block larger what would be the fabric amount to use
That, of course, depends on how large you cut the blocks and how big you are going to make the quilt.
Here is the calculation I use.
Remember that we are using the size of the square, not the size of the HST. Add 1/2″ to the size of the HST to get to the size of the starting square.
1. Width Of Fabric / size of the square (round down to a whole number) = # of squares per WOF
2. Determine how many blocks you need. Each block requires 2 light and 2 dark squares
3. How many blocks in the quilt X 2 (for the number of squares in a block) = # of squares required for the quilt.
4. # of squares / # of squares per WOF, round that up to the nearest whole number = # of strips of fabric.
5. # of strips X size of square = number of inches of fabric you need.
6. inches of fabric / 36 (inches/yard) = yards of fabric.
You will need the same number of yards of light and dark fabric.
Here is an example: Lets say you want 12″ finished blocks for a quilt that is 6 blocks X 6 blocks
According to the chart you would need 7″ HST blocks. So each starting square would be 7.5″
1. 40″ WOF / 7.5 = 5.33333 round down to 5 (squares per WOF)
2. You will need 36 blocks (6 X 6)
3. You will need 36 X 2 = 72 squares of each color fabric.
4. 72 squares/ 5 squares per WOF = 14.4 rounded up to 15 strips of fabric
5. 15 strips X 7.5″ = 112.5″ of fabric needed.
6. 112.5 / 36 = 3.125 yards of fabric which is 3 1/8 yards.
Let me know if this makes sense.
Yes thank you much
Hello Brita ~ I join the chorus of new subscribers that have said what a wonderful concise online teacher you are. I’m off to choose the fabrics from my stash to make the Top of the Stairs quilt.
I have printed the pattern thank you for the free pattern! I’ve gone to your cutting chart page and would like to print out the charts to attach to the pattern, however I don’t see a PDF for it. Do you offer a PDF?
With Warm Smiles
I have not made the chart into a .pdf, but that is a good idea. Some people cut and paste the chart into another document, then print it. Others just print the web page and use the part with the chart.
Hello Brita,
Thank you for the lessons. I saw a ‘disappearing bloke sampler’ on one of your tutorials and thought that it looked great. Do you have a pattern and video which shows what to do.
Jeanette from Lincoln UK
Hi Jeanette,
I have a pattern for the the sampler for sale. It is called: Making Magic, A Disappearing Block Sampler Quilt and you can buy it here: https://questioningquilter.com/shop
I don’t have a video for this quilt because I am offering it as a Zoom workshop for Quilt Guilds to offer to their members. But if you watched the videos, you shouldn’t have any problem with the pattern.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Brita
Brita, I just found you on YouTube. Thank you for presenting so many options and detailed information on block sizes. Keep up the great work!
I am so very happy that you like the videos.
Hi , Brita ,
Just found your interesting ” Disappearing ” patterns . I would just love to make the Stairstep disappearing pinwheel pattern . However , the ( chart ) pattern calls for an ” initial half-square triangle ” of various sizes .
My question is : what size do you have to cut the squares , before you sew them together , to create “the specific size of half-square triangle “, that I might wish to use for my quilt ? Is there an easy way to figure out how big to cut the squares, so that you get the size of half-square triangles, listed in your chart ?
I know I can cut bigger squares & cut them to the correct size, after I’ve sewn the pieces together, but it would be nice to not waste too much fabric , by cutting all the squares larger.
Thank you in advance , if you can enlighten me .
Tena D.
Hi Tena,
I am glad that you like the patterns.
If you don’t want to have to do any trimming, the calculation is to add 3/8″ to the size of the Half Square Triangle (HST) Block. So, to make a 4 3/4″ HST you would need to start with a square of fabric that is at least 5 1/8″.
HOWEVER, my HST blocks never come out exactly straight or even, that is why I suggest adding 1/2″ to the size. For example for the 4 3/4″ HST I recommend cutting the squares 5 1/4″ and trimming the HST down to size. You are only trimming off 1/8″ total so there isn’t very much wasted. It does take more time, so it is totally your decision. If your HST’s come out consistently even and straight, then go for it, just add 3/8″. I’m not that good.
I hope this helps.
Brita
Thank u for sharing ur videos. I am very excited to try the top of the stairs I am heading to my sewing room to find fabric and start
How very fun! I hope that you will share a picture of the quilt when you have finished making it. (brita@questioningquilter.com)
Thanks so much for watching.
This is so interesting. I just found your You Tube video of Top of the Stairs and I’m hooked on your website. Can’t wait to make it. Thank you!!
Thank you so much, i am so happy that you like it! I would love to see your Top of the Stairs quilt when you make it. (brita@questioningquilter.com)
Hi Brita, Your informative lecture to Metro Detroit Guild, was so enjoyable. Thanks for the cutting chart. I can’t wait to get started. First I’ll watch some of your You Tube videos!
Dear Brita,
I so enjoyed your program last night with the Quilt Guild of Metro Detroit. Thank you so much. I love the ways you can take a simple pattern, and by cutting and rearranging get a whole look…er…looks. I have to finish two charity quilts, but I can’t wait to see my new twists on the 4 and 9 patch blocks.
Sincerely,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
I am so glad that you enjoyed the lecture. I would love to see the disappearing quilts that you make.
Brita
Thank you for the instructions, can’t wait to make this quilt.
Great class day!!! Learned so much. Thank you.
Other than a disappearing four patch or a nine patch, any ideas for a jelly roll? Thanks.
Hi Jackie,
That is a very good question. I hadn’t thought about “Disappearing Jelly Roll” patterns, but the idea is very intriguing. I don’t have anything right now, but it is definitely going on my To-Explore list.
Thanks for the inspiration,
Brita