DP9P

I would like to share with you today the way I make the Disappearing Nine Patch Block. You may have seen this abbreviation DP9P.

Here we go...

I started by choosing two colors. Pink and Green. They do not have to be the same pattern. This is where your scraps come in handy!

I choose a nice fun variety. I like scrappy but you could use just two fabrics if you wished.The squares are cut at 4 1/2 inch square. This will give you a finished 12 1/2 inch block. 

Lay 9 squares any way you wish in a 3 X 3 pattern.

Take the first two squares of each row and sew them together ( using a 1/4 inch seam) and then iron to the darker fabric.  At this point it will look like this...

Now go back and add the third fabric to each row. You will now have 3 rows of 3 squares each......

Sew the first row to the second, matching seams. I like to use pins here. Iron. Then sew the first and second row to the thrid. Iron.

When they are all sewn together they will make one 12 1/2 by 12 1/2 inch square.  At this point I use my 12 1/2 inch square ruler to check the size and trim if necessary. 

Now for the Disappearing Nine Patch Fun!

Take your block and cut it into four squares. One cut vertical, and one cut horizontal.  At this point they will measure 6 1/4 by 6 1/4.

I love how the middle block becomes so tiny. I love to use a large print in the center as it will be cut and showcase many of the fabrics elements.  

Your DP9P is done!

But what do you do with it?

There are so many layouts for this block.

Here are some examples.

In 2009 I hosted a disappearing 9 patch swap. I asked each member to make 25 12 1/2 inch blocks cut them into 4 for a total of 100 -- 6 1/4 blocks. They could only use red and aqua. We had 100 members! They sent me the blocks, I mixed them up and sent back 100 blocks. 

Here is the quilt I made.........

Thank you for allowing me to share this fun block with you, I hope you give it a try. If you have any questions feel free to email me at

pnkcndy@sbcglobal.net.