Getting started with the Nine Patch Sampler Quilt
Let’s get started making a Nine Patch Sampler Quilt!
The Nine Patch Sampler is made with traditional quilt blocks and is a great way to learn quilting and practice your skills. Each block tutorial also includes inspiration for using that block in other quilts.
Join the quilt-along
If you haven’t done it yet, be sure to sign up for the quilt-along here. Then you will receive weekly emails with instructions for the next part of the project.
Choose your fabric
The first thing you need to do is get your fabric.
There are many different fabric combinations that you can use, so it could get overwhelming. Here are some ideas to make it easier.
IDEA #1 – Use only two fabrics
If you really have a hard time choosing fabric, just use two fabrics. This quilt looks nice with this combination.
Make sure there is contrast between the fabrics so that your blocks will be visible.
Traditionally quilts are made with a light background fabric, but using a dark as the background looks great too.
IDEA #2 – Use a print for sashing and borders
If you find a print fabric that you like, that will be a great option for the sashing and borders.
Then you can choose other fabrics that match to make the blocks.
IDEA #3 – Use matching fabric for background, sashing and borders
If your sashing and border are the same fabric as the background of your blocks, then they will “float” on the surface of the quilt.
This looks nice in either a two-colour quilt or with scrappy blocks.
If you are having trouble deciding, check out this post for 7 ways to choose fabric for your quilt.
Fabric Requirements
The amount of fabric you need will be determined by the size of quilt you want to make.
“Background fabric” is used in the blocks.
“Feature fabric” is used in the blocks.
“Sashing and Border” is used between the blocks.
Small Quilt
Fabric requirements:
- 1 yard background fabric
- 1 yard feature fabric
- 1 yard sashing and border
Medium Quilt
Fabric requirements:
- 1-1/2 yards background fabric
- 1-1/2 yards feature fabric
- 1-3/4 yards sashing and border
Large Quilt
Fabric requirements:
- 2 yards background fabric
- 2 yards feature fabric
- 2-1/2 yards sashing and border
Disclaimer
There are many things that can affect the amount of fabric that you use.
The techniques you use to make the blocks, adding different borders and cutting mistakes can all require more fabric. The fabric requirements listed are generous estimates.
Scrappy Option
This can be a great stash-buster quilt.
If you are using scraps, the fabric requirements are a good starting point, but it is impossible to measure exactly.
Most of the pieces you use will be either 4-1/2″ wide or 5″ wide.
Get help
If you are struggling with choosing fabric, visit your local quilt store. The workers will be able to help you choose options that go together nicely.
Be sure to share your fabric picks in the Epida Studio Stitching Facebook Group. You can inspire others with your choices!
See samples
Want more ideas?
Check out these samples of Nine Patch Sampler Quilts that I have made. Click on the images for more details.