Double Nine Patch Quilt Block Tutorial

The double nine patch is a variation of a traditional nine patch block, but instead of solid squares the features are smaller nine patch blocks.

This can be used as a block in a quilt, or it can be made into a large size to be a one-block quilt.

When used with alternating plain blocks, it creates a chain that borders large pieces of blank space that can be embellished with applique, embroidery or quilting designs.

See it all

Below you will find:

• video tutorial
• step by step written tutorial with pictures
• alternate construction method for scrappy version
• instructions for different sizes
• inspiration for using the block in a quilt

Tutorial

Fabric Requirements

Fabric sizes are for a 12″ finished block. See below for information about making different block size.

Background fabric

• two strips 1-1/2″ x 15″
• one strip 2-1/2″ x 18″
• four 4-1/2″ squares

Feature fabric

• two strips 1-1/2″ x 18″
• one strip 2-1/2″ x 15″

Strip sets

This tutorial uses a technique called strip piecing. If you want to make a totally scrappy version with a lot of different fabrics, scroll down for the alternate construction method.

Making strip set one

Join a 1-1/2″ strip of background fabric to either side of the 2-1/2″ feature fabric with a 1/4″ seam.

This strip set should now be 4-1/2″ wide. If it is too wide or too narrow, adjust your seam allowance.

Press the strips so that the seam allowances go under the darker fabric.

From this strip set, cut five pieces 2-1/2″.

Making strip set two

Join the 1-1/2″ strips of feature fabric to either side of the 2-1/2″ strip of background fabric.

Press the seams to the dark side.

From this strip set, cut ten pieces 1-1/2″.

Assemble the mini nine patches

Join two 1-1/2″ pieces to each 2-1/2″ piece.

You will have 4-1/2″ nine patch blocks.

Assemble the double nine patch block

Layout the small nine patch pieces with the background squares to make a large nine patch block.

Assemble in the same way as a traditional nine patch block – join the pieces into rows and then join the rows together.

The finished block should be 12-1/2″ square.

Alternate assembly for a scrappy block

If you want to use lots of different fabrics for a scrappy block, you can make the small nine patches by cutting squares.

Fabric requirements

Assemble the nine patch pieces

Use four 1-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ background pieces, four 1-1/2″ squares and one 2-1/2″ square to make a nine patch unit.

Assemble this just the same way as you would make a traditional nine patch block.

The finished piece should be 4-1/2″ square. You will need five of these pieces.

Finish the double nine patch block

Now the double nine patch block can be finished in the same way as shown above.

Making different sizes

To make different sizes, you need to do two calculations.

First decide what size you want your finished block to be. Then you will divide by three to determine what size you want your small nine patch pieces to be.

Check out this tutorial for more information about making nine patch blocks any size.

The options for this quilt block are limitless, so I can’t possibly share every variation.

If you are really struggling to calculate the sizes you need, go old school and sketch the block on graph paper. Just remember to add 1/2″ to the sizes for seam allowance!

Using the block in a quilt

This block can be used in a quilt on its own or with other blocks.

As a chain

This quilt is just a giant nine patch block where the feature squares are double nine patch blocks.

This quilt has alternating double nine patch blocks and plain blocks which give great spaces that can be embellished with applique, embroidery or quilting.

In a sampler quilt

This block is in the Nine Patch Sampler Quilt. Here are some different variations of the quilt.

Get free instructions to make your own Nine Patch Sampler Quilt.

Fall Sampler

This quilt has scrappy blocks and a bold border and sashing.

Green on Green

This quilt is a two-fabric option. For fun, I used the dark fabric as the background.

Pink

This quilt uses a bunch of different pink fabrics for an almost-scrappy look.