Basic Nine Patch Block Tutorial
The nine patch block is popular because it is easy to make and so versatile. It consists of nine squares of fabric in a three by three layout.
Commonly it is made with alternating colours, but it can be made with any colour combination.
Quilts made with the nine patch block can be traditional or modern looking. It also plays well with other blocks for fun designs.
It is a great option if you are going to try designing your own quilt for the first time.
If you want inspiration for designing nine patch quilts, get a copy of my Nine Patch Inspiration workbook.
Tutorial
The first method for making the nine patch block is sewing squares together.
This is perfect for using up scraps or making blocks with a variety of colours.
Cutting the squares
You will need nine squares of fabric the same size. You can use any size of square that you want.
To make a 12” finished block, cut the squares 4-1/2”. For a different sized block, use the chart below:
Lay the squares out in the orientation that you want.
Stitching
You will join the pieces together into rows and then join the rows together.
To make it easier, lay the pieces out close to your sewing machine. The more you move them before sewing, the easier it is to get things turned the wrong way.
Begin with joining the right and centre squares with a 1/4” seam allowance.
Taking the time to figure out an accurate seam allowance will make everything easier. I like to use a piece of tape on my machine to help keep it accurate.
Once those pieces have been joined, press the seams.
Set the seams by pressing the iron on the seams before opening. Then open the seam, pressing the seam allowance so it goes under the darker fabric.
Continue to join the last piece to the rows, then join the rows together.
Because you have pressed the seam allowances to the dark side, the pieces will nest together and make it easy to join.
Finished Block
If everything worked out perfectly, your block should be 12-1/2”. That means the finished size is 12”.
If it is slightly off, you can sometimes fix it with more pressing or trimming. As long as all your blocks are the same size, you won’t have a problem.
If it is significantly off, try to figure out if the problem was with the cutting, the stitching or both. Keep practicing and you will improve over time.
Alternate construction method
If you have to make many identical nine patch blocks, you might prefer the strip piecing method. This is an efficient way to make a bunch of identical blocks.
Using the block in quilts
There are many ways to use a nine patch block in quilts.
Nine Patch Sampler Quilt
The nine patch sampler is a traditional sampler quilt with six blocks all based on the nine patch block.
You can get free instructions for making it by signing up here.
Design your own quilt
If you want to make a quilt with only nine patch blocks, there are many different layout options you can use.
See a sample of layout options here.
More inspiration
Here are a few quilts that I have made with nine patch blocks.
Nine Patch Gradient
This quilt was made as a challenge as a 2022 Island Batik Ambassador. It uses a beautiful gradient of teal fabrics.
Row by Row Sampler
This is another Island Batik challenge project. It is a sampler quilt, but in a row layout instead of a traditional grid.
Under the Sea
This quilt uses rectangular nine patch blocks to frame hand embroidery pieces. There are the same number of blocks across and down, but the quilt is long because the blocks are long.
Enjoy making your own quilts with the versatile nine patch block!
Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!