Level: Beginner
The 9-patch block has many variations and is a basic quilting block. It is
made of three rows of three patches each. By adding simple lines, you can create
many different blocks. By changing the values and colors in those blocks, you can
create an endless number of beautiful blocks and quilts.
This Block of the Month is designed for beginning quilters but any quilter
would enjoy making this quilt. The blocks are 12 inches square when finished.
There are several different patches used: squares, half square triangles, quarter
square triangles, a stem patch made of three pieces, and a three piece patch of
unequal triangles. We will be using strip piecing techniques, with an alternative
of using templates for the points in the Eight-Pointed Star (pointy star) block.
One-quarter inch seams are used throughout.
The wall hanging with six blocks is approximately 33¼ by 46 inches. If you
would like to make a crib size quilt, make two of each of the blocks. The finished
quilt will be approximately 47½ inches by 60¼ inches.
Fabric Requirements:
Pick a background fabric containing several colors. Select at least four
fabrics that match the colors in the background fabric. You can also select fabrics
from a group or medley of fabrics that are designed to go together.
The fabric requirements below are generous. They allow for shrinkage and
for you to change the placement of the colors.
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6-block quilt |
12-block quilt |
| Background (entire quilt): |
1 ¾ yards |
2 ½ yards |
| For blocks: |
| Fabric 1 |
¼ yard |
½ yard |
| Fabric 2 |
¼ yard |
½ yard |
| Fabric 3 |
¼ yard |
½ yard |
| Fabric 4 |
¼ yard |
½ yard |
| Sashing: |
½ yard |
¾ yard |
| Border (non-background): |
1 yard |
1 ¼ yards |
| Binding: |
½ yard |
2/3 yard |
| Backing: |
1 ¾ yards |
3 yards |
| Batting: |
38x50 inches |
52x65 inches |
You will also need:
- Rotary cutter, mat and ruler (suggested size: 6" x 24")
- Sewing machine
- ¼" seam guide or presser foot for the sewing machine
- Scissors
- Thread for sewing -- a neutral gray hides well
- Straight pins
Seams:
The seams must be exactly ¼ inch. You can sew the perfect ¼-inch seam by using
a seam guide or ¼-inch presser foot on your machine. If you are not sure that
your seams are the correct width, make the practice piece below.
Practice Piece:
Make a practice piece by cutting three strips of fabric 1 ½ inches wide by 3 inches
long. Sew them together and press the seams. The total width should be 3 ½ inches.
If your sample is too wide, make your seams a bit wider and make another sample.
If your sample is too narrow, sew your seams a bit narrower and make another sample.
When your sample piece is 3 ½ inches wide, mark your machine with tape in the location
for the correct seam width. You are now ready to begin.
Prepare your fabrics:
Soak your fabrics individually in warm water. If you have a fabric that runs,
rinse it several times until the extra dye is removed. Damp dry the fabrics in
your dryer and then iron them dry. This will check for color fastness and shrink
your fabrics.
Cutting:
When you are cutting your fabrics, you need to make straight cuts without a bend
in the middle. Lay your fabric folded in half lengthwise with the selvages together
on your cutting mat. Have the folded edge nearest to you. Place the ruler on the
fabric so that one of the cross-wise lines of the ruler is even with the folded
edge of the fabric and the length of the ruler is close to the edge of the fabric.
Trim the fabric with your rotary cutter. This will create a straight cut. After
every third cut, check the straightness of your edge by redoing this.
If you have questions:
If you have any questions or problems while making your quilt, please e-mail me
at ila@thequiltercommunity.com. I will be happy to help you.
I am looking forward to your joining us for the 9-Patch Block of the Month on
theQuilterCommunity.com.
Ila McCallum
Ila's Quilt Studio
www.ilasquiltstudio.com
Woodburn, Oregon
©2004 Ila F. McCallum
www.theQuilterCommunity.com
Note: This quilt was designed with Electric Quilt 5 software.
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