Welcome to our series Exploring Quilting Basics! Previously, we looked at the shaded four patch quilt block. Coming up next in our basics lineup is how to do a fusible appliqué. Or if you would like to start from the beginning and work through all the topics, you can find them all here.
Hi Friends!
Today’s post in the Exploring Quilting Basics series is about a block.
The Shaded 9 Patch Block
Similar to the Shaded 4 Patch (which I chatted about in this post), there are multiple ways to make the block. There are also a couple of different blocks that are both referred to as the shaded nine patch.
Shaded Nine Patch Quilt Block Version 1:
The first block is made up of squares and half-square triangles (HST). One side of the block is light and one side is dark and the HST units are half light and half dark.
The block is fairly simple to piece. You just need to match up a bunch of seams!
Oops! I missed one!
Shaded Nine Patch Quilt Block Version 2:
The second block is made up of 3 squares, 3 small triangles and 1 large triangle.
And while this block isn’t hard to piece, you are dealing with bias edges. So you have to be careful!
For this second version of the shaded nine patch block, there is another way to piece it. Similar to the way you can piece the shaded 4 patch and make 2 at once.
Tammy is going to explore that method in her post on the shaded nine patch so click here to head on over to Tammy’s post and get all the details!
Shaded Nine Patch Quilt Block Setting Ideas
What’s fun about a shaded 9 patch is the blocks work the same way as a log cabin block- you can make a bunch of blocks and rotate them into different settings. And it will look different depending on which shade 9 patch block you use!
Here I used the pieced shaded 9 patch and turned them so they make a barn raising setting.
How about a zigzag pattern?
Or maybe turning them into groups of 4 blocks?
Reverse the blocks.
So many options!
Scrappy Blocks
The shaded nine patch quilt block is great for a scrappy quilt. Just grab a bunch of scraps and separate them into light and dark piles.
Cut into squares- cut some larger squares for the HST units and some as the squares. How do you know what sizes to cut?
The Math
The math for the block is fairly easy. First, decide how big you want your block. Mine was 6″.
NOTE: using a size easily divisible by 3 makes the math easier!
Shaded Nine Patch Quilt Block Version 1:
6″ divided by 3 = 2.
Cut your squares ½” larger = 2 ½”.
Cut your squares for the HST units ⅞” larger = 2 ⅞”.
Each pair of squares will yield 2 HST units.
Shaded Nine Patch Quilt Block Version 2:
Same math for the squares as Version 1. For the small triangles, use the same size square as for the HST units and cut the square in half on the diagonal. Each of these squares will yield 2 triangles.
For the large triangle, cut a square the size of the block + ⅞”.
For my block that was 6 ⅞”. Cut the square in half on the diagonal.
Each of these squares will yield 2 triangles.
Easy peasy!
Have fun using your stash to make a shaded nine patch quilt block, or maybe even a whole quilt! I think I may have to grab my bins of leftover fabrics and see what I can make!
Happy quilting!
Kate
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I love the nine patch block pattern. It makes uncomplicated sense. I think it’s a good beginner pattern. I also love an entire quilt made up with just the small squares, all the same size.
Elizabeth,
I love a good nine patch! A quilt pattern does not have to be intricate to look great! Many of my favorite patterns are strips and squares.