Nine Patch Quilt Block | Basics - Kate Colleran Designs

Welcome to our series exploring the basics of quilting! Previously, we went through some tips for choosing colors for our quilt borders. Coming up next in our basics lineup is the disappearing 9 patch block. 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 in the Exploring the Basics quilt series, Tammy and I are exploring the Nine Patch Block.

The Nine Patch Quilt Block – a Block or a Unit?

It can be both! Just like the 4 patch, the nine patch can be a stand alone block like in my quilt Ninth Square or a unit in another block.

Nine Patch Quilt Block Tutorial featured by top US quilting blog and shop, Seams Like a Dream Quilt Designs — Ninth Square

Squares

Let’s chat about ways to make the nine patch. The nine patch can be made up of squares.

It is a great block for using up those leftover 2 ½” squares from other projects! This method takes a little longer to piece than if you were to strip piece the blocks but it makes a great scrappy quilt!

Of course you may have noticed my “scrappy” was a bit of a ‘controlled scrappy”!! Just can’t help myself….

Strip Sets

Strip piecing your nine patch quilt block is a more efficient way to piece. You would make strips sets using 3 fabrics.

You can make your strip sets organized or scrappy.

Then, cut into segments and sew the segments together.

Nine Patch Quilt Block Colors: Using Light and Dark

One way to organize colors would be to separate by light and dark. For example, you could use the light colors in 4 spots and dark colors in the others.

Or vice versa!

How about adding a different color in the center of the block?

Or fussy cutting motifs for the center square- or even all the squares?

Adding HST Units to your Nine Patch Quilt Block

Similar to the 4 patch, you can really change up the block by adding other units like changing out a simple square with a half square triangle unit.

Even though I think it is a great block all on its own, there are so many ways to really change up the simple nine patch quilt block. I had so much fun playing with my fabric scraps and making little nine patches. I may have to start sewing some of these into scrappy quilts!

I mean, otherwise why am I saving all these 2 ½” squares???

Though just playing with squares meant I got to play outside on the deck on a beautiful summer day. I may have to get my little featherweight out here so I can sew!