Simple and Hidden Nine-Patch

 

Nine Patch block - squares

The nine patch quilt block is excellent for beginners and experts alike. It gives practice in a number of skills and is effective when used en masse or as feature blocks. There are many variations and complex combinations but these instructions are for strip-piecing to achieve simple squares. 

Collect

• Nine fabrics that work well together. 

Cut

• One strip of each fabric 4.5” wide, at least 15” long. This will make 3 nine-patch blocks.

Construct

• Join fabric strips together in sets of three.

 

• Trim one end of each sequence.

• Press the seams in opposite directions on each strip so that butting the seams will be easier later.

• Cut across each sequence in 4.5” strips. Be careful to keep your cutting line at right angles to the previous joining line.

• Join strips of squares together to form the block. Be careful to butt and pin the seams to produce crisp points where the corners meet.

 

 Variations

Two coloured nine patch

 

 

 

Using two contrasting colours can make a simple and effective block. To do this you will need to make two sets of strips as follows:

• Join one set of strips in an A-B-A sequence.

• Join one set of strips in a B-A-B sequence.

• Trim one end of each sequence to straighten it.

• Cut across each sequence in 4.5” strips.

• Join one A-B-A strip between two B-A-B strips making sure the corners meet correctly and that the seams are pressed in opposite directions at the corners. This will create one nine patch.

• Join the remaining B-A-B strip between two A-B-A strips to create the alternate nine patch.

Each square in a nine-patch can be a pieced square with smaller shapes within it. Experiment with each different way of making nine-patch blocks.

‘Hidden Nine Patch’

This variation is sometimes called ‘Lost Nine Patch’, ‘Tossed Nine Patch’ or ‘Disappearing Nine Patch’. The final effect can be very different determined by the arrangement of the initial squares and the arrangement of the final small blocks. It is recommended that the most dominant fabric is in the centre of the initial nine patch block so that it is cut into smaller pieces for the final arrangement.

 

 

An interesting nine patch effect can be achieved by trimming the nine patch blocks on an angle as seen below although the contrast in this block is not good.

 Notes and Tips

• Contrasting colour values work best

• Cut strips accurately

• Butt and pin corners before sewing

Helpful Resources

Internet search terms include:

• nine patch

• disappearing nine patch

• hidden nine patch

• lost nine patch

An internet search can provide lots of instructions, videos and images of variations for this block.

 

An excellent video for constructing a simple nine patch block presented by the Missouri Star Quilt Co can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quzu2H5xeGQ