The Nine Patch block is a core block, it is a basic block, and the first block to learn when starting to quilt. Who doesn’t just love it! Even if only for sentimental reasons!
A little bit of history
The Nine Patch quilt block is a popular pattern used by pioneer women. The earliest homesteaders had neither time or fabric to spare. Most of the quilts they made were utility quilts, quickly sewn together for warmth.
The Nine Patch is one of the simplest and quickest quilts to sew, and because it was a good way to use up every small scrap of fabric available, it was used often.
On the prairie, sewing was an essential skill. Young girls learned to sew blocks before they learned to read. At an early age, often as young as 3 or 4, girls were taught to piece simple blocks such as the Nine Patch. Many were very skilled at piecing a block by age 5.
Cutting Instructions for the Nine Patch quilt block
Always be careful of the colors you are choosing. They can easily mess up your block (or quilt) or on the contrary, make it shine! I prefer to make a test block before cutting pieces for the whole quilt. It makes me more confident to continue and make the whole thing.
And always remember FINISHED SIZE means the size it will be in a completed quilt. The measurements given already have the ¼ inch allowance included.
| Finished Block Size | Cut 5 squares from Dark fabric | Cut 4 squares from Light Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| 3” | 1.5” | 1.5” |
| 6” | 2.5” | 2.5” |
| 9” | 3.5” | 3.5” |
| 12” | 4.5” | 4.5” |
Names of the block
Simplex star, Double nine patch, Checkerboard design
#REFERENCE: Maggie Malone “5500 Quilt Blocks Designs”
Βlock variations
The Nine Patch quilt block has some variations that are pretty obvious and they depend only on the different fabrics and colors.
Video tutorial of the Nine Patch quilt block
I hope you will enjoy this video tutorial on how to make the NINE PATCH quilt block and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more quilt blocks!
