Nine-Patch Quilt Squares

Quick and Easy Project for Beginners

Dec 13, 2008 Connie Krochmal

The versatile nine-patch quilt blocks work up fast and easy.

A simple little square is so versatile. Put nine of them together, and you have the traditional nine-patch quilt block. This dynamic design makes a great starter project for novice quilters. With strip piecing, it works up quickly and easily.

The nine-patch originated some time before the Civil War. This became a popular design once affordable roller-printed fabrics were widely available.

A basic nine-patch block consists of nine equal-sized squares arranged in a three by three grid. Usually, the colors are organized in a checkerboard pattern. However, these can also be randomly arranged.

Strip piecing is preferred for the nine-patch. This eliminates the need to cut individual squares.

There are various ways to arrange the completed nine-patch quilt blocks. Often, they’re set in straight rows. Sometimes, plain blocks are placed between the pieced ones. When setting nine-patch blocks in diagonal rows, add triangles to the end blocks so the edges of the quilt will be straight.

Variations of the Nine-Patch

Beginners will likely want to start with the basic nine-patch. Those with more quilting experience will find this simple design offers almost endless possibilities.

In addition to the standard nine-patch, there is also a double nine-patch. The four patch/nine-patch design consists of four separate nine-patches. The nine-patch can also be combined with other designs, such as the Rail Fence.

Several variations of this design use triangles to create the individual squares in the nine-patch. Examples include the Magic Cross Nine-Patch, which has a star-like appearance, and Wild Geese.

Another variation adds triangles along each edge of the standard nine-patch. The result is a large quilt block with a point-on-point effect.

A number of nine-patch quilt books are available, including the following.

Nine-Patch Book

Nine-Patch Pizzazz-Fast, Fun, and Finished in a Day by Judy Sisneros was published by C & T. It has six, delightful nine-patch projects that are especially suitable for beginners.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a fabulous landscape quilt, here’s your chance. These irresistible wall hangings come in various sizes. Among the motifs are bold tropical birds, water gardens, goldfish, and bamboo.

For some projects, the author combines the nine-patch blocks with plain blocks and other easy designs, such as the Rail Fence. For each quilt, this has complete, easy to follow, illustrated, step by step instructions and a list of fabrics along with a cutting chart. There are directions for assembling the blocks, adding sashing, borders, and finishing the quilts.

The introduction covers all the basic techniques, including selecting compatible fabrics. Throughout the book are boxes with quick, helpful tips.

The copyright of the article Nine-Patch Quilt Squares in Sewing/Needlework is owned by Connie Krochmal. Permission to republish Nine-Patch Quilt Squares in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.