Nine patches are a traditional quilt block made with nine simple squares. Three rows of three squares create quilt design that is versatile, traditional and trendy — all at the same time. For many years, nine patches were one of the first blocks taught to young girls learning how to quilt. Today, most beginner quilt classes include a nine patch block.
Here are some easy instructions for this classic design right here, along with nine inspirational nine-patch designs!
Nine Patch Quily Block Via Craftsy member FeverishQuilter
What makes nine patches so great?
Nine patches are simple but never boring!
By choosing light and dark fabrics, and using them next to one another, a small checkerboard appears. There are no fancy tricks, or difficult techniques needed to make a wonderful simple block with so many possibilities. Because of this, nine patches are the perfect block for either hand piecing or machine piecing.
Easy assembly makes nine patches a quick block to sew.
These days, most quilters will use a strip piecing method for making nine patches. By simply sewing three strips together lengthwise, then cutting them across the three strips, segments can be made. It only takes three cut segments to make a nine patch. With a little care, it is easy to get the seams to match and have perfect corners. With such a quick assembly method, many nine patches can be produced in a day, making it the perfect block when a quilt is needed quickly.
Nine patches offer many design options.
Besides being quick and nearly fool proof, nine patches offer an amazing array of possibilities. Here are just nine different ideas, but this list is certainly not complete.
Take a look at these nine options, and see if you can’t find an option for a nine patch quilt that inspires you!
1. Traditional
A classic setting with the darker colors in the corner and center of the block, and the blocks alternate with the background fabric. This version has a sweet border detail.
9-Patch Crib Quilt via Craftsy member DianaBeaubien
2. Modern nine patch
These fabrics are all mixed up to create a vibrant block that sparkles next to alternating blocks.
Modern Nine Patch via Craftsy member Connie Campbell
3. Nine patches on point
Tipping a nine patch onto its corner, and adding half square triangle blocks in between, rows are created. This quilt is in Christmas colors but would look just as nice in almost any color combination.
Christmas Candy via Craftsy member Diane Knott
4. Nine patch stars
This clever design not only uses nine patches as the center of the star blocks but also as the cornerstone blocks in the sashing. Repeating elements in various sizes add great interest to the design.
Lattice Stars via Craftsy member Karen M Walker
5. Nine patches alternating
This pattern uses sashing to create lots of motion in the design. Nine patches are the main block, but the pieced sashing really connects them all together.
Winding Nine Patch via Craftsy member Jude Spero
6. Baby nines
This fun and fresh quilt pattern uses simple large nine patches along with simple small nine patches. No fancy piecing or difficult techniques needed here. Using the same fabric in the center of each nine patch creates a lovely look. And look how fun the prairie points are when added around the edge?
Baby Nine Patches via Craftsy member Ladylike Designs
7. Wacky nine patches
This design proves that nine patches can do anything. Even cutting them up on angles makes them look like they are dancing.
Crazy Nine Patches via Craftsy member A Quilting Jewel
8. Scrappy nine patches
Need to use up some small scraps? This pattern is your answer. The border is even made of scraps!
Scrappy Nine Patch via Craftsy member Donna Westerkamp
9. Disappearing nine patches
Don’t see the nine patches here? That’s because they’ve been cut up into four pieces. By slicing a large nine patch down the middle, and across the middle, this pattern emerges. There are lots of variations on this technique. Super easy, but fun every time!
Disappearing Nine Patch via Diane Knott
That’s just the beginning, there are so many more options for nine patches! Try one, try them all!
where are the patterns?
where has the class gone?