How to Piece A Simple Nine Patch Quilt Block

Illustration of a simple nine patch quilt block

In this tutorial, I will show you how to make quilt blocks. A simple Nine Patch is a perfect pattern to start with. At first, the task seems daunting, but this illustrated tutorial will turn that daunting task in to an easy to follow format. Before you know it, you will be a pro at making quilt blocks.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cut quilt squares, any size
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Iron

1. Choose your already cut quilt squares. Pick two contrasting colors for the best effect. A single quilt block requires five squares of one color and four squares of another color. This tutorial will refer to them as Color 1 and Color 2 for ease of understanding.

2. The first line to sew

   Lay out the quilt squares on a table or near the sewing machine in the correct pattern, as displayed in the image above. Look at the first row of laid out squares. From the top left, pick up square 1 (color 1) and square 2 (color 2). Holding the two square in your hand, square 1 should be right side (the pretty side) facing up. Turn square 2 upside down so that the right side of this piece is facing square 1. In quilting, this is referred to as "right sides together", meaning the pretty sides of both fabric pieces are facing each other.

   With the right sides together, make sure that the edges of the squares line up exactly. Place the two layers on the sewing machine. Quilts generally have approximately a 1/4" seam allowance. The easiest way to get a precise seam allowance every time is to line up the edge of the sewing machine foot to the outside edge of the squares. Now sew a straight line down the right hand side of the two squares, making sure to back stitch at the top and bottom. Cut off the excess thread.

3. Front and back of first row

   Pick up the last quilt square laid out for the top row. This should be Color 1 and repeat the process as before.

   When each row is completed, iron it. Press it toward the darker fabric.

4. Second row

   Follow this process for the second row. Use the same guidelines that were used for the first row. Except this row's order will be: Color 2, Color 1, Color 2. Press the newly sewn quilt strip towards the darker side, if possible.

5. Third row

   Sew together row 3. Row 3 is exactly the same as the first row. Its order will be: Color 1, Color 2, Color 1. Press the newly sewn quilt strip towards the darker side, if possible.

6. The final quilt block

   Make sure those rows were pressed. Ironing the rows first makes it easier to line up your pieces and ensures that the finished piece will lay flat.

   Sew the rows together as displayed in the illustration. And there it is. The first quilt block. Sew multiple blocks together to make a whole quilt top. Practice makes perfect and before you know it you will be able to make quilt blocks like a pro!

Tips & Warnings

• Backstitching ensures a strong seam that is less likely to fray or come unravelled.

• Iron often. Ironing not only makes your seams lay flat, but the heat from the iron helps to set the seam, making them stronger.

• If there is a mistake, simply use a seam ripper and try it again.

• The most important thing to remember when you make quilt blocks is that no quilt is ever perfect.

Resources

• 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks
• One-Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-of-a-Kind Quilts