How to Piece a 9 Patch Block

Learn how to piece the most basic of quilting blocks perfectly with matching seams

9 patch quilts are very simple to create, but still extremely beautiful and versatile when pieced correctly. You can actually create a 9 patch in two different ways: either by piecing together individual pieces or strip piecing.

Let's first learn how to piece a 9 Patch with individual pieces

1. Cut out 4, 2 1/2" squares in a lighter fabric and 5 squares in a darker fabric. Arrange the squares in the format below:

2. Flip over the middle squares over the left hand squares and piece each of these seams with an accurate 1/4" seam allowance. Chain piecing will work the best in this situation so long as you maintain an accurate seam allowance through each piece.

3. Lay all the pieces back down and this time flip the right squares over and chain piece each of these seams.

5. Finger press first, then press the seams with a hot, dry iron so they are either open or lay to one side.

6. Here's where things get a little tricky! Lay out the three strips of squares and fold the top over the middle. Place pins 1/8" away from the seams so they match perfectly.

7. Stitch this seam, then pin the last row on carefully and stitch the last seam.

8. Finger press, then press both seams open or to one side with a hot, dry iron.

Back of Block

Now let's make this 9 patch a lot easier by strip piecing!

1. Instead of cutting out 9 separate squares, instead cut out 3, 2 1/2" strips in a dark fabric and 3 in a lighter fabric.

2. Piece 2 sets of strips, one with the strips going light, dark, light, and the other going dark, light, dark.

3. Finger press the seams open, then press again with a hot, dry iron.

4. Cut out as many 2 1/2" pieces from the strips as you can.

5. Follow the directions above from #6 to complete your blocks.

This article was taken from "Stitch it Up a Notch: How to Piece Perfect Quilts"

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