I just had an email from one of my newsletter subscribers reminding me of a speedy way to make nine-patches. I’d seen it done years ago, and forgotten all about it. With this method, you get two nine-patches at a time. How perfect for our Summer Nine-Patch Project! Now you can make two blocks a day faster than making one block the traditional way. That means you’ll either end up with twice as many blocks, or you’ll only have to sew every other day! Thanks, Peggy, for the reminder.
Here’s a tutorial on how to make the Two-For-One Nine-Patch blocks. The example is for a 9″ finished block, but at the end of the tutorial, I’ll give you the formula (and chart) so you can make any size block you want.
1. Layer a light and dark fabric, right sides together, and cut a 10-1/2″ square.
2. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, join the squares together on two opposite sides.
3. Take the to your cutting board and measure in 3-1/2″ from one stitched side. Cut.
4. Measure in 3-1/2″ from the other stitched side and cut. You will have two stitched segments and two unstitched strips.
5. Press the stitched segments toward the dark fabric. Add a contrasting strip to one side of each block.
6. Stitch and press toward the dark fabric.
7. Place the two segments right sides together with the seams running in the same direction. If you pressed everything toward the dark fabric, the seams will nest together.
8. Now stitch together across the previously made seams. Stitch both opposite sides.
9. Cut 3-1/2″ from each seamed edge.
10. Press toward the side with the most dark fabric. Add the unstitched strips to the pieced segments, dark to light.
11. Voila! You have two mirror image blocks!
Here’s the formula for cutting the squares. Take the size of the strip that you would cut for a regular nine-patch block and multiply times 3–it’s that simple. In our example, we would have cut strips 3-1/2″, so 3-1/2″ x 3 is 10-1/2″, the size of our square.
Here’s a chart to make it a little easier. Block sizes given are for finished blocks.
For 3″ blocks, start with a 4-1/2″ square
For 4-1/2″ blocks, start with a 6″ square
For 6″ blocks, start with a 7-1/2″ square
For 9″ blocks, start with a 10-1/2″ square
For 12″ blocks, start with a 13-1/2″ square
Have fun and be sure to join the Facebook group and post pictures of your blocks!
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21 Responses
June 3rd, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Super…I will have to try this…#3 is done!
June 3rd, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I’ve never seen that technique! I’ve only done the 3 strip method, This is why I love checking your blog on a regular basis. It’s always interesting! Thank you!!!
June 4th, 2010 at 12:20 am
I don’t remember ever seeing this done….how tricky!!!!! I think I will just try this tomorrow…..oh I guess that would be today, now!!!!! Thanks
June 4th, 2010 at 5:31 am
this is so cool! thanks for sharing and can’t wait to try it.
June 4th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I’ve used this method and it really is faster. I just forget about it by the time I have another 9-patch project.
Can I copy this and give to students in my classes? It’s great help and I’d like to be able to share it.
June 4th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I’d love for you to share it with your students. Thanks for asking.
June 9th, 2010 at 4:41 am
Brilliant! Will share with my friends on http://www.facebook.com/hyggeligtfabrics
Thank you!
June 9th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I remember seeing this in one of Eleanor Burns’s books, but have never tried it–Just thought it looked quick and easy! I have got 6 blocks done, but I am putting favorite family photos in the center so this won’t help. But I am sure having fun!
June 10th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Wow! This is similar to the making four half square triangle blocks out of two pieces. LOVE IT!
June 10th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Oh, I posted it to NeedleGals in Yahoo Groups. Hope they are as bowled over by this as I am.
June 10th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Love the technique–thanks, Karen!
June 11th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Love the technique – can’t wait to try it this weekend. Irene!
June 11th, 2010 at 5:28 am
very cool i think i’ll do it have lots of scraps to get rid of
June 12th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Thank you for sharing. I’ve never seen it done like that. I’ll have to try that.
July 15th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I love this. Wish there was an option for a printer-friendly page.
December 17th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
What size do you cut, for instance the 10.5 squares are 3.5 cut, would the 6″ square be cut at 2″
Thank you
December 17th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Yes, 6″ would be cut at 2.” Just divide the square you’re working with by 3, and that will give you the number you need.
January 30th, 2011 at 5:45 am
I had seen this method done on a sewing with nancy episode about four or five years ago and have been looking for it ever since. I have already made one quilt and working on the next. this method of nine patch is so easy it can easily be done in one afternoon. thanks for posting this on your site.
July 4th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Great tutorial…..thanks so much! I was about to start a mini (1 1/2″ blocks finished) and this will give me such accuracy for the tiny little blocks! Perfect!
July 13th, 2011 at 6:31 am
Thanks for this Tutorial.
Is it good for Four patch,too.
Lois
August 20th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
To print, highlight ONLY what you want printed, click on Print, and check “Selection” and Print, and it will print only what you chose.
The same works for nearly anything you want to NOT print all the ads, etc.
Karen: the 6 inch finished block would need to use 7 1/2 inch squares, but CUT at 2 1/2 inches.. Check the chart for measurements
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