Stitchtale

Nine-Patch quilt block

Nine squares, three rows, no triangles. The block most of us learned on, and it still looks good in anything.

3 steps, start to finishWatch the Nine-Patch sew up, cut to press.

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Cut sizes for one Nine-Patch block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Nine-Patch block
PieceCutQty
Center squareaccent fabric2½″ × 2½″5
Background squarebackground fabric2½″ × 2½″4
Cutting for one 9″ finished Nine-Patch block
PieceCutQty
Center squareaccent fabric3½″ × 3½″5
Background squarebackground fabric3½″ × 3½″4
Cutting for one 12″ finished Nine-Patch block
PieceCutQty
Center squareaccent fabric4½″ × 4½″5
Background squarebackground fabric4½″ × 4½″4

Good to know

What size should I make a Nine-Patch block?

Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 3 by 3 grid, so a finished size that divides by 3 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Nine-Patch blocks do I need for a quilt?

At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.

Is the Nine-Patch good for a beginner?

Yes. It's all squares, so it makes a lovely first block. Keep your ¼″ seam steady and the corners will meet.

What's the trick to a neat Nine-Patch?

Press the rows in opposite directions so the seams nest. The corners meet on their own.