{"id":33830,"date":"2016-09-13T05:51:45","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T12:51:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/?p=33830"},"modified":"2025-01-17T12:49:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T20:49:25","slug":"quilt-class-nine-patch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/quilt-class-nine-patch\/","title":{"rendered":"Quilt Class: Nine Patch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Today we will start the actual sewing part of the class by making a Nine Patch. The 9 Patch is one of the easiest and most basic blocks a quiltmaker can make. It can be made from any sized patches and can be a component of more complex blocks. It is a good block to start with because it is fairly easy, gives practice on matching points and choosing fabrics all without making a new quiltmaker crazy. It also is a 3&#215;3 grid, which means 3 patches across by 3 patches down. This grid is used in other more complicated blocks, so learning it&#8217;s structure will help you down the road. Knowing how to identify such a grid will enable you to dissect blocks in the future. It gives you a starting point for many skills.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8527\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8527\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8527\" title=\"Finished: Nine Patch\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-300x297.jpg\" alt=\"Finished: Nine Patch\" width=\"300\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm.jpg 1218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Finished: Nine Patch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is usually the first block I teach when I teach beginning quiltmakers in a Sampler Class context. You will need:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Supply list<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>fabric<\/li>\n<li>rotary cutter<\/li>\n<li>rotary cutting ruler large enough to cut 4.5&#8243; squares<\/li>\n<li>rotary cutting mat<\/li>\n<li>fabric (2-3 different)<\/li>\n<li><em>Optional:<\/em> Mary Ellen\u2019s Best Press (or similar)<\/li>\n<li><em>Optional:<\/em> pins<\/li>\n<li>sharp trimmers or scissors<\/li>\n<li>thread for piecing<\/li>\n<li>sewing machine<\/li>\n<li>Iron<\/li>\n<li>ironing surface<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I haven&#8217;t done a cutting tutorial. I have listed some below and you can find others if you search.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Craftsy: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.craftsy.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/how-to-cut-fabric-for-quilting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rotary Cutting 101<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Leah Day: How to Rotary Cut (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ybQLai6Mv58\" target=\"_blank\">video tutorial<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Sew4Home: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sew4home.com\/tips-resources\/sewing-tips-tricks\/quilt-basics-rotary-cutting-trimming-part-2-5\" target=\"_blank\">Rotary Cutting and Trimming<\/a><\/li>\n<li>PurlSoho: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purlsoho.com\/create\/2014\/05\/08\/rotary-cutting\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rotary Cutting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I haven&#8217;t reviewed all of the above tutorials in detail, but the brands are reputable and you should get some good information. The best way to learn is to take a class on how to rotary cut and be shown in person. Many quilt shops will give you a private lesson, if you arrange it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11010\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11010\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8934sm-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11010\" title=\"Key Block\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8934sm-3-300x297.jpg\" alt=\"Key Block\" width=\"300\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8934sm-3-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8934sm-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8934sm-3-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8934sm-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11010\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Key Block<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I have marked the rows and patch with letters and numbers so I can more easily refer to them for you. You may want to enlarge the picture and make a small drawing to keep near your machine.<\/p>\n<p>First, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/quilt-class-selecting-fabric\/\" target=\"_blank\">select your fabric.<\/a> If you selected a large group of fabrics in the lesson on selecting fabric, you will just need a few from that group. As you can see I have chosen 3 fabrics. You should feel free to use more, if you want. The one in the middle is the only one I have placed in one square. I want this to be my focus fabric.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8501\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8501\" style=\"width: 297px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8906sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8501\" title=\"Nine Patch: Center\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8906sm-297x300.jpg\" alt=\"Nine Patch: Center\" width=\"297\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8906sm-297x300.jpg 297w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8906sm.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 297px) 85vw, 297px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8501\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nine Patch: Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 1: Cut fabric. You need 9 squares 4.5&#8243;x 4.5&#8243; each. I like to use a different fabric in the center of the nine patch block. It adds interest, especially to a 12&#8243; finished size.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8502\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8502\" style=\"width: 254px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8907sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-8502\" title=\"Adding Reds\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8907sm-300x290.jpg\" alt=\"Adding Reds\" width=\"254\" height=\"246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8907sm-300x290.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8907sm-1024x990.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8907sm.jpg 1818w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 254px) 85vw, 254px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8502\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adding Reds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8503\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8503\" style=\"width: 260px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8908sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-8503\" title=\"Adding Blues\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8908sm-300x291.jpg\" alt=\"Adding Blues\" width=\"260\" height=\"253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8908sm-300x291.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8908sm-1024x993.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8908sm.jpg 1818w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 260px) 85vw, 260px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8503\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adding Blues<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While this particular block is the first block I teach in the sampler series, I suppose I could make it easier by teaching a Four Patch.\u00a0 I think you can handle a 9 Patch. This particular Nine patch will be part of the sampler quilt I am making. I always make a quilt along with my students.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8504\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8504\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8909sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8504\" title=\"Move Fabrics Around\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8909sm-300x298.jpg\" alt=\"Move Fabrics Around\" width=\"300\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8909sm-300x298.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8909sm-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8909sm-1024x1019.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8909sm.jpg 1524w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8504\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Move Fabrics Around<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 2 (above): After you cut the squares, move them around to make sure you have the placement of the fabrics in the position that is the most pleasing to your eye.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8505\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8505\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8910sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8505\" title=\"Start Sewing\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8910sm-300x293.jpg\" alt=\"Start Sewing\" width=\"300\" height=\"293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8910sm-300x293.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8910sm-1024x1000.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8910sm.jpg 1548w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Start Sewing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 3: Prepare to start sewing.<\/p>\n<p>I usually start in the upper left hand corner (row 1 patch A and row 2 patch D), everything else being equal.<\/p>\n<p>In general, if I don&#8217;t start in the upper left hand corner for other blocks,\u00a0 I start by sewing smaller units\/patches into larger patches. This is a good practice for blocks with sections that will later need to be sewn to other sections. Keep this tucked in your mind, but you don&#8217;t need to worry about it now.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8506\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8506\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8911sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8506\" title=\"Sew patches together in groups of 2\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8911sm-300x182.jpg\" alt=\"Sew patches together in groups of 2\" width=\"300\" height=\"182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8911sm-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8911sm-1024x623.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8506\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sew patches together in groups of 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em><strong>Always use a quarter inch seam allowanc<\/strong>e.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you have a needle down option, I always use it<\/p>\n<p>Step 4: Place fabrics right sides together and place into machine with the foot on the fabric, but with the fabric in front of the needle. I have a quarter inch foot on my machine and I sew 2 patches together to make a unit that will fit into the upper left hand corner of the block.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8507\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8507\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8912sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8507\" title=\"Sew patches together in groups of 2 (front view)\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8912sm-300x251.jpg\" alt=\"Sew patches together in groups of 2 (front view)\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8912sm-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8912sm-1024x859.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8912sm.jpg 1908w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8507\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sew patches together in groups of 2 (front view)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The edges of the patches are lined up so that the bottom fabric is not showing when I sew. Fabrics are right sides together.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8508\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8508\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8913sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8508\" title=\"Patches Sewn\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8913sm-300x191.jpg\" alt=\"Patches Sewn\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8913sm-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8913sm-1024x653.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8508\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patches Sewn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8509\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8509\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8914sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8509\" title=\"Chain Piecing\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8914sm-300x245.jpg\" alt=\"Chain Piecing\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8914sm-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8914sm-1024x837.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8509\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chain Piecing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>Nota bene<\/em>: You can certainly take the sewn patches out of the machine, but this is a good time to talk about chain piecing. I have other bits and pieces handy so that I can keep sewing, so I will put them (see red rose fabrics above) through the machine after the patches for the block on which I am working. In the above photo, you can see scrap pieces for a journal cover. I find it is much easier to work on sewing scraps together rather than another block. For my <a href=\"http:\/\/www.artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/aq-projects-tutorials\/aq-tutorials\/journal-cover-tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\">journal covers<\/a>, I sew pieces together any which way. I don&#8217;t have to worry about putting the right patch in the right place or not cutting off triangle corners. This method gives my brain space to concentrate on the block at hand. I like to use chain piecing as it saves thread and keeps the machine from eating the corners of blocks as the machine starts sewing a new patch.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have done some blocks and know how you work, you can certainly put the next group of pieces for your current block through the machine after the first set. Also, if you feel confident, then go ahead and put the next set through the machine.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8510\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8510\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8915sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8510\" title=\"Cut off Chain Piecing \" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8915sm-300x174.jpg\" alt=\"Cut off Chain Piecing\" width=\"300\" height=\"174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8915sm-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8915sm-1024x594.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8510\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cut off Chain Piecing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 5: After you have put your second group of patches, or your scraps, through the machine, cut off the sewn patches apart from your second group of sewn pieces. I usually just put one set of chain piecing through my machine after the patches for my current block, especially if I have a lot of fiddly placement. I would rather unsew one set of patchwork if I make a mistake than many.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8511\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8511\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8916sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8511\" title=\"Trim threads\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8916sm-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Trim threads\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8916sm-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8916sm-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8916sm.jpg 1944w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8511\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Trim threads<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 6: Trim threads.<\/p>\n<p>I dislike a bunch of long threads hanging off the back of my finished blocks. The best way I have found to deal with that is to trim as I go along. Trimming threads is a personal preference. I find it makes my blocks look a bit better and there is less of a chance of anything getting caught in my machine as I sew further along in the project. I put threads and trimmings in a bag and use them for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/2013\/04\/cat-beds-again\/\" target=\"_blank\">cat bed<\/a> filling.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8512\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8512\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8917sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8512\" title=\"Set Seams\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8917sm-300x232.jpg\" alt=\"Set Seams\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8917sm-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8917sm-1024x794.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8512\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Set Seams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 7: Bring your 2 sewn squares over to your ironing board and press the threads on the seam allowance from the back with the patchwork closed. This sets the seams. You have not yet opened your piecing to look at it from the front.<\/p>\n<p>I have no idea if this step really sets the seams. Fons &amp; Porter do this and since there doesn&#8217;t seem to be any harm in it, I started to do it as well. If you skip this step, your patchwork will not fall apart.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8513\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8918sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8513\" title=\"Open Patches\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8918sm-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"Open Patches\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8918sm-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8918sm-1024x803.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8918sm.jpg 1752w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Open Patches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Step 8: Open your patchwork so that the seam allowance is pointing towards the patch that will be in the very upper left hand corner.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8514\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8514\" style=\"width: 243px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8919sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8514\" title=\"Seam Allowance Points Away\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8919sm-243x300.jpg\" alt=\"Seam Allowance Points Away\" width=\"243\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8919sm-243x300.jpg 243w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8919sm-831x1024.jpg 831w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8919sm.jpg 1578w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 243px) 85vw, 243px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8514\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seam Allowance Points Away<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 9<\/strong>: Point the seam allowance, referenced above, away from you.<\/p>\n<p>You could also point it to the side (either right or left depending on which is comfortable based on the hand with which you press). Above is the way I do it, which probably depends on the size of my ironing board and habit.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8515\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8515\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8920sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8515\" title=\"Press\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8920sm-300x228.jpg\" alt=\"Press\" width=\"300\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8920sm-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8920sm-1024x780.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8920sm.jpg 2022w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8515\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Press<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 10<\/strong>: Swoop your iron carefully from the patch without the seam allowance to the patch which is laying on top of the seam allowance. In my case I am swooping carefully from the red towards the aqua dot.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10980\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10980\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8921sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10980\" title=\"Place Sewn Patches on Design Wall\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8921sm-300x297.jpg\" alt=\"Place Sewn Patches on Design Wall\" width=\"300\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8921sm-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8921sm-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8921sm-1024x1016.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/PICT8921sm.jpg 1710w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10980\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Place Sewn Patches on Design Wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 11<\/strong>: Place sewn patches on in their spot on the design surface.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8516\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8516\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8922sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8516\" title=\"Place Sewn Patches on Design Wall (detail)\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8922sm-300x241.jpg\" alt=\"Place Sewn Patches on Design Wall (detail)\" width=\"300\" height=\"241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8922sm-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8922sm-1024x825.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8516\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Place Sewn Patches on Design Wall (detail)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You will notice that this newly sewn set of patches are quite a bit smaller (1\/2&#8243; to be exact) than your other cut pieces. No panicking is necessary. The patches are smaller because you have used 1\/2&#8243; of fabric for the seam allowance. You are on track, if your block looks like the two pictures above.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8517\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8517\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8923sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8517\" title=\"Sew Next Patches\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8923sm-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Sew Next Patches\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8923sm-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8923sm-1024x512.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8517\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sew Next Patches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 12<\/strong>: Take the center patches (from row 1 patch B and row 2 patch E) and sew them together. Again, you will place your right sides together before you sew.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8518\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8518\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8924sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8518\" title=\"Use Chain Piecing Techniques\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8924sm-300x174.jpg\" alt=\"Use Chain Piecing Techniques\" width=\"300\" height=\"174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8924sm-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8924sm-1024x596.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Use Chain Piecing Techniques<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 13<\/strong>: Follow steps 3-11 for these patches and the right hand patches (row 1 patch C and row 2 patch F).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8520\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8926sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8520\" title=\"Press Opposite\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8926sm-300x132.jpg\" alt=\"Press Opposite\" width=\"300\" height=\"132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8926sm-300x132.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8926sm-1024x452.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8520\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Press Opposite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 14<\/strong>: Above we pressed towards row 1. After sewing row 1&amp;2, patches B&amp;E, you will press the seam allowance towards row 2. Patch E will be on top of your seam allowance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8521\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8521\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8927sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8521\" title=\"Used Another 1\/2&quot;\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8927sm-300x287.jpg\" alt=\"Used Another 1\/2&quot;\" width=\"300\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8927sm-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8927sm-1024x980.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8927sm.jpg 1692w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8521\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Used Another 1\/2&#8243;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 15<\/strong>: Place your pressed patch on the Design Wall. You have used up another 1\/2&#8243; of fabric.<\/p>\n<p>After you have sewed all the patches for rows 1&amp;2 together, you will need to sew the patches for row 3.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 16<\/strong>: Sew row 3 patch G to patch D. Yes, patch D is already sewn to patch A. Don&#8217;t press yet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 17<\/strong>: Follow the directions in Step 16 for patch H and patch I. Wait to press.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 18<\/strong>: Press patch G towards patch G.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 19<\/strong>: Press H towards patch E<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 20<\/strong>: Press patch I towards patch I<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8522\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8522\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8928sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8522\" title=\"Nesting Rows\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8928sm-300x127.jpg\" alt=\"Nesting Rows\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8928sm-300x127.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8928sm-1024x433.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8522\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nesting Rows<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 21<\/strong>: Lay the column with patches B, E and H on top of the column with A, D, and G. Make sure that your seams look like the photo above &#8211; nested into each other, not resting on top of each other.<\/p>\n<p>The reason to pay attention to pressing is that you can &#8216;nest&#8217; the seams when you go to start sewing the rows. Nesting seams is when the seam allowances are pressed in opposite directions so that they rest against each other. It helps with accuracy in piecing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8523\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8523\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8929sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8523\" title=\"Sew Left Column to Middle Column\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8929sm-300x258.jpg\" alt=\"Sew Left Column to Middle Column\" width=\"300\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8929sm-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8929sm-1024x882.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8523\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sew Left Column to Middle Column<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 22<\/strong>: With the column with patches B, E and H on the bottom, sew the\u00a0column with A, D, and G to the column with patches B, E and H on the right side.<\/p>\n<p>I did use some pins at the seam allowances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 23<\/strong>: Set seam between the left and middle columns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 24<\/strong>: Press seam allowance between the left and middle columns in whatever direction suits you.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8526\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8526\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8933sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8526\" title=\"Lay Left Column on Middle Column\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8933sm-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"Lay Left Column on Middle Column\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8933sm-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8933sm-1024x766.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8526\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lay Left Column on Middle Column<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 25<\/strong>: Lay left column (with patches C, F and I) on top of the middle column.<\/p>\n<p>It looks like the top row, but really is the right column. I just have it turned so the right column is on top.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 26<\/strong>: Pin at seam allowances, if desired. I usually use pins.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 27<\/strong>: Sew left column (with patches C, F and I) to the middle column.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 28<\/strong>: Set seam between right and middle column.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 29<\/strong>: Press seam between right and middle column.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8527\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8527\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8527\" title=\"Finished: Nine Patch\" src=\"http:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-300x297.jpg\" alt=\"Finished: Nine Patch\" width=\"300\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/PICT8934sm.jpg 1218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 85vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Finished: Nine Patch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Step 30<\/strong>: Congratulate yourself! You have successfully completed your Nine Patch!!!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today we will start the actual sewing part of the class by making a Nine Patch. The 9 Patch is one of the easiest and most basic blocks a quiltmaker can make. It can be made from any sized patches and can be a component of more complex blocks. It is a good block to &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/quilt-class-nine-patch\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Quilt Class: Nine Patch&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[374],"tags":[349,321,380,142],"class_list":["post-33830","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-374","tag-blocks","tag-lessonsteaching","tag-sampler","tag-sampler-quilt-class"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33830"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33830\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65410,"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33830\/revisions\/65410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/artquiltmaker.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}