Two Ways to Make a Nine Patch Quilt Block

With our free Nine Patch Quilt block pattern, you can learn how to sew a twelve-inch nine-pattern quilt block using two different methods. This classic quilt block is great for beginners and can be customized in many ways!

The nine-patch quilt block is one of the most recognizable and beloved designs in the quilting world. Simple yet versatile, it consists of nine equal squares arranged in a three-by-three grid, making it a perfect starting point for beginners and a staple for seasoned quilters.

Historically, the nine-patch block was a common choice for pioneer quilters in the 19th century due to its simplicity and the ability to use small fabric scraps efficiently. It remains popular today because of its adaptability. By alternating colors or patterns within the squares, quilters can create endless variations that range from traditional to modern.

This block is often used as a foundation for larger quilts or combined with other block patterns for more intricate designs. 

When nine-patch blocks are sewn together in a quilt, cool designs can be created. The placement of the blocks and the location of the light and dark fabrics determine the design.

There are many ways to construct a Nine Patch quilt block.  In this article, I will share two different ways with you.

Method One: Simple Traditional Piecing

The first method features straightforward piecing. This method does not use time-saving shortcuts like strip piecing, but there is more opportunity for customization in the quilt block.

Method Two: Strip Pieced Blocks

The second method is faster, in my opinion, since it uses a strip piecing shortcut. This method yields two quilt blocks instead of one.

The two blocks are similar but not exactly alike, and this method may not be best if you have specific fabric placement requirements. You can see that the placement of the blue/white fabrics is different in each block.

However, if you want to make a scrappy nine-patch quilt, creating your quilt blocks this way is quick and fun! 

What to Make with Nine-Patch Quilt Blocks

This nine-patch quilt by Amy Smart features nine-patch blocks that alternate between blocks sewn with dark fabrics and low-volume fabrics. See how they make a cool pattern when they are sewn together?

The quilt blocks on this scrappy nine-patch block are oversized to make the most of the Fat Quarters required to create the quilt. The blocks are also arranged in an alternating dark and light layout.

However, the corners are the sections of the blocks that alternate (vs. the darks always in the corners on Amy Smart’s version above). Do you notice how that simple change alters the pattern and layout of the quilt?

Additional Variations

There are thousands of variations on a simple Nine-Pattern quilt block. This variation, which was included in the Riley Blake Quilt Block challenge, features a simple nine-pattern quilt block surrounded by half-square triangles, creating a unique star quilt block.

You can also vary the size of the pieces to yield additional block sizes. This cute Christmas quilt block finishes at 6″. To make it, use Method 1 outlined above and change the size of all of your fabric pieces to 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″.

More Free Quilt Block Patterns

1. Churn Dash Quilt Block
2. Log Cabin Quilt Block
3. Friendship Star Quilt Block
4. Economy Block
5. Shoo-Fly Quilt Block
6. Bear Paw Quilt Block
7. Maple Leaf Quilt Block
8. Maple Star Quilt Block