Make a 9 patch Sampler with Nanny

Welcome to our Sewalong where we will make a 9 Patch Sampler. This will consist of 16 blocks each measuring 12.5″ and based on a traditional 9 Patch block.

Instructions will be given for the completion of each block. At times I will offer you more detail by providing a link, where, if you click on the word here or the highlighted word, it will take you to the more detailed explanation.

My purpose is :

1. to keep the tutorials short for those already experienced while providing the learners with the more involved detail; and

2. to save me repeating tutorials that I have already done. Feedback is welcomed.

Nanny Note: You will notice a new addition to my pages at the top of the page – if you click on the ‘Print Friendly’ it will prepare the page for printing minus all of the side bars ie you will just be printing the tutorial. Please let me know if you have any problems with it.

Fabric requirements:

I will be using up Black and White charm squares from my stash but look forward to seeing your fabric choices.

I have used 3 fabrics:

A Dark (White on Black background) This is the main fabric
A Light ( Black on a white background) This is like a background fabric and you might choose to use the same Light throughout
Other (plain black) This is a feature or contrast

As I am using my charm squares my fabric calculations will be based on that.

So fabric requirements are:

1st Fabric – my Dark – 1.5m

2nd Fabric – my Light – 1.5m

3rd Fabric – my Other – 0,5m

These are approximate and you will need more depending on how you decide to finish the quilt top. Borders, sashing, backing and binding are not included.

You may choose to select a colour combination, purchase a couple of FQs to get started and build on it as you go. If you decide to do this but with WOF (width of fabric) pieces buy 30cm pieces.

You can cut 12 x 5″ squares from a FQ and 8 across a wof strip so 16 from a 30cm cut.

Charm squares are 5″ square and will be my starting point – I will tell you if you need a different size. I decided to leave the squares at 5″ to allow a bit of leeway and more practice for you at trimming.

I suggest if you dont already have a quilting ruler, now is a great time to look out for one! The 6.5″ square is a very handy size and you will use this to cut and trim squares.

I also suggest that you take the time to check your 1/4″ seam – you can see instructions how to do that here.

BLOCK 1 – 9 Patch

Our first block is going to be a 9 patch as it will be the basis of all our blocks and of course our 9 Patch sampler. To find more detail, please look here.

What you need:

Cut 9 x 4.5″ squares – 5 Dark (black background) and 4 Light (white background) (more details on how to cut squares can be found here )

If you are cutting your own squares cut them at 4.5″ OR if you are using charm squares trim them to 4.5″

Nanny Note: This is a good block to use ‘directional’ fabrics if you have them. I had these Eiffel towers and thought the birds went well with them.

Let’s Sew:

Cut or trim your squares
Organise your squares and prepare for sewing.

2. Fold the left side squares over onto the centre squares and stitch together. Chain piecing saves cotton and keeps squares in order, see here.

3. Now flip the squares on the right over on to the centre squares and sew together.

4. You now have 3 rows to take to the pressing board or ironing board remember to press up and down – dont iron!

5. Press toward the dark so your rows will appear like this.

Notice how with the seams being pressed this way, it makes it easier to ‘nest’ the seams when joining the rows. Nesting means that they lock in place when you hold them together. You can see more about nesting your seams here.

6. Sew the rows together checking that you have them in the correct order. If you nest the seams you will find that you will not need to use pins – keep your finger on the nest as you feed it through the machine. You will end up with nicely joined corners. Please use pins if you prefer but I encourage you to try this method.