Complete the 9 Patch Sampler quilt top

Well here we are!  Now  all we have to do  is complete the  9 Patch Sampler quilt top!

This is where we get to see the importance of the accurate 1/4″ seams that you used to sew your 4.5″ squares together.  Just as we trimmed all squares of the 9 patch to 4.5″ to ensure that they went together quickly and easily, we now do the same with our blocks. It is by careful measuring, cutting and sewing and then trimming as you go, that you will have 16 blocks that all measure 12.5″ square.

I entered my blocks into ‘Quiltology’ to show you my trials with sashing (the strips between the blocks) and cornerstones (the little squares at the corner of the blocks).

White sashing with black cornerstones:

Black sashing with a white cornerstone:

No sashing:

I decided that I liked the no sashing option best and I am going to add a plain  border.

NANNY NOTE: The final layout and construction of the quilt top will be a personal choice and will depend on your fabric design and colours .

If you have decided on the ‘no sashing’  option continue on:

1.  I suggest you take a photo of your layout for future reference and then mark the blocks across the top into rows 1-4.
2. Following your layout, join the 4 blocks in row 1 matching the seams as we did in making our 9 patches.  Then join the 4 in row 2, row 3 and row 4.
3. Press the seams in opposite directions ie row 1 press up, row 2 press down, row 3 press up and row 4 press down.
4. Join the rows, matching the seams.

This is mine and I’m thinking ‘Why did I put that one there?’  Don’t worry if this happens, as I seem to see things differently depending on the weather and my pain levels!  Will it matter in the long run where you put each block?  The answer is No – it will just make it your unique creation!

If you choose to add sashing:

1. Cut strips 2.5″ (or the width you want)
2.  Cross cut strips into 24 pieces 12.5″ long
3.  Cut 9 x 2.5″(or matching your sashing width) squares for cornerstones
4. Join each of the blocks in row 1 (see instructions above) with a 12.5″ sashing. So Block/sashing/block/sashing/block/sashing/block.   Repeat for row 2,3 and 4
5. Join 4 sashing pieces with a cornerstone between each ( you will have 4 sashing pieces and 3 cornerstone squares – sashing/cornerstone/sashing/cornerstone/sashing/cornerstone/sashing).  Repeat two more times.
6. Matching the seams, join a sashing/cornerstone strip to the right hand side of row 1, 2 and 3
7.  Now join all of the rows to complete your quilt top.

Adding a border and/or a sashing strip (the process is the same)

I am adding a 6.5″ border to mine.

1.  Cut 6 x 6.5″ wof strips
2.  Join strips across the short ends
3.   Measure your quilt top along the sides and through the middle – it will be approx 48.5″ (no sashing)
4.  Cut 2 strips of border to the length of  your measurement
5. Take your border piece and by folding, mark 1/2 and then fold again to mark 1/4 (I use pins)

6.   Do the same with your quilt top – marking along both sides.

7.  Match up your pins on the border and quilt top and pin.

8.   Sew border to quilt top.

NANNY NOTE:   I am sewing on the quilt top side so I can see where the seams meet to ensure that I end up with all of my points in tact!  We talked about this when we made the Chevron Block here 

9.  Press.

10.   Now repeat from Number 3-8 to add the top and bottom border.  This method will  result in a nicely fitted border that sits flat.

Congratulations on finishing your quilt top!  Next week we will look at preparing the backing.

Until next time

Nanny xx