This tutorial will show you how to strip-piece 9 patch blocks. This method is quick, easy, and reduces the amount of cutting you will have to do.
Note: my blocks are scrappy, but you can use whatever color scheme you want to in your blocks.
I started with a pile of light/neutral 2 1/2″ strips, and a pile of dark 2 1/2″ strip. You can cut these if you need to, I pulled my strips out of the 2 1/2″ strip drawer of Scrap User System. (Click HERE for a great post on the Scrap User System, designed by Bonnie Hunter).
Sew a light strip and a dark strip together using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Press open to the dark.
Next, add a dark strip along the other edge of the light strip. Press open to the dark.
Repeat this process using a dark strip with two light strips sewn to it. Press to the dark.
After you’ve sewn your strip sets, take your strip sets to the cutting mat. Using a rotary cutter and ruler, sub-cut the strip sets into 2 1/2″ wide strips.
Next, lay out your strips into three rows. You can make nine patches with dark squares in the corner, or light squares in the corner.
I’ll be showcasing these scrappy 9 patch blocks in an upcoming pattern for the free patterns tab. Look for that post within the month of January.
Until next time,
The Quilt Police
