- Background (muslin)
- Light (faded chambray)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 57 · nine-patch
Contrary Wife Quilt Block
Part of: Nine Patch Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt BlocksEasy Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
Contrary Wife alternates five plain squares with four triangle units. Unlike Friendship Star, its triangles face in opposing pairs rather than all turning around the center.
- Level
- Beginner
- Grid
- 3 × 3
- Pieces
- 13
Chart
Cutting for a 12" block
3 × 3 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 12 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Half-square triangle | 2 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Light | Square | 5 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 5 |
| Dark | Half-square triangle | 2 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Subcut the HST parent squares once diagonally as listed in the chart. Sew contrasting triangles along their long edges and square each small unit to 4 1/2", keeping the diagonal centered.
Step 2: Cut the five light squares and lay them at the four corners and center.
Step 3: Place the four HSTs in the remaining positions. Follow the opposing diagonal directions shown in the diagram; turning every HST the same way changes the design.
Step 4: Sew three rows and press toward the plain squares. Join the rows, matching the intersections.
Step 5: Join the sections with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, matching the marked intersections. Press and check the unfinished block measures 12 1/2" square.