- Background (muslin)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 01 · Nine-patch
Nine Patch Quilt Block
Also known as Simple Nine Patch, Checkerboard Nine Patch, Single Irish Chain, Irish Chain
Part of: Nine Patch Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks Using Squares And RectanglesEasy Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
The Nine Patch quilt block pattern is a traditional checkerboard made from nine equal squares. Also called Simple Nine Patch, it is a familiar starting point for learning straight seams and matching intersections.
Version note: Single Irish Chain names the quilt setting: alternate this nine-patch with plain background blocks of the same finished size. Cut each plain companion square 1/2 inch larger than the selected finished size. The nine-patch itself is unchanged.
- Level
- Beginner
- Grid
- 3 × 3
- Pieces
- 9
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 | Square | 4 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
| Dark | Square | 5 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 5 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut 5 dark and 4 background squares at 4 1/2" (finishes 4").
Step 2: Lay out three rows of three in a checkerboard with dark squares in all four corners and the center.
Step 3: Sew the squares in each row together. Press rows 1 and 3 toward the dark squares and row 2 toward the dark center square so seams nest.
Step 4: Sew the three rows together, butting the opposing seams at each intersection. Press the long seams open or to one side.
Step 5: Check that the block measures 12 1/2" square, including seam allowance.