The nine patch is about the humblest block there is, yet turn a whole quilt of tiny ones on-point and add a little sashing, and suddenly it looks like something far grander than the squares that built it. Lori Dickman shows exactly how to set those little nine patches on-point, and it is the kind of layout that quietly devours a stash of small squares.
Here is why this one is worth watching:
- On-point is what makes a humble block look elegant. Tilting the nine patches forty-five degrees and floating them in sashing gives the whole quilt a soft, diamond rhythm that a straight set never quite achieves, all from the simplest block in the book.
- The press-seams-open tip is genuinely useful. Lori presses the seams open on these intersection-heavy blocks so they lie perfectly flat, which keeps the top from getting bulky and saves you from snapping a needle when you quilt through all those crossing points.
- It is a brilliant way to eat through your scraps. Because every little square can be different, this is a true stash buster, a home for all those 1.5 inch cuttings you have been saving without quite knowing what for.
It is shown here with light backgrounds, though you can swap the values however you like, light squares on dark or dark on light, whichever way the contrast pleases you.
If your scrap bin needs a head start, have a peek at our charm packs, a ready-made bundle of coordinated prints that subcuts beautifully into the little squares these nine patches love. We would love to see how yours turns out!
How would you set yours, all scrappy and wild, or a calm, planned palette? Tell us in the comments.
