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 This is from the Beeline.  Each month, Lorrie does an article on quilts.  We have decided to share these articles on the blog as well.  

On March 15, 2025, I was pleasantly surprised that the Utah Quilt Guild is starting a block of the month quilt, and it was posted on Facebook. As stated on Facebook, "This quilt is going to be a technique-based quilt and the first block is the 9-patch block.  


To make the 9-patch block you will need 2 fabrics.  You will need 1 strip cut at 4 1/2" x 22 1/2" and 1 strip 4 1/2" x 18".   Cut strip 1 into 5 - 4 1/2" squares and strip 2 into 4 - 4 1/2" squares.  Lay the blocks as shown, in rows of 3 alternating your 2 colors.  Using a 1/4" seam, stitch each row of blocks, then stitch those rows into columns.    We would love to have you share this with your guilds.  If you make this block, please share with us." (TIPS: Press to the dark; nest seams; pin 1/4 from edge on the nest to keep anchored)

Wow, how wonderful is that. The first block is the nine-patch and that is the theme this month. I couldn't resist repeating the pattern. You can adjust the 4 1/2" squares for other sizes like 2 1/2 or 5 etc. I love the versatility of the nine patch. It can be used in quilts and borders. Laura Wissmar used the nine patch in the quilt and the border. 


I love how she used three nine-patches in the center clover. The center of the border and the border corners tie in the whole quilt making it stunning. Notice the great contrast of light and dark fabric and how the same fabrics are used in the center of the quilt too. In regards to using light and dark fabrics, think about making a quilt using a nine patch and a one patch alternating. The one patch can be a focal fabric used in the nine patch or just a cordinating fun type of novelty fabric. Another idea is to use two nine patchs using light and dark cordinating fabrics with one focal fabric in each. Or switch it up; no quilt judges here just have fun and be creative; be yourself. Our fantastic Beeline Editor Michelle Stay shared just this type of quilt:


There is sew much I love about this quilt. The one patch fabric is used in both. Notice the nine patch inside the nine patch block. Oh yes, the layout, and colors. Candy for my eyes and just love the movement. Great quilt!

My great-niece received a baby quilt this weekend. Different nine patch (even other patches) set on point. Interesting configuration.


                                                 
                                                

Kathy Asay made this log cabin with the center a nine patch.


This is just a awesome way to add something different in a block. The colors are wonderful too.

For other examples, go to the Holiday Quilt Show & Auction Facebook website and see what is being worked on which includes some variations of the nine patch.
The one thing I have learned is that nine patchs are simple and complex. It is the first block that was given to young pioneer children to learn to quilt. Nine patchs are great stash busters and scrap friendly. 

As a quick memory, we are exploring the old quilts:
1. Crazy Quilt: (February)
2. Rose of Sharon - Whig Rose: an applique quilt that will be discussed later.
3. LeMoyne Star (8 pointed): will be addressed with star quilts.
4. Friendship Quilt: (March)
5. Nine Patch (Four Patch): (April)
6. Pinwheel/Disappearing blocks: (May) 
7. Log Cabin: will be addressed in the future along with a Pineapple block.
8. Dresdan Plate: will be explored in the future along with the Fan block.
9. Sun Bonnet Sue: a fun applique block
10. Hexagon Flowers: (yo-yo's) a new technique (Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt)
11. Cathedral Window: not as old but a curved technique

The Nine Patch leads into the Disappearing Block which also leads into the Pinwheel Block. I hope that many of you will share your quilts. I know that sew many are doing the Nine Patch so please share. Enjoy April and have loads of fun. Happy Quilting

Lorrie :)

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