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Block Patterns

Nine Patch

The simplest 3×3 grid block, made from nine squares of alternating fabrics.

The Nine Patch is perhaps the most beginner-friendly block in quilting. Nine equal squares are arranged in a 3×3 grid, alternating between two fabrics. Despite its simplicity, Nine Patch is incredibly versatile — it can be made scrappy (using many fabrics), double (alternating Nine Patch blocks with plain squares), or used as the building unit for complex blocks like Ohio Star. Nine Patches strip-piece easily and are a staple of scrap quilts, charity quilts, and any project requiring fast assembly.

Related Terms

Strip PiecingSewing long strips of fabric together, then cutting the joined strip into segments.Ohio StarA classic 9-patch star block made from quarter square triangles and solid squares.Four PatchA 2×2 grid block made from four squares of two alternating fabrics.

Practice makes perfect.

NiftyFifty connects quilters from all 50 states through block swaps, bees, and quilt-alongs. Great place to put new techniques to work.

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