Double Nine-Patch Quilt Block Pattern

The Double Nine-Patch quilt block is a staple -- an all-time quilter's favorite and a block every quilt pattern library should include. Each block is made from five small nine-patch units arranged at the block's corners and center to form an "X" shape. Plain squares are sewn in the four remaining slots. Make your blocks orderly or scrappy, because they look great either way. Vary colors and color value to suit your tastes, placing lights where I have darks and darks where I have lights. The Double Nine-Patch block finishes at 13-1/2" square, but I've included a larger option that lets you use the 2-1/2" wide noodles you've received in fabric swaps.

_{Illustration © Janet Wickell}