About Split Nine Patch Blocks
Most quilt patterns for the split nine patch block involve cutting and sewing together individual squares and triangles, or quick piecing the half square triangle units that are used in the block.This method allows you to strip piece the light and dark halves of the split nine patch block to make four identical block halves. It might seem a little confusing at first, but once you construct one block you'll see how fast and simple it is. Read all of the instructions and look carefully at the illustrations before you choose fabrics and begin sewing.
Quilt Sizes
Choose a quilt size:- A 15-1/2" square quilt with 3" blocks
- A 30-1/2" square wallhanging with 6" blocks.
The quilt I call Carolina Byways, above, reflects the up and down mountains in our part of the country. Both it and my Country Roads quilt were assembled with strip pieced split nine patch blocks. Compare the quilts and you'll see how different the finished project can be when you vary fabrics and block arrangement. You can create many other layouts, too, such as the sunshine and shadows look of a log cabin quilt.
Materials List
An assortment of scrappy fabrics works perfectly for this quilt. Check the cutting instructions on page 2 to make sure your scraps are large enough. You can make all 25 blocks identical if you like by using longer strips of fabric than called for in the instructions and cuting more units.
For the 15-1/2" Miniature Quilt
- Darks, 1/2 yard
- Medium Darks, 1/4 yard
- Lights, 1/2 yard
- Medium Light Fabrics, 1/4 yard
For the 30-1/2" Quilt
- Darks, 1/2 yard
- Medium Dark Fabrics, 1/4 yard
- Lights, 1/2 yard
- Medium Lights, 1/4 yard
Backing: 5/8 yard for mini; 1-1/8 yards for larger quilt
Batting: 19" square for mini; 35" square for larger quilt
Binding, running inches: 72" for mini; 135" for larger quilt
