Magical 9-Patch Quilt Blocks
There’s more to a 9-patch block than meets the eye! Many creative quilt or craft projects start with 9-patch blocks. Nancy shows you how to change-up the strip sizes, fabrics, or block layout to expand your quilting options. Change-Up Patchwork is the name of this Sewing With Nancy three-part TV series. Watch online to see all the details.
The basic 9-patch quilt block can easily be made with two fabrics and two different fabric stratas—sew strips together, subcut into sections, then sew into a block. Watch the process online at your convenience and find all the instructions in my book, Change-Up Patchwork. After learning the basics, let your creativity flow!
Vintage 9-Patch
The first variation is a vintage-look table quilt. In the 1800s, quilters painstakingly cut small fabric squares from fabric scraps, then hand-pieced 9-patch designs. We’ll show you how to achieve this vintage look with ease, incorporating clever strip cutting techniques.
- Create the first strata unit: dark—light—dark fabric strips. Notice that partial lengths of crosswise strips are “kissed” together on each side of the middle strips. That’s the magic! Watch online or read the book to learn the math (for the strip lengths) that allows this process to work.
- Stitch a second strata unit: light—dark—light fabric strips. Again, use partial strip lengths.
- Subcut the stratas into sections. The specific strip size that we recommend makes for almost no waste of fabric while giving the vintage, scrappy effect.
- Stitch the sections together; presto! The finished quilt was created by alternating the 9-patch blocks with cream-colored fabric squares of the same size.
Camouflaged 9-Patch
At first glance, you might think this quilt design is a combination of several different blocks designs—perhaps a 4-patch paired with squares and rectangles. As you’ll soon learn, it’s a 9-patch—a camouflaged 9-patch block. The large 12″ finished block sizes are a speedy way to create a baby’s tummy-time quilt.
Nancy shows how to create two strata configurations. The strip sizes are the same in each strata with the fabric colors reversed.
We find it fascinating how two fabrics can be used to create asymmetrical 9-patch blocks.
7-Patch Weave
There aren’t too many hard-fast rules when it comes to patchwork, which is why Nancy chose to break with tradition. Case in point: Must the 9-patch block always have nine pieces? That may seem like a ridiculous question, yet take away part of the block and substitute a strip of fabric—presto a 7-patch block. With a clever layout the blocks intertwine, which gives the illusion of them being woven together. We call it the 7-Patch Weave.
You’ll notice that these blocks have some of the components of a 9-patch. The middle section—a strip of fabric—creates an easy-to-piece block with unique design possibilities.
With a layout that alternates blocks and directions of the blocks, a woven design appears. Watch Nancy lay out the blocks online, during the third episode of Change -Up Patchwork.
Book Features Nine Great Quilts
Find these easy 4-patch quilts, and six additional quilts, in the new Change-Up Patchwork Book and DVD or in the Change-Up Patchwork Starter Set.
Watch the Three-part series of Change-Up Patchwork on Sewing With Nancy online.
- Episode one features the versatility of a 4-patch block.
- The star of episode two is the square-within-a-square quilt block.
- The third episode features the basics for stitching the traditional 9-patch block.
Nancy’s Notions is giving away one copy of the Change-Up Patchwork book and DVD. Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway, telling us which of these designs you feel is the most creative.
Happy Quilting,Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
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Louise Fredieu
I am new to quilting so I may not be the best person to ask about creativity in quilting. However, in my opinion, the technique for the Vintage Nine Block is the most creative. I have been looking for a block pattern that is fairly easy for a beginner and beautiful when complete. This is it! I can’t wait to get started! Fabric store, here I come!
Charlotte Dunn
I love the weave. It can look complicated at first glance, nevertheless it is all made “sew” simple by Nancy. Even after sewing for 30 years I am still amazed at the weave block. It just fascinates me.
Mary
I do love the look of the weave and can picture a baby quilt in pastels using this pattern, I have quilted many years, but need the challenge to try new patterns.
Clovis
All the quilts are creative. Who wouldn’t want to make any one of them.
Sharon
I’d like to try some of these patterns.
Mary Hutteman
I think the 7 patch weave is my favorite and the most creative, it really looks like it is woven and difficult. The Camouflaged 9 patch is a great way to make the row, everything lines up beautifully.
Barbara Rodebush
I like all the blocks shown, but I think the one I’d most like to make is the “camouflaged 9-patch.” The larger square in the patch would give a space for a small machine embroidery; something to catch a baby’s interest in a crib blanket.
Patsy Pearl
I love the look of this. So colorful.
marsha
All the quilts are creative but the 7-patch quilt caught my eye!
Ann West
I love the nine patch block for its simplicity but the statement it makes. I particularly love the Camouflaged 9-Patch block because it looks like a somewhat intricate block to make but is really very simple. It makes a great statement. Thanks.
Patricia Zimmer
The 9 patch turn 7 patch is amazing! It is so cool to look at and decipher how it is done! Love Nancy and all she has done for the at home sew-er.
Janie H
The 7 patch weave is exactly the pattern for some fabrics I have in my stash. I’ve been looking for awhile and so glad this email popped up! Thanks!
Susan Schwenke
I think the woven ribbons is the most creative. It’s so different and looks to be complicated, as a whole. Then when it’s broken down into the block units, it looks very easy to piece! This pattern would make lovely baby quilts!
Beverly
The 7-patch weave is an eye-catcher and keeps one looking at how it was done.
Brenda Beane
Nine patch has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. This teaching takes it over the top. The 7 patch is quite a eye catcher.
Janice Hobbs
Always looking for easy patterns that look complex for my Quilts of Valor.
Helen
I love the 7 patch woven look!
Cheryl Little
Going to have to look at purchasing the book or watching the video. Love this change to the 9 patch
Julie Kill
The 7 patch weave is the pattern I like the best! Its got history with a twist. Thank you again for some really neat innovation!
Dawn
I love the 7 Patch Weave!
Phyllis Stephenson
I love the regular nine patch, also the nine patch with five colors. Thank you for all the beautiful patterns.
Pam Summerhill
Any quilt quilt that screams ” how did they do that ” is super interesting to me. Yr maze quilt qualifies. Thnx
Millissa Masters
Love love the weave block!!! Great ideas!!!
Cindy K
The vintage nine patch looks like a good pattern to use for all of my leftover repo 30’s prints.
Linda Edwards
I like the 7-patch weave. It looks harder to make than it actually is. Thanks for the inspiration!
Max
The seven patch weave has my vote.
JaniceCarole Allen
I am impressed with the scrappy nine patch. I would love to win this book.
Donna W
The 9-patch has so many variations. And, the 7-patch is amazing.
Martha
The 7-patch is the surprise to me.
Beverly
I have always loved the woven look in quilts, but I think my first choice would be the camouflaged 9-patch for its stately look.
MoeWest
I think the Camouflaged 9-patch and the Weave are the most creative and they really don’t look like 9-patch.
Betty Elsner
I love these techniques and would enjoy having this book!
beth d.
change up patchwork is very creative. I would do this scrappy.
Anita
I like the Camouflaged 9 Patch to showcase a pretty fabric block. I am a beginner to intermediate quilter so I love the ease of these patterns. I love all the styles. Any of these would make a beautiful quilt and Nancy makes it easy to do!
Denise Wichman
I really like the camouflage 9 patch. That’s so unique and simple. Love Nancys technique and imagination.
Judy
I Love the Vintage 9 patch. Would look great in any fabric!
Carol
The 7 patch weave looks to me as the most creative. Reminds me of the potholders on the loom I made as a kid.
mary johnson
would love to have this book as I am always looking for more ways to use the stash (which is way too big – could almost open my own store)
Maggie Carver
I still miss watching Sewing with Nancy, but thankful that the program is still being shown, hopefully for a long time. I am quite new at quilting thanks to a close friend. But a while back another friend showed me how to make a “nine patch block” into a “mystery quilt” (cutting the square North-South, then East-West) and have been trying to make it by myself. I am sure this book would be immensely helpful and I would love to have it.
Thank you for the opportunity to own the book.
Maggie Carver
Kathryn Englebretsen
I love all of them. The most creative is the 7-patch weave. The camouflaged 9 patch is my favorite. I think I would like to make them all.
barb tait
I really want to try the camouflage nine patch, using the larger square for embroidery, I was thinking making the larger square much smaller and then being able to use scraps for the other pieces. Also, wonder how this would look in two or three colors. Just cannot get this out of my head.
Karen Bryant
I am torn between the Vintage patchwork and the 7 patch weave. I love the variation in the vintage without sewing little 2 1/2″ squares individually. I really like the 7 patch, and can see me using that for quick baby quilts.
Thanks so much.
Laura M
The 7 patch weave is really interesting. I love the way Nancy figures out such an easy and practical way to put blocks together. Thanks for continuing to share her expertise and love of quilting with us.
ELIZABETH M LAWRENCE
I like the camouflaed 9-patch. It looks hard until you look at the two different blocks and how they are put together to make the look. I also like it because it only uses two different colors.
Joanna
The patch work design is fantastic…looks so complicated but oh, so easy!
Donna J Bergstrom
Love the Camouflaged 9 patch. 2nd would be the 7 Patch Weave. I have made several 9 patches and really like them.
Shelly G
I have some vintage prints laying around and now I can’t wait to get started on project. What an easy and fast way to make a block.
Donna
I like the weave pattern. Thanks for sharing this, love the vintage fabric.
Christi
I like the Asymmetrical 9 patches but honestly the Vintage is wonderful.
Janet johnson
I think the camouflaged 9 patch is very creative but the old fashioned 9 patch is still one of my favorites. It is so cozy looking and it’s fun to see all the pieces of fabrics you’ve used in other projects.
Ruth
I love the visual interest of the 7-patch weave. I so enjoy making blocks that create such looks with very simple blocks.
Bonnye
I like the vintage 4 patch. However the camouflage 4 patch looks difficult but is easy.
Ann
The woven design is really interesting! I really enjoy all of Nanny’s quilting ideas!
Linda Janovitz
I love them all !! Great patterns to make a lot of gift quilts or charity ones!!
Karem Dowd
The even look is very appealing but at heart is the traditional 9 patch.
Thanks for the eye candy.
Linda Shumway
I’m always looking for quick and easy patterns for “hurry up” baby gifts and these change up’s are all just perfect. I’ve just got to try these!!
Joyce Ann
the seven patch weave intrigues me…I have learned so much from Nancy over the years…
Diana
I love the woven look, and this simplifies the method so well! Each pattern is pretty and would be fun to make. Love your lessons.
Debra Bowers
I was given a bag of scraps from yesteryear. The vintage 9 patch is the one for me. I can’t wait to get started. Thank you for sharing.
Ennis A Weeks
Love all of these but the Vintage 9 patch just speaks to me so loudly!!!! So many combinations possible.. love it and the simplicity the strip method provides!!!!!
Thunder
I think the seven patch is just wonderful.!!!
It looks complicated at first glance, but look at the blocks… Easy peasy…
Karin MacDonell
Nine Patch is my favorite block for quilting…I adore Irish chain quilts. I have sewn for many years, but quilting is a new venture to me and I am eager to make two Irish Chain quilts for my granddaughters.
Marguerite
I became very ill and could no longer work. Sewing, thinking about sewing, watching Nancy on PBS sewing, whatever I was able to do that day, it involved sewing. I also have learned so much from Nancy over the years and this new book looks really fascinating. I would love to win and so would many other deserving Nancy-ette’s. We are anxiously waiting! Good luck everyone! ❤️ Marguerite
Judi Berenson
I love the 7 patch weave, it looks so clean and neat. Directions are easy to follow and hard to believe it is this simple to do. Thanks for sharing.
charles harris
I just love the magical nine patch and the basket weave and the vintage nine patch
Linda Creswell-Hartman
I love seeing others interpretations of traditional patterns. The camouflaged nine patch is my personal favourite. That may be quilt #4 for me.
Sarajane Snyder
I love the 7 patch. I’m a basket weaver and I just love that woven look! Definitely want to make this quilt.
Avalee Fischer
Vintage 9-Patch, I love 9 patches, but the vintage 9 patch speaks to me of my granny. Thank you for all the wonderful blocks.
Laura Curnan
Love the use of 1930s prints. I have been collecting some. I can see using with muslin would make it more realistic. Thank you for the idea.
Ginny Jackson
I’m intrigued by the Seven Patch weave pattern.
Ginny Jackson
I’m intrigued by the Seven Patch weave pattern and have the perfect fabric to use!
Polly
Seven patch weave is so clever! I want to try it.
Judy Joseph
That 7patch weave pattern is amazing
Melissa Reddin
I love patterns using vintage fabrics! The 9 patches are beautiful!!!!
Dominique
I enjoyed all of the 9 patch examples, but especially the camophlage. I have been searching for an easy quilt pattern to specifically place a fancy cut in a large center block for a bsby quilt. I have found it!
I was saddened to learn of Nancy’s passing, but glad that her legacy continues.
Lisa
The seven patch weave is the most clever, in my opinion!!!
Linda Walker
Nancy made everything about making quilts so fun and fulfilling.
Mary Ellen
The camouflaged nine patch is one I wouldn’t have attempted until I saw the directions. How attractive it would be in different color ways.
Susie Furgason
The 7 patch weave is just so cool!
Helen Bowie
Love the 7 patch weave. Although they are all so nice. Miss watching Nancy on television.
Pat
I love the vintage nine patch. Using the strip sets is a wonderful and clever idea to make this scrappy quilt easy to do.
Emma Carpenter
Love the new way of making nine patchblocks. Very fast and really easy. Thanks with heart.
Judy Horras
Enjoyed the Camoflaged 9 Patch idea. Great for quick baby quilt, especially in batons.
Also would not have thought to mix several colors in a strata but works very well to make more scrappy.
Also loved that two tone batik 9 patch in purple and lavender colorwash combo. Really snappy and elegant and really elevates the humble 9 Patch. Does not have to be prints and white or cream traditional combo.
jacqueline
I think the seven patch weave would be fun using red and green “strips” and instead of white, a Christmas print fabric.
Sandra Smith
Ever since I first began watching Sewing with Nancy, I have been in awe of her creativity! I am so glad that she arranged to leave a legacy of learning. As far as the quilt patterns on this post, I would like to make the 7 Patch Weave. I know my family and friends would be astounded and try to figure out how I did it.
Bonnie
Nine patch blocks are so versatile. The 7 Patch Weave is definitely eye catching and a very creative design. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Deanna Chitwood
I love the block that looks like it’s woven.
Judith Campo
I like the vintage nine patch block. It has a nice look when done with reproduction fabrics from the past.
Marilyn Reece
I watched Nancy for years and am saddened by her passing, but am so grateful for the way you are keeping her with us. For me the 7 Patch Weave is the one to try first. I have used the 9 patch with machine embroidery on the light blocks. Turned out beautifully.
Alice Cheek
I really liked the way the nine patch in blue & purple looks. And the stretched blues. Thinking of trying something along this line for a baby quilt, but changing to shades of pink.
Bridget
I think the camouflaged 9 patch is most creative! The weave is a close second!
Helen Heise
All of the blocks are very nice, perfect and easy for a beginner.
As a more experienced quilter the blocks offer ways to use many scraps or stash.
Rosie
I would make the Camoflauged 9 patch. It is beautiful, and doesn’t look like a 9 patch.
Peggy
I think the 7 Patch Weave is one of the best I have seen. Nancy comes up with so many quilt designs. Then she and her guests make it all look so easy! I love to watch her on Saturday s with her creations . It proves to be slowly unwinding time for me
.
Ilana
The 7-patch Weave is fantastic!
Rochelle Summers
It’s so hard to pick a favorite but I love the 9 patch created by the variety of strips in one long strip. Fantastic shortcut.
Barbara Suiter
I love the Camouflaged 9-Patch! Never would have thought it was a 9-Patch from looking at it.
Edie Raymond
The Camouflage 9 caught my eye.
Peggy
The camouflage one is my favorite because of the optical illusion effect. Or maybe because of the colors. I can’t make up my mind
Kathy Lazio
I love the traditional look of the disappearing 9 patch and it looks like an Irish Chain. Reproduction fabrics really are so lovely!
Renae Gawith
I love nine patches. Glad to see the magical cause i was having trouble with some fabric i got and cant get any more even though its new. And i think i can finish this quilt. Just have to change my method. And this will help if i get it
Karen
I love them all, but the camouflage is cool. Nice area for quilting in the blocks.
Nancy Parrish
Amazing how with just a few alterations a simple block can be altered into so many amazing designs. I think the 7 patch is great, but so are the others.
Kathy Buisker
Love the Vintage nine patch looks so nice however, it is hard to say which is a favorite, love them all!
Carolyn Carpentr
Love them all. Favorite is the vintage.
Linda M Carnahan
I love the Vintage 9 patch but they’re all pretty and different
Mandy H-B
I love the 7 patch weave. Very interesting how you can take the traditional 9 patch & make 1 simple change to get something that makes it look so different. I just started getting into quilting this winter through a basic quilt class. 9 patch was the 1st of 5 blocks we learned in the class!
Nerissa
I really like the NINE PATCH the best. I made the 9 PATCH blocks years ago when I first started quilting with all the little squares. But this new variation looks so much easier. I will have to try it. The camoflauged 9 PATCH also is a stunning quilt.
Marilyn Logan
All of Nancy’s quilt designs are unique. Her books, videos, and tv show allows anyone to make these quilts. I have a hard time deciding which one to make next.
Shirley Hopper
I love all of them! However I have not yet ever done the 7 patch weave and I love how complicated it looks as a finished quilt but the block layout seems so easy!.
Jane
I like the more traditional first one. The helpful hints are great can’t wait to try it. Thanks
Jane Graber
I like the 7 patch weave.
Doreen Linehan
7 patch weave
Brenda Ackerman
The Camouflaged 9-Patch Quilt Pattern is the pattern I have been searching for! Just an easy but lovely pattern that looks complicated. I began watching Nancy long before I began to quilt and learned so many important items from her and her many guests. Thank you for continuing to honor her with providing her knowledge to the quilting world still today and long into the future also.
Alice Hartman
By far the “7 patch” is creative and such an excellent way to show how to think out of the box!!
Kimberlly Grady
I just love how with a couple of minor changes…PRESTO! THREE different types of quilts! I am a novice quilter but I would love to try all three patterns. The nine patch will always be my favorite. But who knows, after attempting the other two, I may find a new favorite!
Wanda Fay Jernigan
Magical Nine Patch is my favorite. Love the scrappy look.
L Watson
I love the “Seven-patch-weave”! The colors are fantastic too, it looks fresh and modern.
Mary Ellen Gallentine
I really like the camouflage nine patch… I had been looking for a special quilt for my fourth grandson that would be unique and this definitely fits the bill… I love how complicated Nancy’s quilts look but how she is able to break them down to make them look less intimidating to do!
Sarah
I think the Camouflage 9-block quilt is cute!
Lynn F
I love this technique. I haven’t attempted a quilt yet because I found it intimidating. This looks doable. Thanks, Lynn
Lorraine
Beautiful and unique pattern in the quilt. I also admire the color combination used. The quilt is perfect for all ages.
E. Watson
The camouflaged 9-patch is slightly more creative, in my opinion. However, the 7-patch weave is a close second. 🙂
Anne Z.
I love the 7 Patch Weave. I love quilts that look like they are complicated to piece, but because of the designer’s ingenuity they are simple to piece together.
Kathleen Park
Love doing a 9 patch quilt. There are so many variations that are all very pretty. My favorite is camouflaged 9- patch. It is fun to see the finished quilt.
Sheryl Mullet
I am new to quilting so I would like to start with a smaller project like the Camouflaged 9-Patch for a baby quilt. The quilt shown is beautiful.
Maria
Beautiful Article. Actually, I’m new to Quilting Patches. But I really enjoyed your article. Camouflaged 9-Patch and 7-Patch Weave are great, Both images are beautiful.