Hidden 9 patch/Disappearing 9 patch tutorial

Need an idea for a fun table runner for you or gift giving?  I originally did this tutorial for a blog hop a few weeks ago.  Here it is again for those who did not see it the first time around! The giveaway is over but I would love to read your comment!

I chose a charm pack of Winter's Lane by Katie and Birdie Paper Company for Moda.

I just love the colors and the cardinals are so sweet.  One charm pack makes a very nice table runner.  If you are a veteran quilter, you have probably made a Hidden 9 Patch many, many times.  For a novice quilter, it looks like might be difficult to do but it is easy, peasy and very versatile!

First, open up your charm pack and choose 9 squares.  Place them out in a nine patch layout that pleases you.

Sew all the squares together.  I usually sew mine in sets of three and chain piece but do whatever method you prefer. (Your 9 patch should measure 14" square unfinished.)

Here's my first nine patch

the second

the third

and the fourth.

Now comes the scary part!  Lay the nine patch on your cutting mat and using a ruler and rotary blade cut it in half lengthwise and then widthwise measuring 2.25" from the edge of the 4.5" center square.

You will now have 4 blocks that should be 6-3/4" square.

Leaving them on the cutting mat, flip the upper right block and the lower left block 180 degrees so that there is now a small square in the upper right corner and a small square in the lower left corner.

Now sew those 4 squares back together.  Ta da!  One hidden 9 patch complete!

(Now, a disclaimer. Because this charm pack had a very limited variety of fabrics, I made all my Hidden 9 Patch cuts for the four blocks and then pieced them back together mixing the sub cut blocks. I still have the integrity of the Hidden 9 Patch as I kept a small square in the upper left and lower right corners of the blocks as I put them back together. The runner just looked better with a little more movement.)

The key to remember when constructing a Hidden 9 Patch block - small squares in 2 outer corners opposite each other and two large squares in the alternate corners opposite each other.

If you make four Hidden Nine Patch blocks and sew them together you will end up with a table runner that is 14" x 54".  I quilted mine by outline stitching each of the 16 sub-blocks and then doing an overall meandering stitch.

Hope you find this tutorial helpful. Oh, by the way, the traditional name for this block is a "Disappearing 9 Patch". Call it what you will, it is a fun block that really looks like you are ever so clever!


Linking to: Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story and Tutorials and Tips at Stories of A to Z.

It starts TODAY!

The Ho Ho Ho Blog Hop starts today. If you click on the button on my sidebar it will take you to "Sew We Quilt" and the list and links to the bloggers that are posting daily.

See you Thursday!!

Second guessing

I have done the work and taken the pictures.  Now I have to actually write the tutorial for my little spot on the Ho, Ho, Ho Blog Hop. Eeeekk!!

The blog hop starts tomorrow.  Be sure to check back then for a list of all the participants. My day to post is Thursday, August 1st. In addition to the tutorial, I will have a little giveaway!

My PSA for the day!

Should you be so inclined and have a need, Joann's 70th anniversary sale starts today.



Notions are 70% off today only. Think sewing machine needles for $1.65 instead of $5.49! How about grommets or snaps? Need new, sharp pins? (I like those with the flat head ne that are ridiculously priced but so, so sharp!) Snuggle flannel prints are also reduced by 70% and rolls of "Soft and Crafty" natural cotton batting are $99.99 (instead of $274.99) each. These are also sale priced just for today.

I know where I am going to be early this afternoon!!

Back to basics

After weeks of very limited sewing, I am finally getting back into the studio. Yesterday I spent a couple of hours making a 30' long table runner.

30' is really, really long!

Today I am finishing a baby quilt.

Leave me a link in the comments so I can see what you have been doing!

Sewing for me!

About six weeks ago, Green Fairy Quilts had charm packs on sale.  I can't remember what the price was but I do remember that you had to order a certain quantity to get the great price.  (As always, no charge for domestic shipping!)  When we see that kind of ad, my sister and I usually go together and get a bunch of packs. I picked out a couple of different collections but quantities were limited so I ended up with 2 packs of this.

I had not seen the fabric anywhere so this was one of those "sight unseen" purchases and I was hoping for the best.  I was not disappointed.  The fabrics are very reminiscent of the fabric choices in the Provence area of France...rich red, gorgeous blue, verdant green and vibrant yellow.  While not my typical color palette, I thought the colors were wonderful for the summer and with my white ironstone would look great on my table.  (I even toyed with the idea of making patchwork valences for the kitchen windows but restrained myself!)

I started piecing place mats. I should have enough for 6.

I am loving these fabrics. I wish my local quilt shop had some yardage because I am still thinking about valences!

Could you use a little winter?

Notice the "Ho, Ho, Ho Blog Hop" button on my sidebar?  I am one of the hostesses.  (Just writing that word makes me think of wearing a cocktail apron and pushing a tea cart!)  I am working on a tutorial for my day on the hop.  I am using

 a charm pack of Winter's Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Company for Moda.  Love these colors!

The blog hop starts on July 31st and I am scheduled to be one of the hosts on August 1st.  More to come as everything is confirmed!!