The Nine Patch is a classic quilt block and a great pattern for beginners. It is easily constructed from just two different fabrics, one light and one dark, and is put together quickly.

If you are working with fabrics that you already have, it can be made from different fabrics with contrasting colour values. Just separate your fabrics into ‘light’ and ‘dark’ piles, cut into squares and sew together individually. This takes a bit more time, but the results are lovely, and there is very little waste. This pattern will go over both methods.

For best results, read the instructions thoroughly before you begin, work slowly and methodically, and always, always press your seams.

Skill level: Beginner

1 cm seam allowance is included in the pattern.

SUITABLE FABRICS

Many fabrics can be used for quilting, though some are easier to work with than others. If you are a beginner, try mid-weight cotton or linens of a plain weave. Fabrics should be woven, not knitted, and shouldn’t have any stretch. Mid-weight fabrics provide some stability — heavy ones will create bulky seams and light ones are more likely to shift while sewing. If you are re-purposing fabrics from your home, bed sheets, pillowcases, button-down shirts, and lightweight trousers all make good quilt material. As you become more confident, experiment with different textures and fibres.

YOU WILL NEED

- Sewing Thread - Basting Thread - Hand Quilting Thread (I recommend Sashiko Thread or Perl 8 Cotton) - Hand Quilting or Sashiko Needles - A Thimble - Tailor’s Chalk or Quilting Pencil - Quilting Ruler (or straight edge and measuring tape/ruler) - Scissors or Rotary cutter - Pins - Iron - Binding - Wadding - Painter’s tape (optional) -

Sizes: Cot, Throw, Single, Double & Queen.