Nine Patch Variation
This was one of the first blocks I "invented" myself, and it was one of my very first BOMs. It is still a favorite of mine, and is one of my most popular patterns too. I think it's a favorite because the finishing possibilities are almost endless, and you can make so many different looking quilts from the same block.
This an easy block, but needs contrasting fabrics to really make it work. I suggest complete opposites, lights and darks. The block on the left has lights and darks, and would work fine. The block in the middle has the same colors on one side, but by making the other side blacks, it becomes the dark side of the block. This would also work fine. You can use all the same colors too, as shown in the block on the right, which has all browns, lights and darks. As long as there is high contrast between the lights and darks it will work.
For each 8 inch unfinished block you need:
Three 3 inch squares AND one 3 3/8 inch square from a light color
Four three inch squares and one 3 3/8 inch square of dark color
Many more sizes are listed below.
You can find directions for making diagonal half squares with diagrams by following this link. Press to the darker side of the square.
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Assemble as shown here, one row at a time. Your block should measure 8 inches, which makes it a 7 1/2 inch finished block. If you like a real variety in your quilt, don't use the same diagonal half squares in the one block, but switch them around. |
And this is my Nine Patch Variation, made of scraps, quilted by my friend Jackie, who made it even prettier.
Candy did hers in a variety of blacks and colors, giving it a totally different look. And Saska won Best of Show with her quilt done in purples and lights.
Here are different sizes to make your Nine Patch Variation in, and the cuts to make them that way:
Cutting your squares 1 1/2 inches (1 7/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 3 inches.
Cutting your squares 2 inches (2 3/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 4 1/2 inches.
Cutting your squares 2 1/2 inches (2 7/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 6 inches.
Cutting your squares 3 inches (3 3/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 7 1/2 inches.
Cutting your squares 3 1/2 inches (3 7/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 9 inches.
Cutting your squares 4 inches (4 3/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 10 1/2 inches.
Cutting your squares 4 1/2 inches (4 7/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 12 inches.
Cutting your squares 5 1/2 inches (5 7/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 15 inches.
Cutting your squares 6 1/2 inches (6 7/8 for diagonals) will give you a finished block of 18 inches.
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Updated October 26, 2025
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