9 patch
 

I am working on a simple quilt for my mom and am not sure how to make the 9 patches I have interesting :( They are brown animal prints with a tan that ties them all together. I don't really like the D9P and want to do something that is restfull to the eye. . .any ideas?

I feel bad that I am so completly uninspired with this quilt. It is taking me forever to do anything with it becuase it seems kind of hum drum. She wants simple and netural colors. . .

Have you seen the 10 minute block that has been posted on this board? That might be the way to go. Just type in "10 minute block" in the search box.

this sounds like a great idea

If you already have some 9 patches squares done, would alternate with a solid block the same size as the finished 9p. That breaks up the 9patches and creates an interesting diagonal pattern. good luck

Have you thought of using the x-block ruler? One of the patterns it's used for is called Venetian Tiles and the blocks start with regular 9-patch squares. Just google Venetian Tile Ruler.

Black sashing might be another possibility.

Alternating 9-patch and snowballs make an interesting pattern.

I would introduce some soft pink to make the browns look richer. This would still be neutral and soft, but would bring some warmth into the palette.

do you have enough of your fabrics left to make some rail fence blocks to lay out every other one? Or a snowball block? That would add more design to the 9 patches you already have. Or for that matter, you could even use a solid block for every other block.

Another idea, might be to put a small sash both ways.

You could alternate your 9-patches with simple half-square blocks to add a diagonal to the design. This is a scrap one I did for a children's charity that would look great in your color scheme.

Kathy, I really like this quilt. What a good idea!

Dina

Had not heard of Venetian ruler. Love the QB for new information. Also like Kathy T's quilt.

Another simple variation that adds a great deal of interest!

Love your quilt could you tell me how big is the finished blocks. I want to try it. Thanks

Thanks, Maureen and all who complimented my simple charity quilt. This one was donated back in 2010 to an organization called Wrap-Them-in-Love (http://www.wraptheminlove.org/) so you're really making me think about the size! This is what I'm guessing:

I'm thinking the 9-patch blocks were 6 inches, finished. That puts the strips to make them at 2 1/2 inches wide. I usually make the alternating half-square blocks slightly over-sized and cut them down to 6 1/2 inches (unfinished). To do that, I put together two squares (right sides together) that are 7 inches apiece. Then I draw a diagonal line and sew 1/4 inch away on either side of the line. Cut in half diagonally to make two of the half-square blocks. Square these up to 6 1/2 inches before sewing to the 9-patch blocks.

I've never written directions before, so I hope that helps.

You can then make your quilt any size you want depending on the number of blocks. Mine was child-size ... about 40 inches wide with the two borders and maybe 52 inches long. With that width, I don't have to piece the backs so it conserves fabric and I can make more kids' quilts!

When looking up the size for the other scrappy 9-patch I posted, I ran across this one that I donated to a kids' charity back in 2008. The idea was from a Quilter's Newsletter magazine and the original had appliqued vines on a rather wide border. The border made it too large for the size the charity requests, so I left it off. I thought it was called Dressed to the Nines, but when I googled that today I got the cute little girls dresses quilts that have been popular recently. Maybe this pattern isn't on the web. I could probably find the issue I took it from since I can't weem to throw a magazine away!

This one would look good with the animal prints and neutrals, too. Here's the picture before it was quilted:

I love this pattern and would love more info on how to make it if you wouldn't mind PMing me the specifics.

Handcraftsbyjen:
I have sent you a PM.

Not terribly complicated but quite eye catching.

Wow some great ideas!!!

Great idea! You have given me an idea for my square I didn't know what to do with.

I really like this! Am bookmarking the page.

DITTO this...one of my all time FAVE's!

Like the ideas as do preemie quilts many times with nine patches and these would make them more interesting. Latest one we added a small sashing and ruffles.

Have you tried the grid fabric you can sew all your blocks onto . It has lines to sew on and make really nice 4 patch nine patch or however many you want to make. I buy the 2" inch grid and got it at a Fabric store. Joanns used to have it but I couldn't find it last time I went there. They do have it online.

I have used the template for a twister and it turned out so cute. I also have a free pattern given out at one of our local quilt shops using charm squares that would be cute, although you use another fabric in the sashing. I will try to download the photo for you.[ATTACH=CONFIG]315820[/ATTACH]

What about setting your nine patches on point. This would make the block look different too. Also fussy cut the center block with a flower or other design in you colors. Just some quick ideas. Good luck with your final decision.

Maybe you could put them on point with either a dark or light background, whichever helps the blocks stand out a bit more!

I really like this - I have some orphan 9p blocks that just might end up in a quilt like this

There are some really good ideas on here.

I'm sure that you have some good solutions here. Alternate with another pattern and you have a totally different quilt. 9-patches are great to work with, but are boring if left by themselve. Use some pinwheels or other pattern of your choice to snazz up the quilt.

Oooh, I LIKE that idea!

Boy, is your mom lucky! I LOVE the Irish Chain block (uses standard 9-patch alternating with a neutral solid block) OR, more interestingly put together, the double Irish Chain (a 3 fabrics 25-patch). You can see the single, double, and triple Irish Chain variations here (http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/IrishChain/IrishChain.html). I think the suggestion of introducing some pink is a great idea, and/or a nearly white neutral for the alternating plain blocks--fun and lovely! All 3 variations are done in strip sets, so you can knock them out really easily. Good luck and post pictures.