Hi there, I am fairly new to quilting, but I am HOOKED! I have only done very basic block quilts so far, and I really want to try the d9p. I have looked at the tutorials, and the pictures, but still can't figure a few things out. How do I know how many fabrics to use, and how do I go about designing a pattern, if I don't know how many fabrics? I have seen many very pretty ones in 2-3 fabrics, but the some of the ones with more than that seem to end up being random when it is sewed together? What do I do?

It is your choice.
Here is a pic of mine. I used a dark center and some fabric I ran out of and substituted another similar one.

The best instructions with pics:


http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/...-tutorial.html

This pattern is so easy, just make one and you will learn about color and how you want to make the next one.

Okay I had this same problem when I started mine so from my problems maybe you can make some sense!

In the nine patch once it is made....the middle square will be cut into four squares becomeing corner stones. the top middle, bottom middle, left middle and right middle fabrics will become the narrow long strips.

In the picture below, I set up the nine patch as follows:

Blue Yellow Blue

Yellow Red Yellow

Blue Yellow Blue

hope this helps!

thanks for this.

Just make a small sample D9P..like small throw size. You can see what you like or don't like about the placement of your fabrics/colors. You can do the whole thing scrappy, and they come out just beautiful. Like with a charm pack...I did that, and it's one of my DD's favorite quilts. Once you start putting it together you will see how it works out.

Another suggestion - cut up some paper squares and put them together like fabric pieces. That may help you visualize.

You are right, that is a very helpful suggestion, I was just doing that yesterday, I used coloring pencils and was able to get a good idea of how I wanted the quilt to look and the color placement.

Thank you all so much for your helpful information, I think (?) I have figured out what I am going to do...maybe. All the suggestions are very helpful!! Thank you!!

and here is mine with 2 colors..

cute