I am working on a disappearing nine patch top and I am not liking it so maybe I am doing something wrong. In each 9 patch, I have 4 squares of the same pattern and 5 (1 being the center) of another. My centers are different in each block. Should the center be the constant in each block? Do you alternate the outside corners? Thanks for you input!

I have done a D9P with just two different fabrics, and with totally different for a 'scrappy' look, it is important to have dark fabrics on the outside corners and centre, and light in the four central outer blocks.

If you want a symetrical look when you cut through the centre, just swap over the top right for the bottom left on every block and resew, or if you want a totally random look just turn each corner any which way you please.....

Hope this helps.. Here's a picture of the charm squares quilt and two colour version :D

I have made these two different ways.

1. With 3 fabrics. One with a nice print for the corners, one that matched very well for the 4 side pieces and then much less fabric for the 1 center square.


2. With 2 fabrics. One with a nice print for the corners and then a coordinating color for the 4 sides and one center.

When the D9P block is finished, no matter which kind I made, the center square was cut into four pieces and then the side pieces looked like strips "framing" the corner pieces.

I hope that answered your question. When the quilt top is finished, all your corner pieces were framed with the other pieces and the other pieces made a look similar to a link chain. It's a pretty cool effect.

Thanks for all your information!!! I think I was trying to use too many patterns. Each block was a different pattern and it just didn't flow right!

Yes Rose it looks much better if you can contrast the fabrics, using plain and patterned good luck, and dont forget to post some piccies soon :D

here is another D9 I put my small blocks catecornored from one another...hope this helps

Oh I do love your version Cathie :D

this one was done with a lot of different colors.....

Thanks Izy....:-) I like the soft pastels too.....:-) Yours is so soft and pretty!!

They are both gorgeous :D :D :D