I did a dissapearing nine patch with 5 inch squares.
It made 18 blocks and used 9 squares per block. It measures 48 inchs by 60 inchs.

So (if I'm figuring it right), I'd need about 162 squares, plus border to make a quilt like yours? (very nice btw - thanks for posting a pic!)

Thanks.
Sounds about right. It is a fun quilt to make and will make another one someday if I ever get caught up on my projects.

I have a huge top that I just sewed a bunch of squares together. I tried to put lights and darks opposite each other, but other than that, I just threw them together. If you like I will post a photo in the picture section.

Here is a nice tutorial for the disappearing 9 patch: http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/...-tutorial.html

Here is another one: http://valentinequiltworks.blogspot....tch-quilt.html

You could also do a "nickel quilt" --they call for 5" squares. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_15l2ttchq9_b

I watched a Billie Lauder video on www.quilterstv.com last night on making scrappy 4 patches using any sized block you want. She sews a bunch of blocks together and then into a tube. Cut them back apart with the stitch line in the middle to make a sort of two patch. Sew the two patches together and then into a tube. Cut them apart and you have stacks of scrappy 4 patches.

I also used 5 inch charm squares to make bow ties. They cut quickly and sewed together pretty easily.

Thanks for all the links! I love that trick with the disappearing 9-patch - how you sew it, cut it, turn it and sew it back together! The finished piece looks so much more complicated than it is! I did wind up buying more squares.... plus I checked my lqs and they do have more of that civil war era type fabric if I need it. I'm still waiting for it to come - but it looks like that disappearing 9 patch may be what I'll try!

Please post a picture of your quilt, we would love to see it Naturalmama :D:D:D

I wish I could - our digital camera isn't working!!!

I used 5" squares for this scrapper under construction.