Nine Patch Pattern

The key of choosing a quilt pattern is to start out with a simple quilt pattern. The Nine Patch is a basic quilt pattern that provides endless variety; entire quilt pattern books are devoted to variations on the simple nine patch pattern. Look closely at the picture of nine patch variation pattern quilt shown above. Isn’t it a striking collage of colors and textures?

For those who think it's difficult to make such a quilt, it's quite mistaken thought as this quilt is remarkably easy to make especially in comparison to other quilt patterns. Take a few moments to study the design elements in this quilt to understand what features add interest and elegance to this quilt. Then look at the components of the quilt to see how easy it would be to recreate.

Nine Patch Variations

First of all the color scheme has a definite theme, fall colors. The section “Choosing Colors” explains why this blend of colors works well together and how to choose a mix of patterned fabrics that will look good together and add texture to the quilt.

Design

Now look at the design elements, starting at the edge. Notice that there is a wide border in a patterned fabric. This striking effect is achieved by simply adding long strips of fabric to the edge of the quilt. Cover over the border with your hands or some paper and visualize how different the quilt would look if the border was made from solid rust or pumpkin colored fabric or even a solid muted green. The solid fabric would add contrast rather than texture like the print fabric does. One simple change results in a totally different but equally striking effect.

Moving inward, notice that those diamonds are really squares of fabric turned 45 degrees. The squares are sewn together in a row and the row is set on the diagonal; tilt your head to see the rows of squares.

Checkerboard blocks

Now look closely at the small checkerboard blocks inside the quilt. Counting the checkerboard squares will reveal nine squares in each one, a small nine patch pattern block. This design element is simply nine small squares sewn together to make one larger square.

The hardest part of making this quilt is working with the small triangles that are needed to transition from jagged diagonal edges to the smooth design edge next to the tan colored roping effect.

You can see that this striking quilt is composed of simple elements, just squares and triangles, and adding long strips of border. You can begin with a simple nine patch, log cabin or fence rail pattern from a pattern book or quilt kit that has full instructions.