I made 9 completed blocks and then lay them all out to make sure the overall pattern was uniform before I started sewing them together in rows. Sew your 4 squares vertically, press seams open and then horizontally, press seams open.

Try it the way I’ve shown if this is your first time sewing this block, it’s the easiest. The really fun thing about this quilt block is the many different ways you can create patterns by switching the squares around. Rotate the top right square 180 degrees as in the photo. Make sure these cuts are straight and even and don’t rush. You can now cut your 9 patch quilt block in half horizontally and vertically centered. Now sew your 3 rows together horizontally and press open the seams. Next, turn the 3 rows over and Press all your seams open, this makes it easier to line up the seams later. I wasn’t sure on which way to start sewing them when I tried this for the first time and I stitched a few squares together along the wrong edge by accident and the overall pattern was messed up. Keeping your blocks organized is key to fewer mistakes.

Sew your 9 squares together vertically first so that you have 3 horizontal rows, a top, middle and a bottom. But you place them any way you want, this is just my preference. I quickly learned to put darker colors in the center so your eye doesn’t go right to a dark 5″ inch square when you look at the finished quilt (they get cut into 4 smaller squares later on). Staying organized and using a large flat surface will help keep you squares from getting turned and assembled the wrong way. Lay out your squares so you can see all 9 of them. I used the Les Amis fabric from Michael Miller. I hope this may help and not confuse you. There are plenty of tutorials on how to do this block but not always with step by step visual photos. I’ve been busy the last couple of weeks putting together this mini tutorial for a “Disappearing Nine Patch” baby sized quilt. It’s a great quilt block to try and you will get lots of practice lining up and matching seams.

Disappearing 9 patch baby quilt