Getting ready for the Disappearing 9-patch QAL
Let’s get a little head start on the Disappearing 9-patch Quilt Along with some fabric guidelines. It doesn’t officially start until June 15, but I thought I would give you an idea of how many squares you’ll need and some quilt-size options.
We will be using 5″ squares as the base of the 9-patch for this quilt along. I won’t be giving instructions or amounts for any other starting square sizes. When all nine 5″ squares are sewn together, you’ll have a 14″ (unfinished) 9-patch.
Each 9-patch block will be cut into (4) 6 1/2 ” squares (finished). These will then be rearranged and sewn together to create a Disappearing 9-patch block that measures 13″ (finished).
Color placement
Before we go any further, I need to discuss color placement options which will effect the look of each quilt and the type (color) of 5″ squares you’ll need. When you cut the 9-patch into four sections, the 5″ squares that are placed in the corners will remain whole. The middle-side squares will get cut in half and the center square will get cut into fourths.
You can create a more “controlled” Disappearing 9-patch block if you keep all of the corner squares a medium to dark color, all of the middle-side squares a light color and all of the center squares a dark color. (You could also switch light and dark for the middle-side and center squares). You can choose a monochromatic color scheme as I have in the mock-up below, or you can use a variety of colors for the corner squares and still maintain the controlled look with the middle-side squares remaining similar in color (as well as the center squares).
Controlled color scheme
@ The Crafty Quilter
You can also sew each 9-patch block together very randomly without regard to color placement. In this case, I DO suggest that your 5″ squares have a range of color values from light to dark, but it doesn’t matter where they land in the 9-patch. Pictured below is a partial quilt made up of disappearing 9-patch blocks that were randomly sewn together.
The original 9-patch blocks were made with a color scheme of red, cream and blue and they were randomly sewn together. Within each 9-patch, I tried to get a variety of light, medium and dark color values, but I din’t worry about what position they landed in. Below are several examples of my starting 9-patch blocks.
For the quilt along, I’ve chosen to use two charm packs of Mama’s Cottage by April Rosenthal for Moda Fabrics and two charm packs of Bella Solids in white (only one is pictured). I’m going to use a controlled color placement, but I still haven’t decided on what color to use for the center squares.
This project works REALLY well with charm packs (pre-cut 5″ squares) or layer cakes (pre-cut 10″ squares). It’s also a great way to use up your scraps or fabric stash, and cut your own 5″ squares.
Fabric requirements
Below is a table of different quilt sizes – it does NOT include borders. It only includes the number of 13″ Disappearing 9-patch blocks required along with the number of 5″ squares needed to make that amount. Notice that I’ve divided the total number of 5″ squares into white, color and center dark categories; use this if you’re choosing the controlled color arrangement. If you’re choosing a random color placement, then you only need to look at the total number of 5″ squares required.
I hope this information is helpful; I know some of you like to plan ahead. Remember, there is no need to sign up for this quilt along. I’ll post all of the updates right here so anyone can follow along. Leave a comment if you have any questions. I’ll reply as soon as I can.
I hope you’re having a great day. Thanks for stopping by!
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I had a customer order a baby quilt made with an older relatives rodeo shirts of some very lovely prints and some wild colors, and I saw this post and decided to use the d9p for the top. For the back, I used a different pattern and lighter tones that coordinated well with the more predominant colors on the top, These were in a soft girlie flannel combo, The customer was very happy, and I have two more quilts ordered and two other prospectives from customers that saw the baby quilt. The d9p was fun and deceptively easy. Hope I get to do many more of them!
I’ve started w/ boy fabrics( airplanes, cowboys, dinosaurs, animals, etc….). I used those as corners, then random other fabrics as middles & ctrs. Sewed all my 9 patches, Fixin to cut blocks into 4 pcs. Then layout & sew back together. I’ve enjoyed this process. I find it creative & relaxing. Thank you for the ideas. I’ve heard this called 9patch rearranged or scrambled.
Anxious to try D9P and as it turns out I need a Great Grandchild quilt!!!!!!!
You will have a blast!
Is it all right to use 4 1/2″ squares?
Joining in! Have to look, but most likely charm packs. Have NEVER done a disappearing, anxious to try! Thanks!!
I’ve made several D9P quilts, but never a random one. I’m going to give it a try. I have way too many 5″ squares. Thanks for the motivation!
I’m all ready, 5″squares are cut and ready to go.
I have just been cutting my scraps into 5″ squares. Now I know what I’m going to do with them! Count me in!
YUP, I like to plan ahead. 🙂 and I think i have something in mind but won’t know till i get home from work. (changed my mind from what I had already planned!) Unfortunately, I will probably be cutting my solid fabric.BUTTT that will work too! Thanks for the opportunity!
I did look at some fabric, but I may take the easy way out and use some lovely charm packs – one which arrived not too long ago .
I love the disappearing 9-patch. There are so many option for putting the blocks together.
This looks like fun. I am very interested
I’m excited to participate and getting started!
I love disappearing 9-patch quilts and how the blocks transform along the way. I am excited to see your come together!
Oh, Julie, dear! I am late in reading my emails of today, and I should have read this email FIRST thing this morning! I have had a rather blue day, with good memories overwhelming me into doing nothing today! This is just what I need to kick me outta neutral and into a higher gear! Thank you so very much!!!! Looking forward to joining the fun!
Planning to join in with the disappearing 9 patch. Can’t wait to get home, print this info out then check out my fabrics. Well done Julie
just ordered three charm packs of white…. already have more than enough print charm squares 🙂 I’d say I can’t wait, but I have to at least wait for the white charm packs to get here lol.
I’m looking forward to doing this. I have had fabric and plans for a Disappearing 9 Patch for quite a while now. Doing mine in red, black, and white.
I’m in for this new QAL. Have “ton” of charm squares-you know the ones that are so pretty in the quilt shop and they jump onto you when you walk by them 🙂 I think I’ll so “random”
I’m really looking forward to this!
Thanks for the heads up, Julie…helps my thinking process!!
Thank you, Julie