Jack’s Chain Quilt Pattern: 9-Patch Strips
The 9-Patch block is key to this pattern. It is the only place I will have color. This scrap quilt pattern has six 9-patches per block. That means I am settling in for the long haul by creating many 9-patches. Jack’s Chain Quilt Pattern has a great design that pops out when the blocks go together, and I look forward to watching it emerge.
A 9-Patch is a relatively easy block to create, although a couple of tips can make the process even easier. Due to the number of 9-patch blocks that need to be created, I am using the strip method for creating them. As a result of using the strip method, this almost becomes mindless work for me.
9-Patch Strips
For a more in-depth tutorial on creating 9-Patches utilizing strips, see this website. First, I used Fat Quarters for this project, but only because that was what I had in the colors I wanted to use. Secondly, I started cutting many 1 1/2″ strips. To be honest, the pressing of the fabric took the longest. I decided to start with three 1 1/2″ strips from each fabric. I can tell already that I will need more of the scrappy strips.
9-Patch Pressing
Once you’ve sewn some of the strips together, it is time to press them. On the 9-Patch center strip, I pressed the seam allowance toward the inside. I did this on each center strip. I labeled these strips “B.”
With the 9-Patch top and bottom strips, I pressed the seam allowance toward the outside. I labeled these strips “A.” This will allow easier seam matching as they will “nest” nicely together.
Subcutting for 9-Patches
As a result of not wanting to do the math ahead of time, I am keeping track of the number of units I get as I sub-cut the strips from above. For the Fat Quarter strips that I used, I got 14 units. Now I need to go back and create twice as many Strip “A” as Strip “B.” I think that I will be working on the 9-Patch units for a while.
Ultimately, picking a challenge for myself, not planning ahead of time, and just winging it should make for an exciting project. I will continue to update my Jack’s Chain Project as I complete each step.
I would love to see what you are working on this month. Feel free to comment below or share on my Facebook page.
Until next time.
You may be interested in these posts on Scrappy Quilts and Quilting UFOs.
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