How to Sew this Quick and Easy Split Nine Patch Variation Quilt Block

By: Elaine Huff

Do you love a block that's fast and easy to make? This Split Nine Patch variation is built from just two simple units (half-square triangles and plain squares), comes together quickly and is perfect for quilters of any skill level. The tutorial includes cutting instructions for three finished sizes (6", 9", and 12"). The real magic happens on the design wall, where rotating and repeating the blocks can reveal stars, square-in-a-square, diagonal chains, and more. One block, lots of layouts - let's get started!

split nine patch variation

Fabric Requirements for this Variation of a Split Nine Patch Quilt Block:

12" Finished:

  • Fabric A (White): 3 - 5" squares, and 2 - 4.5" squares
  • Fabric B (Pink): 1 - 5" square
  • Fabric C (Blue): 2 - 5" squares
  • Fabric D (Rose): 1 - 4.5" square

 

9" Finished:

  • Fabric A (White): 3 - 4" squares, and 2 - 3.5" squares
  • Fabric B (Pink): 1 - 4" square
  • Fabric C (Blue): 2 - 4" squares
  • Fabric D (Rose): 1 - 3.5" square

 

6" Finished:

  • Fabric A (White): 3 - 3" squares, and 2 - 2.5" squares
  • Fabric B (Pink): 1 - 3" square
  • Fabric C (Blue): 2 - 3" squares
  • Fabric D (Rose): 1 - 2.5" square

 

split nine patch fabric requirements

Sewing Directions:

Directions are given for the 12" finished size. You will need to substitute the appropriate size patches for the 6" and 9" size block.
 

Half Square Triangle Units:

Step 1:

Using a Fabric A 5" square and a Fabric C 5" square, make Half Square Triangle (HST) units as shown. Here are the steps corresponding to the images in the picture below going from left to right.

  • Match up the squares right sides together. Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the Fabric A square and sew 1/4" (or a little less) on each side of the line.
  • Cut along the diagonal line.  You will have 2 half-square triangle patches.
split 9 patch 1

Step 2:

split 9 patch 2

Step 3:

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a total of Four HST units like the ones in the picture below.
 
split 9 patch 3

Step 4:

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 only substituting Fabric B for Fabric C. You will need two HST units in this coloring.
 
split 9 patch 4

Putting It All Together:

Step 5:

Lay out the Step 3 and Step 4 HST units, the two Fabric A 4.5" squares, and the Fabric D 4.5" square as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like a typical Nine Patch block.
 
split 9 patch 5

Step 6:

Sew the units into three rows.
 
split 9 patch 6

Step 7:

Press the seam allowances in the top and bottom rows toward the outside of the block, and press the middle row seam allowances toward the center square as depicted in the photo below.
 
split 9 patch 7

Step 8:

Sew the three rows together and...
 
split 9 patch 8

Step 9:

Press the seam allowances. As you can see in the picture below, I've pressed mine toward the center of the block but you can press whichever way you wish.
 
split 9 patch 9

Layout Ideas:

Here is the basic 4 x 4 layout with colors similar to the tutorial. Not my favorite setting - but wait - it gets better!
 
quilt 1
Same layout as above but with sashing and cornerstones added. Still not my favorite.
 
quilt 2
This is an alternating layout where every other block is rotated 90 degrees. I believe this is the way the block was intended to be laid out.
 
quilt 3
This example is the same as the one above but the block has only two colors plus a background. This is the traditional way the block was colored.
 
quilt 4
Here's an on-point layout using the four-color block. The setting triangles are made from modified main blocks. I am always amazed at how different an on-point layout can look!
 
quilt 5
Another on-point layout with the main block extending into the setting triangles.
 
quilt 6

Conclusion:

This was an interesting block to say the least. I originally made a scrappy block but it didn't look very good in a quilt layout so I did this one with a planned coloring. This variation of the Split Nine Patch was quick and easy to sew and has some nice layout options.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you like it and want to see more, just click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".

Happy Quilting!

Elaine

P.S. Looking for more beginner-friendly blocks? Take a look at these tutorials: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/tutorials_beginning-blocks

P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406