Tiny Tuesday Times Two

I am so thankful each and everyday for the gracious and awesome quilters who read my blog.  It is no secret that I am in a bit over my head right now with the start of school, getting two kids off to college and getting through the move and remodel on the new house.  I have one makeup block and Libby was so kind as to whip up a super simple block for us all to enjoy.  So here is a double nine patch, along with a nine patch and rails.


Double Nine Patch

 Start with 1 inch strips of blue and white.  The first set is white blue white and needs to be at least 3 inches long.  The next two sets are both blue white blue and they should be at least 5 inches long.  You can add more sets of strips to increase variety if you like. 

 In addition to the one inch strips, you will also need 4 squares at 2 inches each. 

 Sew the strip sets together and press toward the blue for all three sets.  Notice that the white blue white set has the seam allowances meeting in the middle, this is how you know that your quarter inch seam is perfect. 

 Here are your strip sets ready to go. 

 Sub cut these sets into 1 inch pieces. 

 You should have 5 of each set. 

 sew one piece from each set into a nine patch with the white blue white set in the middle flanked by the blue white blue sets.  Try to randomize the placement of the flanking pieces if you can to make the block look more random.  Open the seams and press carefully to reduce bulk.  Again, if you seam allowance if perfect, the seams should meet in the middle.  Each nine patch should be 2 inches. 

 Take your five completed nine patches and combine them with the four white squares. 

Sew as you would any nine patch and press the seams away from the bulk if you can. 

The makeup block from last Tuesday has kindly been provided by Libby.  Follow the link for directions to this great, simple and quick nine patch variation. 

Nine Patch and Rails