Busy Bee Quilts - Beginner's Block of the Month









Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM Phone: 505-281-0195

Never quilted? Learn to make a quilt by making a new block each month with our Beginner's Block of the Month.

Block #1 - Nine Patch
12-1/2" unfinished

Choose 2 different colors of fabric, 1 light and 1 dark.
Cut the dark fabric into five 4-1/2" squares.
Cut the light fabric into four 4-1/2" squares.

Row 1: Using a 1/4" seam, sew 1 dark square, 1 light square, and 1 dark square together into a strip. Make sure to put right sides together (RST) before you sew. Iron pressing both seams towards the dark squares.
Row 2: Sew 1 light, 1 dark, and 1 light strip together. Press seams towards the dark square.
Row 3: Sew 1 dark, 1 light, and 1 dark strip. Press seams towards the dark squares.
Put the RST of row 1 and row 2. Match up the seams and pin together. Sew both strips together and press. (If you look at the seam, you will notice that it will tend to lay in a certain direction. Press the seam in that direction. It will lay nicer and not tend to bulk up). Also, remember to take the time to match the seams correctly right now. You'll have less problems matching seams later.
Sew the 3rd row to the 2nd row, matching and pinning seams first. Press. Iron the entire block lightly, and trim to measure 12-1/2" if necessary.

Congratulations...you have just sewn your first block! Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, or mix some prints and solids together. You can also reverse the design by making 5 lights and 4 darks. Smaller squares will make a smaller block. Use your imagination and the possibilities are endless!

Next month, we'll make the second block called 'The Friendship Star.' Until then...Practice what you preach so that all might go well for you. Happy quilting.