So what if you were trying to think of the basic blocks for beginning quilters? What would you choose? So far in our First Monday Sew-Day series, we’ve done four-patches and square-in-square and half-square triangles and flying geese and a few others (Log Cabin was last month), so I thought I’d take a look at another basic: nine-patch blocks. Above is a version of this block, colored a little differently than what we usually see.
For the handout for the nine-patch/churn dash blocks, click to download a PDF file:
I recently made some churn dash blocks for the #dungeonofcute quilt I’m making, and yes, I did fix the problem in the upper left. For this beginning class handout, however, I chose to make the churn dash blocks more like nine-patches, rather than the adjusted proportions, seen above.
Here’s another variation of proportions: large corner squares, and smaller centers.
This is one of those Frivols quilts that I did in 2018, which frankly seems like it was about a century ago. All churn dashes, cozied up to each other.
This quilt is the result of a bee; Linda asked us for small churn dashes, with skinny sides and big, fat centers, in these colors. It’s a really fun way to work with churn dashes.
While I’ve never done a large quilt with churn dashes, more bee-mates at the time asked for them, in two more different styles. The blending of value and color in the bottom really makes it interesting.
Here were my two blocks that I made for Carla T, and the finished quilt, with giant churn dashes interspersed in among the smaller ones.
Here’s a nine-patch “quilt” done by an artist I follow. He works in paint. He told me his mother was a quilter and I can see her influence.
And here’s Quilt Frolic, a series of nine-patches, set in a an off-set white block, with tons of Amy Butler large-scale prints.
All our Handouts and topics can be found in the tab at the top of my blog: Projects for 2020/First Monday Sew-days. More quilts can be seen below, in a gallery.
Happy sewing!
OccasionalPiece--Quilt! 
Oh Elizabeth there is sew much fun Quilty goodness in this post. Thank you for sharing. It’s the perfect way to start my rainy gloomy day with all these cheerful photos! 😉 Carol
I really love that warm-toned 9 patch! So restful. And those narrow sashings set it off perfectly.
I just love how a simple block transforms into beauty. Thanks for sharing this wonderful variety of two of my favorite blocks.
What a nice collection of blocks and quilts! I sure remember making those bright and beautiful churn dash blocks for Carla. Her finished quilt turned out fantastic. You know, the blocks you’re sharing with your First Monday group are what I know as “Hole in the Barn Door” blocks. Different names for two different blocks, though construction is similar. I like them both! They’re versatile. I hope your lesson goes well!
I would definitely do something to introduce flying geese, square in a square or even economy blocks would be good… I hope that this continues to be a fun experience for everyone!
Amazing what a simple 9-patch can do. Beautiful examples you gave us. Thanks for sharing what a beginners block can make a spectacular show worthy quilt.
The Churn Dash block is such a versatile one, isn’t it? I too remember making blocks for Carla’s pink and orange Churn Dash! Maybe a Sawtooth star could be another option to teach?
Very fun to see all these variations on classic blocks. You are teaching your group some great stuff. They will have good building blocks with the blocks you’ve covered. Maybe sneak in a simple appliqué block to the lineup?
What an inspiring post. Loved seeing all these fabulous quilts.
What great color inspiration too.
Knowing these basic designs opens up so many possibilities for your students. (Jacquie Gering’s deconstructed 9 patch is on my bucket list.) I hope your First Monday group realizes what a treasure they have in your guidance and experience.
These sew days seem like a great idea for our current “situation”
What a beautiful gallery of blocks! I love this OpEdgeArt project!