April's Block of the Month - 9 Patch

April's block of the month is a 9-patch.  It is called this because it is made up of 9 squares.  Here are the two that I made for this month.  Notice how you can create a different look by where you choose to place the colors.  The following are a few different looks that you can get from a 2 colored 9 patch block.

For a 12" squared block, you will need to cut out nine 4.5" squares.  How many of each color depends on which color arrangement that you chose to do.

For these directions, I am making this arrangement.  So I cut out 4 purple squares and 5 floral squares.

I laid the middle squares right side together over the squares on the left side.  Then I sewed them together using a straight stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Then I laid the right side squares over the center ones, right sides together, and sewed them.

Next I ironed them.  Iron the light sides towards the dark fabric.  It is also good to remember to iron each section so that the folded ironed sides face different directions.  For example, the top and bottom sections was ironed towards the center square.  The middle section was ironed away from the center square.

Now lay the bottom section over the middle section, right sides together, and pin in place.

Notice how where the fabric was ironed, that the two sides' folded area butt up against each other nicely?  That helps to line up the block just right.  After you have pinned the 2 sides together, then sew them together.

You are going to repeat that with other section over the middle section.

Then iron the back of your block.  I have ironed all the lights sides to the dark sides.  This can be a little more tedious, but I did not want the dark fabric to show through the light fabric on the front of the block.  However you can just pick one side to iron toward and do that (example: iron all parts to the left).

Then trim your edges so that they are all straight.  Your block should be about 12.5".  It will be 12" once sewn to other blocks.  Enjoy and I look forward to seeing everyone's block :)  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.