Nine-Patch Variation Quilt Block

Materials:
book - Make It Simpler Paper Piecing by Anita Grossman Solomon
translucent paper
Collins fabric glue stick
Omnigrid 6-1/2" square ruler
photocopier
basic machine sewing supplies
fabric - for each 6-1/2" (unfinished) block choose 12 different fabrics

Steps:

Machine Set-Up
1. Set up the sewing machine with a #90 needle and set the stitch length to a shorter than average length of 15 to 20 stitches per inch (or about "2" for a European machine.) Use a shorter stitch length to create more perforations in the translucent paper. This will make it easier to remove the paper once blocks are joined. However, too short a stitch length makes it harder to undo a seam line when a mistake occurs. Select the stitch length that suits you best. Use a thread color on the top and in the bobbin that is neutral to your fabric.

Cutting
1. From the 12 fabrics, cut three dark and three light 2-1/2-inch squares. Also cut three light and three dark triangles by cutting 2-7/8" squares in half diagonally. Nub off the base points so they won’t extend beyond the seam allowance during piecing. You will have leftover triangles.

6. Glue or pin all the squares into position onto the unprinted side of the foundation

7. Make sure no excess fabric is lying on any fold.

Quilt Top Assembly
1. Re-fold the foundation along one of the four previously folded lines, enclosing the patches.

3. Sew the parallel seam line in the same manner.

5. Re-fold along a perpendicular fold and sew as in step two

6. Sew remaining seam line.

7. Press seams with iron against paper side, not fabric side.