Beginner block
Nine patch quilt pattern
A queen-size nine patch quilt is 87″ × 105″: 99 9″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 9⅜ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 8 yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. The block many 19th-century girls learned to sew on, often from scraps and feed sacks. Nine squares, one kind of seam, and a hundred variations built on it.
How much fabric for a nine patch quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 60″ × 69″ | 87″ × 105″ | 105″ × 105″ |
| Blocks | 6 × 7 = 42 | 9 × 11 = 99 | 11 × 11 = 121 |
| Shirting (blocks) | 1½ yd | 3⅜ yd | 4¼ yd |
| Turkey red (blocks, border, binding) | 3 yd | 6 yd | 7⅛ yd |
| Top and binding | 4½ yd | 9⅜ yd | 11⅜ yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 3⅞ yd | 8 yd | 9½ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 10 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 68″ × 77″ (twin) | 95″ × 113″ (king) | 113″ × 113″ (king) |
Cutting for one nine patch block
Nine squares, all the same size. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Every piece is a square or rectangle: cut it the finished size plus ½″ for the two ¼″ seams.
| Fabric | 6″ block | 7½″ block | 9″ block | 10½″ block | 12″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squares | 5 squares 2½″ | 5 squares 3″ | 5 squares 3½″ | 5 squares 4″ | 5 squares 4½″ |
| Background | 4 squares 2½″ | 4 squares 3″ | 4 squares 3½″ | 4 squares 4″ | 4 squares 4½″ |
Block diagram
- A Background (Shirting)
- B Squares (Turkey red)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen nine patch quilt?
About 9⅜ yd for the top and binding (3⅜ yd of shirting, 6 yd of turkey red), plus 8 yd of backing. That is for 87″ × 105″ with 9″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a nine patch block?
It is drawn on a 3 × 3 grid, so it works best at 6", 7 1/2", 9", 10 1/2", 12" finished. 9" is the most common size.
Is nine patch good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only squares and rectangles, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Nine patch is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026