Tonganoxie Nine-Patch Quilt Block: Easy Vintage Re-make
- Tonganoxie Nine-Patch Quilt Block: Easy Vintage Re-make
The Tonganoxie Nine-Patch quilt Block
If you don’t know the history of this adorable block, take a look at this blog post. If you landed here because you read that post, read on!
Designed by Carrie Hall in the early 20th century, this block is what is referred to as an Unequal Nine-Patch. It is a block made of 4 Nine-Patch units with sashing in the middle. And it is very easy to make!
Choosing a Finished Size
I’m always looking for the easiest way to construct a new block because I assume my audience is looking for that as well. So, with that end in mind, I wanted to find a way to sew strips of fabric together, cut them apart, and sew them together again. I did not want to cut lots of tiny squares and sew them together.
I first made this block with 2 1/2-inch strips. Because what could be easier than grabbing a jelly roll and getting to work?
Well, as it turns out, I did not like the look of it when I was finished. The block was too big and it just looked too different from the vintage block I was using as inspiration. However, if you want a large quilt, you might prefer this look since the blocks finish at approximately 14 inches.
When I measured the original block, the squares in the Nine-Patch units were about 1 inch square. So, I tried using 1-1/2″ strips. But, I found that was just too small for me. I have a hard time sewing straight on something that small. If you like sewing smaller pieces, this might be your go-to size though.
At any rate, I decided to try a 2-inch strips which made the 4 small Nine-Patch units in each block finish at approximately 4 1/2 inches. I liked the look of that. So, when you read the instructions below that say cut 2-inch strips, it is not a mistake.
Make a Tonganoxie Nine-Patch Quilt Block
The following instructions will make 2 Tonganoxie Nine-Patch Quilt Blocks
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Fabric Requirements
You will need
– [2] fat quarters in coordinating colors/prints [A & B]
– [1] fat quarter [C] for background.
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Cutting Instructions
-From each of [2] A & B fat quarters cut [3] 2″ x 20″ strips, then sub-cut [1] A strip into [2] 2″ x 10″ rectangles and [1] B strip into [2] 2″ x 10″ rectangles.
-From each of [2] A & B fat quarters cut [1] 2″ x 2″ square.
-From [1] background fat quarter cut [4] 2″ x 20″ strips; then sub-cut [2] of the strips into [8] 2″ x 5″ rectangles.
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Sew Fat Quarter & Background strips
– Sew [2] fat quarter [A] 2″ x 20″ strips to [1] 2″ x 20″ background strip in order shown.
– Sew [2] fat quarter [B] 2″ x 20″ strips to [1] 2″ x 20″ background strip in order shown.– Cut each set into [8] 2″ x 5″ units.
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Sew remaining Fat Quarter Strips
– Sew [2] fat quarter [A] 2″ X 10″ strips to [1] fat quarter [B] 2″ x 10″ strip in order shown.
– Sew [2] fat quarter [B] 2″ x 10″ strips to [1] fat quarter [A] 2″ x 10″ strip in order shown.– Cut each set into [4] 2″ x 5″ units
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Make Corner Nine-patch units
-Arrange 2″ x 5″ units from preceding steps into nine-patch units as shown above. -Sew [4] nine-patch units like the example on the left and [4] nine-patch units like the example on the right.
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Assemble Tonganoxie nine-patch Quilt Block
-Sew small nine-patch units to [4] 2″ x 5″ background rectangles, and [1] 2″ x 2″ fat quarter square to form one Tonganoxie Nine-Patch block.
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Assemble second Tonganoxie Nine-Patch
– Sew remaining small nine-patch units, [4] 2″ x 5″ background rectangles, and [1] 2″ x 2″ fat quarter square together to form the other Tonganoxie Nine-Patch block.
Get the Quilt Pattern
If you had fun creating the Tonganoxie Nine-Patch blocks above, you’ll love my finished quilt! The pattern combines the charm of Tonganoxie Nine-Patch blocks with the timeless appeal of the classic Nine-Patch. You can purchase the full pattern below!
Finished Quilt measures approximately 65″ x 80″
