QAYG Sampler - Week 4 - Nine Patch Block

   Week 4 of the Quilt As You Go Sampler has us to the quilting of the Nine Patch block you have pieced together this past month. As with block types, there are many ways to quilt your block but to begin we will start with a very easy way to quilt.

   Some quilters love the whole process of making a quilt while others love the piecing or quilting more. When hand quilting a quilt, I find I love the whole process but find the actual quilting a stress relieving exercise once I find my rhythm.  I know many a knitter who feel the same way.

   Week 3 of the Nine Patch block showed how to sandwich your block and should now look something like this.  Depending on the method you use to quilt, you may decide to use more basting lines but for this simple block, the bare minimum is fine.

QAYG Sampler - Week 3 - Nine Patch Block - Part 2

   First I think I should say a little bit about batting. I must admit I am not an expert as I have used old blankets, old flannel sheets, polyester batting and cotton batting.  I have even been known to cut up old flannel nightgowns, sewn together to make the inside of a lap quilt. That being said, there are some wonderful places on the web to find more detailed information such as Sew, Mama, Sew where I found a post about batting from Amy of Happythings.

Batting Guide from Amy of Happythings

   In the interest of keeping things from getting too overwhelming, the following are the basics to get you started.  

QAYG Sampler - Week 3 - Nine Patch Block - Part 1

   If you are on target in regards to your quilt block, you should have your Nine Patch Block pieced together. It is now time to press it.  I say pressed instead of ironed because when using an iron on a quilt block it is best to try not moving in a side to side motion. You finger pressed your seams to one side as you have been piecing and now you will press on the block over the seam divide to help it lay flat. 

   Why do you not let your iron sway? Because seams can be stretched out of alignment, especially when working with half squares (triangles). This stretching puts stress on a seam and if quilted, that seam will wear faster.  Remember that you want this quilt to be used as long as possible so give it every advantage that you can to assist in it's longevity.

   Pay special attention to the four corner areas of your block to make sure seams are laying opposite to each other forming a square fan.