9 Patch Pizzaz

The second quilt I made was a double sized 9 patch quilt (60 X 66"). I used a pattern called 9 Patch Pizzaz. I took two evening classes in town at the local quilt shop in 2007 to learn how to make this quilt. The blocks are really simple to make once you get on to it. Choosing where to put the fabric so the block variations would 'flow' was much trickier.

It always comes back to the same thing... making accurate 1/4 inch seams, pressing all your seams properly and before you sew the blocks together, measure each one carefully with your ruler to make sure they are exactly the right size ( in this case, 6 1/2 inches square.)

This is my daughter's quilt which I gave her for Christmas 2007. She didn't really want floral fabric and she loves animals so I used animals fabrics and some browns and greens: a brown brick fabric and tan earthy looking fabric as well a green fern print and dark forest solid colors.

I learned to machine quilt 'in the ditch' with this quilt. Make sure to decrease the stitch length for quilt stitching. Also decrease the tension on your machine and check to make sure the stitches sit right before you proceed. If your thread keeps breaking or matting up, your machine tension is off. It's also best to start with a new sewing needle on your machine and use good quality thread.

To quilt 'in the ditch', you sew along the main seams of the quilt top, using your fingers to spread the quilt flat on either side as you sew. This will hide the stitch row somewhat which is what you want. Use your right hand to gently pull your quilt as your are quilting the layers.

But first take your quilt and roll it up from the right and from the left towards the middle of the quilt where you will be starting.

Then start at the top middle of the quilt and sew the seams one by one to the right, unrolling the quilt as you go. Then turn the quilt upside down, start at the top middle again and sew the seams to the right again. (You are now working on the other half of the quilt.) Now you have all the vertical seams quilted.

It's important to periodically check your quilt for mistakes before you quilt too much to fix. Check the back, too, to see if your seams look good, (not bunched up.) At this point, if any of the stitches don't suit you, you may have to become good friends with your seam ripper. Now's the time to take stitches or even whole rows out and re-do them to your satisfaction.

Next, turn the quilt on the side, and re-roll the quilt towards the middle like before. Start in the middle at the (new) top and do the same thing as before, using your hands or fingers to keep the fabric tight on either side as you sew. After that, you will have the horizontal seams all quilted. Isn't it looking more and more like a real quilt now?

Next thing to quilt, the borders. The borders of this quilt were another challenge! :)

(See next blog for photo...)