By Janome Maker: Carolina Oneto
Get ready to play with curves and color!
In my Curvy Nine Patch tutorial, you’ll learn how to use just three fabric squares to create two dynamic blocks. We’ll stack, cut gentle curves, and mix up the layout to design eye-catching compositions full of movement and contrast. It’s a quick, playful way to explore improvisation and design—perfect for all skill levels!
SUPPLY LIST
- Sewing machine, I’m using my JANOME Continental M7
- 1/4” inch foot for sewing
- Quilting ruler
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Iron & ironing board
- Fabrics (for this tutorial specific)
- Three 12 1/2” squares of fabrics, one color, white and black
- Fabric for backing and binding, batting
- Threads for piecing and quilting
Arrange the three squares in a stacked manner, ensuring that all sides are facing upwards if using printed fabrics.
Overlap the squares.
Using a rotary cutter, make two freehand, gentle curves. It is crucial to use a new blade for this step. Cut the three fabrics simultaneously.
Experiment with different combinations to create unique blocks. For instance, one block can have a color center and white sides, while the other can have a black center and colored sides.
The beauty of improvisation lies in embracing experimentation. Once you have determined your desired combinations, sew each block. Align the two fabrics to the edge of your sewing machine’s 1/4” foot. Use your left hand to handle the top fabric and your right hand to handle the bottom fabric, ensuring that you do not stretch the fabrics.
This technique will allow you to construct two blocks sewing gentle curves. Press seams open.
Place both blocks right side up. Align the seams and cut two gentle curves perpendicular to the existing curves.
Mix and match the blocks, sew again to create two new blocks, and press the seams open.
This time use pins to make your seams match when you sew each part of the block.
You have successfully prepared your initial two blocks.
Trim them to a length of 11 inches per side. Proceed with this process to generate an unlimited number of blocks, thereby expanding the dimensions of your quilt. Experiment with the arrangement of the blocks and explore the endless possibilities that lie within this creative endeavor to craft a remarkable composition.
Once you have completed sewing your top, you can square it, baste it, and quilt it.
Upon completion, bind your quilt and place it on your preferred location to add color and contrast. Enjoy!
