Nine-Patch Variation

      
December 2002’s block is a "Nine-Patch Variation" block

The block measures 12 inches square.  (12 ½ X 12 ½ inches unfinished).

Instructions:  Use good quality, 100% cotton pre-washed fabrics.



        
1.        4 1/2-inch Christmas scene block
    

2        green rectangles and strips
   
                
3.         eight red 2 1/2-inch squares   



4.    1st border assembly
               
5.      center row assembly
 

6.     center block assemby
 

7. outer border assembly
 


8.    outer border asemby
 
      

              
9.     final assembly


                 
Choose a large-print Christmas fabric with a scene that will show nicely in the 4-inch square center block.
Then choose matching solid or small-print, dark green and Christmasy red fabrics for the background



Cutting instructions:

    1.  From the Christmas scene fabric, "fussy-cut" one  4 1/2 inch square so that the scene you want to display is centered in the block..  

    2.  From the green background fabric cut the following:

      a.   Cut four - 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch rectangles

      b.   Cut four - 2 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch strips

3.  From the red accent fabric cut eight 2 1/2 inch squares 


Assembly instructions:


4.  Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew a red square to either end of one of the green 2 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch rectangles.  Repeat with one of the other green rectangles so that you have 2 strips that look like those in graphic 4.  Press seams to the green fabric.

5.  Sew the remaining two green rectangles lengthwise to either side of your Christmas scene square.  See graphic 5.   Press seams to the green fabric.

6.  Lay out the three rows you've created as shown in graphic 6 and sew together to form your center pieced square.  Remember to pin at intersections for clean corners.

          
                  


7.  Sew two of the remaining red squares to either end of one of the green 2 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch strips.  Repeat with one of the other green strips so that you have 2 strips that look like those in graphic 7.  Press seams to the green side.


8.  Sew the remaining two green strips to the sides of the center block.  See graphic 8.  Press to the green strips.


9.  Refering to graphic 9, layout and stitch the rows together.  Press.



Your completed unfinished block will measure 12 ½ x 12 ½ inches.
 

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