Making placemats using a modern disappearing 9 patch block

Yesterday I introduced you to some new Intaglio and Shadows fabrics from Banyan Batiks collections by Northcott and how to make a simple nine patch block.

Now that the nine patch block is made, it’s time to make some cuts, make that nine patch disappear and create a new, modern block!

 Let’s get started!

• Make 2 cuts in the block to create 3 strips. For more interest, make each strip a different width.

• Rearrange the strips to create a new block.

• Shift each strip a little so all the seams are not lined up.
• Sew the strips together to create a new modern disappearing nine patch block.

I’m making placemats with my new disappearing nine patch blocks, so I used a piece of template plastic (12″ x 18″) as a guide for determining where I would cut the fabric for the placemat shape. By shifting the plastic around, I can find just the right design for my placemat.

• Trace around the plastic with a fabric pencil or chalk marker and then cut out the placemat.
• There will be some fabric leftover you can use for another placemat.
• If you make 3 or 4 nine patch blocks to begin with, you’ll have even more options for rearranging the strips and creating some unique, modern placemats.

• Layer the placemat top, lightweight batting and backing.
• Quilt as desired.

I used some simple straight line quilting for this modern design.

• For the binding, cut 3″ strips from leftover fabric and piece them together to create a multi-fabric binding. Press seams open.
• Fold binding strip in half, wrong sides together and press.
• Sew on the binding using a scant ½” seam.
• Fold the binding to the back and hand-stitch in place. This will give you a ½” finished size binding.

For a more detailed description for sewing on the binding, check out my previous QUILTsocial post, Change up the way you make your quilt binding.

And here’s my finished placemat!

My friend Marina (a beginner quilter) made this set of 8 placemats using this same technique. She used fabric from the new Canvas Spot On collection by Northcott. I think you’ll agree she did a great job!

Be sure to come back tomorrow and see how to use Banyan Batiks Intaglio fabrics to make a tote bag from a modern disappearing nine patch block.