Nine-Square Patchwork Block

• The nine-square patchwork block is an easy way to create a quilt fast. Select contrasting colors or use scraps of material of many different colors to create a one-of-a-kind quilt top. Cut nine squares all the same size with a 1/4-inch seam allowance for each block. Assemble three rows of three squares each. Sew each row together to complete the block. Alternate colors if using two colors, such as red, white, red, then white, red, white, then red, white, red. Then sew squares together.
  
  

Half-Square Triangles

• Cut two large squares of different colors, about 6 inches with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Place one color square face down on top of a square of the other color and draw a straight line with fabric chalk from one corner to the other diagonally. Sew 1/4 inch on each side the of the line. Cut each square diagonally on the chalk line between the stitches to make two large triangles. Assemble the four bi-color squares in two rows. Rotate the squares so that triangles of the same color do not touch.
  
  

Four-Patch Block

• Select two complementary or contrasting colors for each block. Select two shades of the same color or contrasting colors, such as black and yellow. The four-patch block consists of four equal-sized squares assembled two squares across and two squares down. Place one color square on top of the other color square and straight stitch down one side to attach the two squares. Sew the other two squares together. Arrange the two rows so that the blocks of color alternate. Stitch the rows together to complete the block.
  
  

Cross Block

• Cut five squares all the same size with four squares of the same color and one contrasting color square. Place the one contrasting color square in the center and arrange the same color squares on each side of the center square to form a cross pattern. Assemble four four-patch blocks using the same colors. Place one four-patch block at each corner to complete the pattern. The finished block will consist of a top and bottom row with a four-patch block, one solid square and a four-patch block. The center row is three solid squares with the contrasting color in the center.