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| Structured Improv 9-Patch Blocks |
Improvisational Quilting
Improv Quilting is a free-form style of quilting. It can be completely improvisational when you sew as you cut without a clear plan in mind. Or it can be a minimalistic approach to improv by just changing up one thing that is traditional in quilting and throwing in a wonky cut or an unexpected inclusion or deletion to something that is otherwise quite recognizable. My style more readily lends itself to the latter interpretation. Here is a video that explains most of the process or read on to find out my take on how to sew a structured improv 9-patch block.
9-Patch Blocks
In this iteration, I started with one of the easiest and most recognizable quilt blocks. That being said, there is still a lot of thought that CAN go into a 9-Patch. But only if you want to do so. Here are several examples of different placement choices working within a small colorway from a layer cake pack. I cut the squares down to 5" and started arranging them.
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| 9-Patch Variations |
Or you can just wing it and not worry about placement at all. Just sew 9 squares together and call it good. You are going to be cutting them up anyway, so it won't really matter as long as the colors work for you. If the scale of the fabric's design is important to you, then you may consider a larger or smaller square than the 5" ones that I started with and which are pictured here.
Cut 9-Patch Into Two Pieces
If you are new to improvisational quilting the first cut can be a little daunting. Just do it. Try to stay at least a half-inch from the edge. The reason for this is that it makes it easier to sew in a strip. I usually stay at least an inch away. Using a ruler helps to get a nice straight cut. It isn't used for measuring in this instance.
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| 9-Patch Cut Into Two Pieces |
Typically, I use strips that are .75", 1", 1.25", 1.5" wide. Sometimes, I will use wider strips if the project seems to call for it. For example, a block that is not pieced. In other words, a solid piece of fabric in lieu of a pieced block. Or, conversely, if I am using a crumb block made with lots of scraps and it needs some unifying element. Using different-sized strips in the same block adds interest. I don't recommend using bias strips because there will be some inevitable stretch and ensuing wonkiness.
The strips need to extend beyond the block. If you cut a diagonal across the block, you will need a longer strip than you would for one cut straight across (180 degrees.)
Sew the strip to one side of the cut block using a 1/4" seam. Press the strip open so that it is flat and sew the other side of the block so that you end up with a square again. This is when watching the video would be helpful. Wide strips will cause your block to grow.
Insert More Strips of Fabric
Continue cutting and adding strips. It is fun to do this and sometimes it is hard to know when to stop! It can be helpful to audition strips before cutting. This allows you to see if you need more strips or not. As you work, take pictures and see what appeals to you.
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| Improv Block with Four Inset Strips |
Square Up
The blocks will get a little odd looking around the edges. I don't cut them until the end. If the blocks are going into a quilt I try to get them to be uniform in size. With large differences in size, I add an extra piece of fabric to kind of make a little sashing for the smaller blocks. If the project doesn't require the same-sized blocks, then I just trim to the narrowest measurement of each block.
More Tips
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| Tips for Sewing Inset Strips |
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