Summer Winds Variation Nine Patch Quilt Block Pattern

Today, we dive into the delightful world of the Summer Winds Variation Nine Patch Quilt Block. The unique new look of this pattern combines the classic charm of the nine-patch block using half square triangles. If you find flying geese hard to sew, then this is an easy version as it uses half square triangles to achieve the pattern.

This refreshing twist on the Summer Winds Block if fun to make. With its intricate yet approachable layout, this quilt block is sure to become a favorite in your quilting repertoire.

Sampler Quilts

I am working through a few nine patch blocks with the goal of a finished quilt in the end. I loved the look of the summer winds quilt block and wanted to make another version. This is my take on it.

You will see that there are no flying geese in this block. It is made up of squares, rectangles, and half square triangles. For me, it’s just easier to keep making half square triangles than switch gears and sew up a few flying geese.

If you are new to quilting, this tutorial for how to sew half square triangles is helpful. It includes a chart for making half square triangles from 1” to 12” along with a diagram.

Nine Patch Quilt Block – Charm Pack Friendly

This pattern looks nice using two, three, four colors, or even a scrappy version. Make three different quilt blocks. Four of one block for each corner square. Four of the next for each middle square surrounding the center square. Join them together into nine squares.

The project size in the directions is for the 12” finished quilt block. However, there are three sizes of basic units provided, 9 ½”, 12 ½”, and 15 ½” unfinished square. The finished size will be a 9”, 12”, and 15” square. The finished size of a quilt block refers to the size the block is after it is sewn into a quilt.

The 9” and 12” square are perfect for using charm packs. This traditional quilt block will work with solid fabrics, printed fabrics, or a combination of the two. However, this block design lends itself to dark squares and light squares.

I have included a few graphics of how the look of this finished square will look by changing the colors. This is one of my favorite features when I’m creating. It’s amazing how the look of a square can change by just changing where you place the colors of fabric.

Directions: Summer Winds Variation Nine Patch Quilt Block Pattern

Skill Level

Easy. Perfect for a confident beginner.

Finished Sizes

• 9” X 9”
• 12” X 12”
• 15” X 15”

Equipment/Tools

• Thread
• Rotary Cutter
• Quilting Ruler
• Cutting Mat
• Rotating Cutting Mat
• Iron
• Ironing Board or Pressing Mat
• Pins
• Clips
• Sewing Machine

Pattern Notes

The directions detail the 12-inch quilt block. When making this in the 9-inch or 15-inch quilt blocks, substitute the material sizes.

Sew fabrics together using ¼” seam allowances.

Seams can be pressed open, or you can press seams to one side or the other, I will have those suggestions within the instructions.

Sew fabric with the right sides together.

Make sure to lay out your squares on a flat surface before sewing together to make sure that everything is in the correct place and turned the way you want them.

Cutting Charts Three Different Sizes

15″ finished quilt block

Block, Number of Squares, and Sizes    

A = 1, 5 1/2″‘ X 5 1/2″ 

B = 4, 3″ X 5 1/2″

C = 4, 3″ X 3″      

D = 10, 4″ X 4″    

E = 10, 4″ X 4″     

12″ finished quilt block

A = 1, 4 1/2″‘ X 4 1/2″ 

B = 4, 2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″  

C = 4, 2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ 

D = 10, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″

E = 10, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″

9″ finished quilt block

A = 1, 3 1/2″‘ X 3 1/2″ 

B = 4, 2″ X 3 1/2″

C = 4, 2″ X 2″      

D = 10, 3″ X 3″    

E = 10, 3″ X 3″     

I will be using the 12” finished block as an example. However, use the sizes noted above when making a different size block.

Fabric Requirements

12″ finished quilt block. Below are the number of fabric squares and sizes to make this block. You can choose which colors you want darker or lighter fabric for.

A = 1, 4 1/2″‘ X 4 1/2″ 

B = 4, 2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″  

C = 4, 2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ 

D = 10, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″

E = 10, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″

If you want to make a square like the lavender one I made here, below is more detail.

I used a few squares from a Free Spirit Charm Pack from the Kaffe Fassett Collective.

A = 1, 4 1/2″‘ X 4 1/2″ = Lavender print

B = 4, 2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″ = White  

C =  4, 2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ = Lavender print

D & E = 20, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ = 6 Green Floral and 6 Off-White. 4 Purple Floral and 4 White.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to sewing a Summer Winds Variation quilt square

Reminder, this is for the 12” square. For the other blocks, refer to the sizes above.

Begin by making the sub blocks for sections 1, 3, 7, and 9 as shown in the diagram.

For this block, you will need:

C= 4, 2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ = Lavender print

D & E = 12, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ = 6 Green Floral and 6 Off-White.

Create 12 Half Square Triangles from your 3 1/2″ fabric pieces. Begin by drawing a diagonal line down the center of the block on the wrong side of the lighter fabric.

To create the Half Square Triangles, place one 3 1/2″ off-white on top of one 3 1/2″ green floral piece with the right sides together.

Using your sewing machine, sew ¼” on both sides of the diagonal line.

Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut along the marked center line. Cut through both layers of the squares along the center line.

Press the seams open or to the darker fabric.

Trim the excess fabric to ensure the block is square. Trim block to 2 ½” x 2 ½”.

Repeat steps with the other ten 3 1/2″ fabric squares.

You now have 12 half square triangles.

Assembling Block 1, 3, 7, and 9.

Arrange the half square triangles and squares of fabric in two rows as shown in the diagram for block 1. Refer to diagram.

With the right sides together, using ¼” seam allowance, sew the top two half square triangles (HST) together pressing the seams to the left. Sew the HST and  2 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ lavender print square together. Press the seams to the square.

Sew the top and bottom row together making sure to nest the seams.

Press the seam open.

Block 1 is complete. Repeat this process for blocks 3, 7, and 9.

Make the sub blocks for sections 2, 4, 6, and 8 as shown in the diagram.

For this block, you will need:

B =  4, 2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″ = white

D & E = 8, 3 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ = 4 Purple Floral and 4 White 

Create 8 Half Square Triangles from your 3 1/2″ fabric pieces. Begin by drawing a diagonal line down the center of the block on the wrong side of the lighter fabric.

To create the Half Square Triangles, place one 3 1/2″ white fabric on top of one 3 1/2″ purple floral piece with the right sides together.

Using your sewing machine, sew ¼” on both sides of the diagonal line.

Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut along the marked center line. Cut through both layers of the squares along the center line.

Press the seams open or to the darker fabric.

Trim the excess fabric to ensure the block is square. Trim block to 2 ½” x 2 ½”.

Repeat steps with the other 6 3 1/2″ fabric squares.

You now have 8 half square triangles.

Assembling Block 2,4,6 and 8.

Arrange two HST and the 2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″ white rectangle shown in the diagram for block 2. Refer to diagram.

With the right sides together, sew the two half square triangles (HST) together pressing the seams to one side or open. Next, sew the HST row to the 2 1/2″ X 4 1/2″ white rectangle. Press the seams to the rectangle or open.

Block 2 is complete. Repeat this process for blocks 4, 6, and 8.

Assemble the Summer Winds Variation Nine Patch Quilt Block

Lay out the quilt blocks according to the diagram. The A, 4 1/2″‘ X 4 1/2″ = Lavender print will be the center square. Refer to the diagram.

Continue using ¼” in seam allowance. With the right sides together join blocks 7, 8, and 9. Press the seams to the outside.

With the right sides together, join blocks 4, 5, and 6. Press the seams to the inside.

Repeat the process for the first three blocks. Pressing the seams to the outside.

Finally, join the top and bottom rows to the middle with the right sides together. Make sure to nest the seams and pin them in place. Press the seams open or to one side.

That’s it.  You have finished making the Summer Winds Variation Nine Patch Quilt Block.

You can find other free quilt block patterns on the website.

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