What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
For a measured 9-inch Steps to the Altar block, use one complete pattern: cut cream, rust print, solid brown and brown plaid, then assemble six triangle-square units and three Nine-Patch units into rows. Other published versions finish at 6, 10 or 12 inches, so do not mix their cutting measurements or diagrams with the 9-inch instructions below.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose a block size and keep its instructions together
Steps to the Altar has several published constructions. AllPeopleQuilt provides a measured 9-inch block built from Nine-Patch units and triangle-squares. Jinny Beyer Studio’s Block 199 pattern includes instructions and templates for 6-, 10- and 12-inch blocks. Fabric406 demonstrates a separate 12-inch variation using four-patch units and half-square triangles.
| Instructions | Finished size | Construction or pattern features |
|---|---|---|
| AllPeopleQuilt | 9 inches | Nine-Patch units and triangle-squares; includes a cutting list and assembly directions. |
| Jinny Beyer Studio, Block 199 | 6, 10 or 12 inches | Pattern instructions and templates; fabric placement differs by size. |
| Fabric406 | 12 inches | Three four-patch units and six half-square triangles, trimmed to 4½ inches. |
The steps below follow AllPeopleQuilt’s 9-inch version. The Jinny Beyer Studio pattern calls its design a “7 Patch Design” and says, “The design of the pattern shown here is a 10" block.” That describes the pattern shown there, not every published version.
#1 Best Overall
Gather fabric and cut pieces for the 9-inch version
Use quilting cotton in four colors or prints: solid cream, rust print, solid brown and brown plaid. Suitable fabric scraps work if you have enough pieces in the required sizes; a coordinated fat-quarter bundle is optional, not required.
- Solid cream: cut three 3⅞-inch squares and cut each square diagonally in half to make six triangles; also cut twelve 1½-inch squares.
- Rust print: cut three 3⅞-inch squares and cut each square diagonally in half to make six triangles.
- Solid brown: cut three 1½-inch squares.
- Brown plaid: cut twelve 1½-inch squares.
These quantities and dimensions belong to the 9-inch AllPeopleQuilt pattern. Use that source’s diagram to confirm the placement of the pieces as you assemble the block.
Sew the triangle-square and Nine-Patch units
Make six triangle-squares
- Pair each cream triangle with a rust triangle, right sides together.
- Sew the pairs to form six triangle-squares, following the AllPeopleQuilt diagram for orientation.
- Press the seams toward the rust triangles.
Make three Nine-Patch units
- Arrange the small cream, solid-brown and brown-plaid squares into three Nine-Patch units, following the source diagram for each unit’s color placement.
- Sew the squares together, then press the seams toward the brown-plaid squares.
Consistent seam allowances and accurate small squares help the units meet cleanly when the block is joined.
Arrange the block and sew the rows
- Lay out the three Nine-Patch units and six triangle-squares in three rows, matching the placement and triangle orientation shown in the AllPeopleQuilt assembly diagram.
- Sew the pieces in each row together. Press seams toward the triangle-squares at the relevant joins, as directed by AllPeopleQuilt.
- Join the three rows to complete the block, aligning the intersections as you sew.
The block finishes at 9 inches square according to this pattern. If your units do not align as expected, check their orientation and seam allowance before joining the rows; changing a cut dimension from another version will not correct a mismatch.
Rank #3
- Orders are despatched from our UK warehouse next working day.
Choose a setting for multiple blocks
Once blocks are made, their orientation and spacing affect the overall quilt design. Fabric406 illustrates rotating alternating blocks, adding sashing and cornerstones, using scrappy fabrics, alternating block types and setting blocks on point. One arrangement forms secondary X and diamond shapes. Scissortail Quilting also shows alternate settings.
For a scrappy quilt, distribute light and dark prints deliberately so the block shapes remain legible. For a more orderly layout, repeat a limited palette and choose one setting before piecing the blocks; the alternate layouts are design choices, not changes to the block’s cutting measurements.
How difficult is the block?
Skill labels vary by source: Scissortail Quilting describes the block as “Confident Beginner – Intermediate,” while Fabric406 calls its version beginner-friendly. The work uses familiar squares and half-square triangles, but careful cutting, a consistent seam allowance and accurate small-piece assembly matter. A quilter comfortable joining small units can follow the measured 9-inch version; newer quilters may find it helpful to test their seam allowance on scrap fabric first.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat is known about the block’s attribution?
Jinny Beyer Studio’s Block 199 pattern prints the attribution “Steps to the Altar, Jane Alan, 1933.” This is the attribution given on that pattern; the cited sources do not establish a fuller origin history independently.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
