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Nine-Patch Square Dance is a Sherri McConnell quilt pattern featured in American Patchwork & Quilting’s 2021 quilt-along. The throw finishes at 59½ × 70 inches. Its original materials are two 1½-inch strip packs, one 5-inch-square pack, and additional background, sashing, border, and binding fabric—but yardage, fat quarters, and scraps can work too.
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What is the Nine-Patch Square Dance quilt?
Designed by Sherri McConnell, Nine-Patch Square Dance was the featured project in American Patchwork & Quilting’s quilt-along, which ran from February 22 through May 2, 2021. The specified finished size is 59½ × 70 inches, an easy throw size. The original quilt used Happy Days by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda, though the project guidance also supports stash fabrics and scraps. AllPeopleQuilt’s project page has the sew-along resources.
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The pattern appeared in the April 2021 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting. The sew-along page lists the magazine, an individual downloadable or shipped pattern through its store, and— for readers outside the United States—a digital magazine through Zinio. Moda’s 2021 calendar says the magazine is required for the instructions. These are historical access routes, not confirmation that a copy or download is currently in stock. Check the official sew-along page for listed routes; Moda’s 2021 calendar records the original requirements.
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What fabric and supplies do you need?
The original fabric requirements are two Honey Buns (1½-inch strips) and one Charm Pack (5-inch squares), plus these yardages:
| Fabric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Background | 3¼ yards |
| Sashing squares | ⅛ yard |
| Outer border | ⅞ yard |
| Binding | ⅝ yard |
Those quantities come from Moda’s 2021 calendar and apply to the pattern’s stated materials, not necessarily to a substitute fabric plan with different cutting or layout choices. The original collection was Happy Days by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda. Moda’s calendar lists the requirements; McConnell’s announcement identifies the designer and collection.
Using yardage, fat quarters, or scraps
Precut packs are convenient, not mandatory. The official FAQ says to cut yardage or fat quarters into the pattern’s specified pieces. Scrap quilters can cut 1½-inch squares or 1½ × 3½-inch pieces, assembling the A and B segments separately rather than making strip sets. McConnell also describes the design as suitable for scraps. Follow the pattern’s cutting and unit instructions so substitutions still yield the pieces needed for assembly.
Useful tools
The sew-along tips mention a rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, and a fresh rotary blade for cutting layered fabric. For accurate seams, a quarter-inch presser foot with a guide or a tape guide can help; pins at row intersections help align seams. These are practical options, not required brands or models. The project tips cover preparation through finishing.
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How to approach construction and layout
Prepare and sew the strip sets
Accurate, straight seams matter when sewing strip sets because multiple units are cut from each set. Press smoothly without steam to help avoid distorting the strips, then square one end before cutting units. A reliable quarter-inch seam and a squared edge help keep the cut pieces consistent.
Arrange the blocks and add sashing
Lay the blocks out on a design wall or another flat surface before sewing the quilt center. Measure the blocks before adding sashing, and pin row intersections as you join rows so the seams line up. The sew-along page also includes guidance on fabric selection, corner units, and blocks.
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- Pattern only
- Skill level: Easy
Measure before cutting borders
Wait until the quilt center is assembled and measured before cutting border strips. Measuring the actual center rather than relying only on an expected dimension helps account for small differences accumulated during piecing. The official tips include borders as a later construction step.
How should you prepare the backing and quilt it?
Allow at least 4 inches of backing beyond the quilt top on every side, and press backing seams open. The project does not specify one batting as best: choose according to the quilt’s intended use and the qualities you want, check the batting package guidance, and consider testing samples.
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For quilting, the original uses a curved Baptist fan. The project also suggests geometric motifs or straight lines that follow the quilt seams. These are different design approaches rather than a ranking; choose a motif that suits the look you want and your quilting method. Binding is the finishing step, with the original materials list calling for ⅝ yard.
Frequently asked practical decisions
Should you prewash the fabric?
The official FAQ includes prewashing as a reader question, but the project materials provided here do not establish a single required prewashing rule. Choose a consistent approach for the fabrics in your quilt and follow the care guidance for those fabrics.
Should you use the original palette?
Happy Days by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda is the original collection, but the designer and sew-along guidance allow stash fabrics and scraps. If changing the palette, preserve clear contrast among the background, blocks, and sashing so the block arrangement remains legible.
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