Making the Glorified 9-Patch

Download the templates from AllPeopleQuilt.com.  I enlarged the templates approximately at 141% so that the finished size is a 12" block.  That's the measurement between the small dots (see the arrows below).  Also, check the measurement corner to corner for square.  If not correct, fold the template in half to check that it is the same on both sides.  Redraw if necessary, rechecking all measurements.  And don't worry that the seam allowance is closer to 3/8" than 1/4".  Consider it insurance!

Cut the 4 corner squares at 5 5/8"; the 4 rectangles at 2 7/8" x 5 5/8"; and the middle square 2 7/8".  As you can see, my 9-patch is a bit bigger than 12 1/2", allowing some fudge room!

Line up the center lines, and trace around the template, marking the dots in the corners and the centers.

Cut a strip the width of the arc template,
and carefully cut out the shape.  Mark the end and center dots.

I decided not to cut the arcs out of the 9-patch, leaving them for a bit more stability.  Start pinning at the center of the arc, matching the dots, and the cut edge on the marked line on the 9-patch.

Only one side can be pinned.
Continue pinning the other three arcs.
Starting at the pinned end of the arc, stitch a scant 1/4" seam following the cut edge and marking line.  At the center, carefully ease the top fabric around to match the cut line with the marking, taking a few stitches at a time.  Stop and readjust as necessary.  The dots will hopefully match at the end.  If they are off a bit, that's okay, as the 9-patch block does get trimmed down.
Now you've got a Glorified 9-Patch!  Press, and carefully lift up the arcs to trim the excess fabric from the back.  I trimmed a bit beyond the marked line so that the seam allowance was graded.
 
Now, what to do with those cut out pieces???  I'll show you what I did on the next post--got to get it quilted today!

Happy Quilting!