There is no question that 12" quilt blocks are the most commonly used. But at times, you want to make a block that is a little smaller and uses easy math. Enter the 9 inch block -- not too big and not too small, but just fits the bill.

Underground Railroad

Free Quilt Block Pattern

Who has not heard of the Underground Railroad? Well if not, a brief history is that it was not a train at all, but a secret network of people who assisted slaves during the 19th century to escape from the southern states, staying in secret and hidden "safe houses" on the way. The slaves followed the north star to northern states and Canada where freedom awaited.

Is it any wonder that this nine patch quilt block called Underground Railroad would be a directional type of block featuring a definite path? Besides offering wonderful results as you place your blocks in your quilt, directional blocks are good choices to use as "connector blocks", used side by side with a different block which results in a secondary pattern emerging.

~ Side Note - I have created an eBook of designs of Sixteen Two Block Quilts that you might be interested in purchasing. The Underground Railroad block is a perfect candidate for use as a connector block too.

See also:
~ Railroad

NEXT - Sample quilt layouts for UNDERGROUND RAILROAD quilt block