Contrary Wife Block: 9-Patch with Pieced Patches
The Contrary Wife is a nine-patch, but unlike a traditional nine-patch of simple squares, each unit is pieced. The block uses three types of units: a center square, quarter square triangle units, and corner four-patches that each contain two half square triangles. Understanding that structure before you sit down to sew makes the process much more manageable.
If you’ve been making half square triangles throughout the Haven Quilt Along, you’re already most of the way to understanding quarter square triangles (QSTs). The technique builds directly on what you know — and once you’ve made a few, the logic clicks into place quickly.
Units to Make
Half-Square Triangle Units
One combination: White + Teal [Salmon]
You will start with 3″ squares and trim the HSTs to 2-1/2″
Refer to Block 2 for detailed instructions for making HSTs
Each block needs 4 pairs of HSTs, for a total of 16 pairs (32 HSTs)
Use two HSTs, one 2-1/2″ square in Navy [Rust], and one 2-1/2″ square in Teal [Salmon], construct the corner units for the blocks.
Make four of these units for each block; 16 units total.
Quarter-Square Triangle Units
One combination: Teal [Salmon] + 2 Medium Blue [Smoky Pink] + Goldenrod [Earth]
Construction Method
- Make 2 HSTs (one with Medium Blue [Smoky Pink] + Teal [Salmon] and one with Medium Blue [Smoky Pink] + Goldenrod [Earth] using the 5½” squares. Press seam towards Medium Blue [Smoky Pink]
- Nest the two HSTs, right sides together, with the Medium Blue [Smoky Pink] on opposite sides.
- Mark a diagonal in the opposite direction of the seam.
- Then mark ¼” on each side of the line; these are the sewing lines.
- Sew along both sewing lines. I like to sew just inside the line (towards the cutting line).
- Cut squares along the cutting line and press. Trim each QST to 4½” square.
Construct the blocks
Lay out the units using the diagrams for your color way as shown below.
Sew three units together to form a row.
Sew rows together to create the block.
Blocks should measure 12½” unfinished.
Make four of each block for your colorway. Refer to QAL Guide for fabrics used.
If you’d like to sew along, the Haven Quilt-Along is completely free and self-paced. You can download the quilt-along guide from my website, follow the video tutorials on YouTube, or join the Haven email list to receive weekly PDF instructions.
Kits available from Vintage Pink & Green (in store or online).