Window Pane 9 Patch Quilt Tutorial: Jenny Doan's Disappearing Nine Patch with Sashing
Love the disappearing nine patch? Jenny Doan puts a gorgeous twist on it with the Window Pane 9 Patch — and the result is absolutely stunning. By adding thin sashing strips between each square in a nine-patch block (creating that classic "window pane" look), then using the disappearing nine-patch technique to cut and rearrange, you get blocks that are intricate, elegant, and surprisingly fast to make.
With nearly 850,000 views, this tutorial has become a quilter favorite. The combination of a charm pack and some simple solid strips produces a quilt that looks like it took forever — but Jenny's method makes it totally doable in a weekend. Let's walk through it!
What Is a Window Pane 9 Patch?
A traditional nine-patch block is one of the most beloved basics in quilting — nine squares arranged in a 3×3 grid. The window pane variation adds narrow sashing strips between each square, creating the look of a multi-pane window. Think of those beautiful old-fashioned windows with thin muntins dividing each pane of glass — that's exactly the effect you're going for.
But Jenny doesn't stop there. After sashing the nine-patch, she applies the disappearing nine-patch technique — cutting the block apart through the sashing and rearranging the pieces. The result is a complex-looking block where the sashing creates beautiful grid lines within each new section. It's two techniques in one, and the visual impact is incredible.
Jenny shows off the beautiful window pane effect with charm pack squares and solid sashing
What You'll Need
🧵 1 Charm Pack (42 squares, 5" × 5")
Choose prints with a variety of colors and values. Jenny uses a beautiful collection with rich darks in this tutorial. Shop precut fabrics.
🎨 Solid sashing fabric — about ½ yard
You'll cut 1½" strips for the window pane sashing. A light solid creates the most dramatic window effect, but any coordinating solid works. You can also use the new Honey Bun strips (pre-cut 1½" strips) for ultimate convenience! Shop fabric.
🔲 Border fabric — about 1½ yards
An inner border plus outer border frames the design beautifully.
✂️ Rotary cutter, ruler & mat
Shop rotary cutters.
📌 Pins — you'll want these for matching sashing seams. Shop pins & clips.
🪡 Sewing machine
🔥 Iron & ironing board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Nine Squares
Start by selecting nine charm squares from your pack for each block. Mix up the colors and prints — you want a nice variety within each block. Arrange them in a 3×3 grid on your table and step back to check the balance before you start sewing.
The number of blocks you make determines the size of your finished quilt. One charm pack typically gives you enough for 4-5 window pane blocks.
Step 2: Add Sashing Between Squares in Each Row
Cut your sashing fabric into 1½" strips, then cut those strips into pieces the same length as your charm squares (about 5"). Take the first row of three squares and sew a sashing strip between the first and second squares, then between the second and third. Press the seams toward the darker fabric.
Repeat for all three rows. Each row should now be three charm squares connected by thin sashing strips.
Step 3: Join Rows with Horizontal Sashing
Now, cut a longer sashing strip the full width of your sewn row. Sew this strip between the first and second rows, then between the second and third rows. This creates the full window pane grid — nine squares with sashing running both vertically and horizontally between them.
Press everything nice and flat. This is important because you'll be cutting through this block next!
Step 4: Pin for Perfect Alignment
Before sewing the rows together, take the time to pin your sashing intersections. Fold the row down so you can see where the vertical sashing on the top row needs to line up with the vertical sashing on the bottom row. Place a pin right at that intersection.
This is one of those times where pinning really matters — matched sashing lines are what make the window pane effect look crisp and intentional.
Step 5: Cut the Block Apart (The Disappearing Part!)
Here's where the magic of the disappearing nine patch comes in! Take your completed window pane block and cut it apart — one vertical cut and one horizontal cut, dividing the block into four sections.
Since your original charm squares started at 5" and you've already taken one seam allowance, each square is now about 4¾". Measure in 2¼" from the edge of the sashing to find your cut line. Cut once vertically and once horizontally to create four equal sections.
Step 6: Rearrange and Reassemble
Now for the fun part — rearrange your four sections! Rotate and swap the pieces to create a new design. The traditional disappearing nine-patch rearrangement has you rotate two opposite corners, creating a block where the center square seems to "disappear" into the surrounding design.
The window pane sashing adds an extra dimension to this technique — those thin lines create beautiful geometric patterns within the rearranged block that you wouldn't get with a regular nine patch.
Sew the four sections back together: join the top two, join the bottom two, then sew the halves together. Press and admire!
Step 7: Assemble the Quilt Top
Once you've made all your blocks, arrange them on a design wall or floor. Play with the arrangement until you're happy with the color distribution and visual flow. Sew blocks together into rows, pressing seams in alternating directions for each row so they nest when joined.
Add your borders — a narrow inner border and a wider outer border — and your quilt top is complete!
Pro Tips for Beautiful Window Pane Blocks
📐 Consistent sashing width: Keep all your sashing strips exactly 1½" wide. Even small variations will throw off the window pane effect — those grid lines need to look uniform across the quilt.
📌 Pin at every intersection: This is the one project where pinning really pays off. Matched sashing intersections are what make the design look professional.
🎨 Sashing color matters: A light sashing on dark prints (or dark sashing on light prints) creates the strongest window pane effect. Low contrast between sashing and prints will make the grid lines disappear.
✂️ Measure twice, cut once: The disappearing cut is permanent! Double-check your measurements before cutting through that beautifully assembled block.
🧵 Press before cutting: Make sure your completed window pane block is thoroughly pressed and flat before making the disappearing cuts. Wrinkled fabric leads to inaccurate cuts.