Quick answer
Sew Urban Abacus if you want a larger 50" x 65" quilt with a scrappy green focus and already own the Quick Curve Ruler. Choose Urban Nine Patch if you prefer a square 60" x 60" quilt with a bold black-and-green palette and want an optional square-up ruler. Both patterns require the Quick Curve Ruler and suit confident beginners ready to try curves.
Size and layout: what changes on your bed or wall
Urban Abacus finishes at 50" x 65", a rectangular throw that works well draped over a sofa or as a lap quilt. Urban Nine Patch finishes at 60" x 60", a square that reads more like a wall hanging or a generous lap quilt for two. The size difference matters for backing: Urban Abacus needs 3-1/2 yards, while Urban Nine Patch needs 4 yards. Binding also differs: 1/2 yard for Urban Abacus versus 2/3 yard for Urban Nine Patch.
Fabric planning: yardage and cuts
Urban Abacus uses (14) 10" x 10" assorted green prints (1-1/4 yards total), 1 fat quarter for trunks, 3 yards background, and 3-1/2 yards backing. Urban Nine Patch uses 2 yards black, 3-1/2 yards green, 1-1/4 yards orange, 3/4 yard white, 2/3 yard binding, and 4 yards backing. If you already have green scraps, Urban Abacus lets you use them in 10" squares. Urban Nine Patch calls for larger solid cuts, so it may require buying specific yardage.
Tools and skill focus
Both patterns require the Quick Curve Ruler (QCR). Urban Abacus lists the QCR as a needed tool. Urban Nine Patch also lists the QCR and an optional Sew Square 8 or an 8" or larger square-up ruler. The optional ruler helps square up blocks but is not mandatory. If you are new to curved piecing, either pattern gives you practice with the same ruler, but Urban Nine Patch's square layout may be easier to assemble without a directional print.
Sew Square 8
Trade-offs to weigh before you cut
- Size vs. fabric efficiency: Urban Abacus is smaller (50" x 65") and uses 3-1/2 yards backing; Urban Nine Patch is larger (60" x 60") and uses 4 yards backing. The larger quilt needs more backing but gives more coverage. Choose Urban Abacus for a throw; choose Urban Nine Patch for a bigger square quilt.
- Fabric style: scrappy greens vs. bold solids: Urban Abacus calls for (14) 10" x 10" assorted green prints, making it ideal for scraps. Urban Nine Patch requires specific yardage of black, green, orange, and white, so it's less scrap-friendly unless you have those colors in quantity. If you want to use your green stash, Urban Abacus is the better fit.
- Ruler requirements: QCR only vs. QCR plus optional square-up: Both need the Quick Curve Ruler. Urban Nine Patch also lists an optional Sew Square 8 or 8" or larger square-up ruler. The square-up ruler is not required but can help with block accuracy. If you already own a square-up ruler or want extra precision, Urban Nine Patch gives you a reason to use it.
Pattern facts at a glance
- Abacus Revival (Paper): 50" x 65"; uses Quick Curve Ruler, (14) 10" x 10" assorted green prints (1-1/4 yards), 1 fat quarter for trunks, 3 yards background, 3-1/2 yards backing, 1/2 yard binding. A rectangular throw size with a scrappy green focus; plan for 3-1/2 yards backing and 1/2 yard binding.
- Urban Nine Patch: 60 x 60; uses 2 yards black fabric, 3-1/2 yards green fabric, 1-1/4 orange fabric, 3/4 yard white fabric, 2/3 yard binding, 4 yards backing, Quick Curve Ruler, and optional Sew Square 8 or 8" or larger square-up ruler. A square quilt with a bold palette; the optional square-up ruler can help with accuracy, and backing requires 4 yards.
Which pattern should you sew?
Best for
- Quilters who want a rectangular throw and have green scraps or 10" squares on hand.
- Those who already own the Quick Curve Ruler and want a smaller project with less backing fabric.
Not for
- Quilters who prefer a square quilt or want a larger finished size.
- Those who do not own the Quick Curve Ruler and are not ready to buy it.
