The sewing machine and I just recently became friends. But I don't have a whole lot of patience. I am a fan of quick, easy projects. I dreamt this one up and knew I could handle it. Here is what I did:
Let's start with the front. I wanted a checker-board look to the front of the board. I needed 9 squares, so I cut 4 white squares and 5 black squares and arranged them into a tic-tac-toe pattern.
My seam allowance for the whole project was 1/4 inch. I pinned the squares, right sides together, and sewed them together, a row at a time just like a quilt. I learned the hard way that pressing your seams open is not optional. So press your seams every step of the way! (I guess the iron and I still need to make friends!)
Next, I pinned 2 of the strips to 2 sides of the checkerboard, right sides together. Sew those together and cut off the ends of the strips so they are even with the checker board.
Now sew on the other two strips, and the front is done! Don't forget to press open those pesky seams.
Then I cut out a square of fabric that was 12 1/2 inches by 12 1/2 inches. This will be the back of the tic-tac-toe board. I pinned this to the front, right sides together. **It would be a cute idea to sew a little pocket on the back to hold the hearts. I wish I would have thought of that before!**
Then I sewed up 3 sides of the square, leaving 1 entire side open and snipping corners.

Your ideas are amazing. I had a friend over today and was showing her your blog. You need to move closer so we can hang out more.
Kellie Spiker
That is such a cute idea! I used your tutorial to make a tic tac toe thing for my quiet book. Thanks so much! You are so creative.