Massachusetts - 12" Quilt Block

The next block in our state block series is Massachusetts. Made up of half-square triangles and quarter-square triangles, this block is a little easier than some of the others in the series.

Sewing Instructions:

Step 1: With a pencil (or your favorite marking method), draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of all red 4-7/8" squares.

Step 2: Place a red 4-7/8" square on a blue 4-7/8" square, right sides together. Stitch a seam 1/4" on either side of the line that you drew in Step 1. Cut apart on the drawn line. Press the seam toward the blue fabric and trim the points. Repeat once more for a total of four red/blue half square triangles. (Note: you only need three red/blue half square triangles for this block. There will be one left over.)

Step 3: With a pencil (or your favorite marking method), draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner on the wrong side of all red 5-1/4" squares.

Step 4: With right sides together, layer a red 5-1/4" square on a blue 5-1/4" square. Sew a seam 1/4" on each side of one of the lines that you drew in Step 3. Cut apart on on both drawn lines as shown below. Press the seam allowance toward the blue fabric and trim points. Repeat once more for a total of eight red/blue triangles.

Step 5: With right sides together, sew two red/blue triangles together, as shown below. Press seam allowance to one side and trim points. Four red/blue quarter square triangles made.

Step 6: Arrange the sections as shown below and sew into rows (Diagram 1). Sew the rows (Diagram 2) together to finish the block (Diagram 3) .