Quilt Blocks of the States - South Carolina

South Carolina – 12” Quilt Block

The next block in our state block series is South Carolina. Made up of large and small triangles and squares, this block is divided into five rows. Rows 2 and 4 and 1 and 5 are identical.

Fabrics:
There are three fabrics used in this block, described as light, medium and dark
Light Fabric
Medium Fabric
Dark Fabric
Cutting Instructions

Light Fabric:

cut four 2” squares (A),
cut two 4⅜” squares, cut diagonally twice into 8 triangles(C); and
cut sixteen 2⅜” squares,cut diagonally once into 32 triangles (K)
Medium Fabric:

cut two 4” squares, cut diagonally once into 4 triangles (E),
cut six 2⅜” squares, cut diagonally once into 12 triangles (L); and
cut two 4⅜” squares, cut diagonally twice into 8 triangles (M)
Dark Fabric:

Cut three 2¾” squares (B),
cut four 2” squares (D); and
cut one 4⅜” square, cut diagonally twice into 4 triangles (J)

Row 1.

This row is made up of five units. The second and third units are made by sewing a K to the right side of an M (see diagram), sewing a K to the left side of another M, then sewing an L to the right and left unsewn sides of the M. The third unit is made by sewing two K’s to the J (see diagram). Now, sew these three units together and finally add the two A blocks to either side.

Row 2.

There are four units that make up Row 2. Firstly, for the first and third units of this row, sew two K’s to each two sides of the D (see diagram), then sew this unit to an E. For the second unit make two blocks by sewing a K to an L. Then sew two K’s to each side of the J (see diagram). Sew the LM units to the KJK unit (see diagram). The final fourth unit is made by sewing a L to the left side of a C (see diagram) and a L to the right side of the second C. Then join the LC units to each side of an M (see diagram). Finally, sew these units together to form Row 2.

Row 3.

There are five units to Row 3. The first and fifth units are the same. Join four K’s to each side of the B, sewing opposite K’s. Units two and four are created by sewing one C to an M (see diagram). The third or middle unit is made by sewing a C to opposite sides of the B unit (see diagram). Sew each of these units together to finish Row 3.

Row 4.

There are four units that make up Row 4. Firstly, for the first and third units of this row, sew two K’s to each two sides of the D (see diagram), then sew this unit to an E. For the second unit make two blocks by sewing a K to an L. Then sew two K’s to each side of the J (see diagram). Sew the LM units to the KJK unit (see diagram). The final fourth unit is made by sewing a L to the left side of a C (see diagram) and a L to the right side of the second C. Then join the LC units to each side of an M (see diagram). Finally, sew these units together to form Row 2.

Row 5.

This row is made up of five units. The second and third units are made by sewing a K to the right side of an M (see diagram), sewing a K to the left side of another M, then sewing an L to the right and left unsewn sides of the M. The third unit is made by sewing two K’s to the J (see diagram). Now, sew these three units together and finally add the two A blocks to either side.

Piecing the block together.

Now that all 5 rows are pieced, it is time to piece these rows together into one block. Piece rows 1 & 2 together. Piece rows 4 & 5 together, then finally piece these to rows to the middle row 3.

This block square should measure 12-1/2”
Congratualtions, you’ve just completed the South Carolina State Block.