Montana- 9" Quilt Block

The next block in our state block series is Montana. This nine-patch block features a nine-patch center. We'll paper-piece the striped units to make it easier to construct.

Sewing Instructions:

Step 1: Print out the paper-piecing foundations by clicking here. (This is a PDF file and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.) Trim around each of the 4 units about 1/8" outside of the dotted line of the seam allowance. Paper-piece each unit using a very short stitch length setting on your sewing machine. When you've finished paper-piecing each unit, trim away the excess fabric and paper by cutting along the dotted line of the seam allowance. Carefully remove the paper from the back of each unit. Not sure how to paper-piece? Try our Foundation Paper-Piecing Tutorial for Quilters to learn how!

Step 2: Using a ruler and pencil, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of all 3-7/8" yellow squares.

Step 3: With right sides together, layer a 3-7/8" yellow square on a 3-7/8" green square. Stitch a 1/4" seam on BOTH SIDES of the line that you drew in Step 2. Cut apart on the line. Press the seam allowance toward the dark fabric and trim points. Repeat once more for a total of four yellow/green half-square triangles.

Step 4: Arrange the five gold 1-1/2" squares and four 1-1/2" yellow squares as shown below. Sew them into rows and press seam allowances toward the gold fabric. Sew the rows together to finish the nine-patch unit. Press seam allowances away from the center row.

Step 5: Arrange the sections as shown below and sew into rows (Diagram 1). Sew the rows (Diagram 2) together to finish the block (Diagram 3) .