Michigan - 9" Quilt Block

The next block in our state block series is Michigan. This nine-patch block features a 3" nine-patch center. We'll use the square in the corner technique to make the contructions of the outer units easier.

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 twelve green 1-1/2" squares. (Note: there will be five 1-1/2" green squares left over and these will be used in the center nine-patch.)

Step 2: Place a green 1-1/2" square on a corner of a yellow 3-1/2" square, right sides together. Sew along the drawn line and trim the fabric 1/4" above the seam. Press the seam allowance toward the yellow fabric. Repeat three more times for a total of 4 yellow/green squares.

Step 3: Place a green 1-1/2" square at the top of a yellow 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" rectangle, as shown below. Make sure that the drawn line extends from the upper left corner to the lower right corner. Sew along the drawn line and trim the fabric 1/4" above the seam. Press the seam allowance toward the green fabric. Repeat three more times for a total of 4 yellow/green right rectangles.

Step 4: Place a green 1-1/2" square at the top of a yellow 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" rectangle, as shown below. Make sure that the drawn line extends from the lower left corner to the upper right corner. Sew along the drawn line and trim the fabric 1/4" above the seam. Press the seam allowance toward the green fabric. Repeat three more times for a total of 4 yellow/green left rectangles.

Step 5: Arrange the five remaining green 1-1/2" squares and four 1-1/2" yellow squares as shown below. Sew them into rows and press seam allownaces toward the green fabric. Sew the rows together to finish the nine-patch unit. Press seam allowances away from the center row.

Step 6: Sew a left yellow/green rectangle to the left side of a green rectangle and press seam allowance toward the green fabric. Sew a right yellow/green rectangle to the right side of the same green rectangle and press seam allowance toward the green fabric. Repeat three more times for a total of four.

Step 7: Arrange the sections as shown below and sew into rows (Diagram 1). Sew the rows (Diagram 2) together to finish the block (Diagram 3) .