Illinois - 12" Quilt Block

The next block in our state block series is Illinois. This nine-patch block is made up of half-square triangles and flying geese units.

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 each dark 2-1/2" square and each light 4-7/8" square.

Step 2: With right sides together, place a dark 2-1/2" square on the right end of a light 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles. Sew on the line that you drew in Step 1 and cut away the extra fabric 1/4" above the seam. Press the seam allowance toward the lighter fabric. Now place another dark 2-1/2" square on the left end of the light 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangle and sew on the line that you drew in Step 1. Cut away the extra fabric 1/2" above the seam and press the seam allowance toward the darker fabric. One Flying Geese Unit made. Repeat this step seven more times for a total of eight Flying Geese Units.

Step 3: Sew two Flying Geese Units together, as shown below. Press seam allowance toward the light triangle. Repeat three times more for a total of four.

Step 4: With right sides together, place a light 4-7/8" square on top of a dark 4-7/8" square. Sew a 1/4" seam on each side of the line that you drew in Step 1. Cut apart on the line and press seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Trim points. Repeat once more for a total of four light/dark half-square triangles.

Step 5: Arrange the combined flying geese units (Step 3), the half-square triangles (Step 4), and the remaining light 4-1/2" square as shown in Diagram 1. With right sides together and using a scant 1/4" seam, sew together to form rows as shown in Diagram 2. Sew rows as shown in Diagram 3 to finish the block.