We are introducing the Nevada block! In 1912 Hearth and Home solicited quilters to submit a quilt block that they thought represented their State, and they then published them and I am recreating these blocks for us to make!

National Nevada Day is Wednesday March 22, 2023! I am going to try to release the State blocks on their National day throughout 2023!

, Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Stunning Nevada State Quilt Block

This block is a difficult block, but I show how to make templates to make all the pieces. Once the templates are made then the block is pretty easy to put together. This block is 12.5″ unfinished and I made it in the colors of the State Bird – Mountain Bluebird.

If you would like to make this block, sign up for the password to get into our Free Resource Library and download the pattern and come back here and make it today!

Supplies

Two Fabric Colors for this block, contrasting enough that all elements of the block stand apart.
Rulers large enough to cut the pieces.
Chain Piece cutter is optional
Rotary blade
Thread – I used Aurifil Thread 50wt.
Iron – I have a cordless iron that makes it easy to iron next to my machine.
Newspaper print paper to make the templates (optional)

Drawing the templates

The templates for this quarter block will need to be drawn by hand. The quarter block is 6.5″ unfinished and 6″ finished. The diagram will show only the seam lines. All 1/4″ seam allowances will need to be added when drawing out the templates.

Draw a 6″ square and make the notations below on the square.

When Drawing out the A & C templates, make sure to extend past the D piece. We will make a template to then cut the extra material here.

I have a video tutorial showing how to make these templates –

Once this is drawn out, make sure to make your 1/4″ seam allowances and trace all the templates to another piece of paper. The A & C pieces will be much longer than needed to be able to cut into it with the circle template.

Now make the large circular wedge template. Draw a line 1/4″ below the large circle. Draw your template from the corner up to this mark and this will be the template to cut the first circular shape out.

Step 1 – Cut your pieces

Cut the following from all the templates that have been made. Two fabrics will be used for this block. Four quarters of this block will make he finished block.
A – 4 pieces (FABRIC 1)
B – 4 Right side up and 4 wrong side up (FABRIC 2)
C – 4 Right side up and 4 wrong side up (FABRIC 1)
D – 4 pieces (FABRIC 2)
E – 4 pieces (FABRIC 1)
F – 4 pieces (FABRIC 2)

Step 2 – Sew B & C pieces

Sew the corresponding B & C pieces together, iron towards B. Yeild will be 4 right and 4 left units.

Step 3 – Sew B/C units to A

Sew the right B/C unit to an A piece and iron towards B/C, repeat on the other side of A with the remaining left B/C units. Yield 4 corners.

Step 4 – Cut circle from corner unit

Using the wedge template we made, line up the edges of the template to the edges of your corner. Once they are lined up, this is where you will cut along the curved edge of the template. Repeat for all 4 corners.

Step 5 – Add D piece to corner

Clip the inner circular edge of the corners 1/8″ to help ease in the circular shapes.

Find the centers of the outer edge of D and the inner edge of the corner. Line up the centers and pin, line up the edges of D with the corner and pin. Now pin in between the pins. Sew and iron towards the D piece. Make 4 quarter blocks.

Repeat Step 5 above for the E & F pieces

Step 6 – Assemble the four quarters.

Align all your four quarters so that the circles meet in the middle. Sew the top row and bottom rows together ironing seams in opposite directions.

Next put the two rows together, matching seams, sew and iron in one direction.

Congratulations on Making the Nevada State Block!

Congratulations on making the Nevada State Block. Your unfinished block will measure 12.5″ square. Share your block on social media by using hastag #nevadastateblockcc.