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Geometric Bliss: Exploring the Challenges and Rewards of the Utah State Quilt Block.
Welcome to our quilting journey as we delve into the rich history and intricate beauty of the Utah State Quilt Block, adorned in the exquisite colors of the state flower, the Sego Lily. This remarkable block has its roots in the early 1900s when Hearth and Home magazines invited readers to submit their designs for state blocks.
The Utah State Quilt Block stands out as a geometrically challenging masterpiece, demanding careful craftsmanship and precise configuration of circle templates. These circles intertwine and intersect, forming the very essence of our quilt block. It is within these intersections that the magic happens, as each piece falls into place, resulting in a visually stunning composition.
What sets this block apart is the captivating allure of its circular shapes. These graceful curves create a sense of movement and add a unique visual appeal to the quilt. They capture the eye and invite admiration for the intricacy of the design.
When faced with the decision of how to bring this block to life, I chose the path of appliqué. Given the complex nature of the intersecting circles, piecing the block would have presented significant challenges. Appliqué offers us the opportunity to capture the essence of the block with precision and finesse, ensuring that every curve is perfectly formed and every intersection flawlessly executed.
Join me on this quilting adventure as we explore the history, technique, and creative process behind the Utah State Quilt Block. Together, we will celebrate the legacy of this block and breathe new life into its timeless beauty, honoring both the Sego Lily and the spirit of quilting craftsmanship.
So, gather your fabric, thread your needle, and let’s embark on this magnificent quilting journey, where history and artistry intertwine to create something truly remarkable.
National Wyoming State Day is Wednesday May 31, 2023! I am going to try to release the State blocks on their National day throughout 2023!
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
- 12.5″ square piece of background fabric
- 10″ square piece of contrasting fabric for the applique pieces
- 2 pieces of paper or cardstock
- fusible webbing like Lite Steam A Seam 2
- A compass for drawing a circle (optional if you can print template)
- erasable fabric marking pens
- Iron
The only item needed to make this quilt is a 2 – 7 1/4″ circle templates. I will show you how to use that circle to make the shapes that become the applique in this block.
Step 1 – Make Circle Template
To make the circle template you will need a compass or something that will draw a circle. The radius of the circle that we need is 3 5/8″. Set your pencil at 3 5/8″ from the stationary point in the compass. Draw 2 circles that will be 7 1/4″.
If you can notice in the block above that there are 4 circles, and the cutouts are the part of the intersections of the four circles. We need to find and mark those intersections.
Step 2 – Find intersection for applique shapes
Mark a table or your cutting board to form a 10.5″ square. Our 4 circles will fit in the 10.5″ square.
Place one circle in the upper left corner of the 10.5″ square making sure the edges of the circle touch the edges of the square. This will be your circle that the template will be drawn on.
Place the second circle in the upper right corner of the 10.5″ square making sure the edges of the circle touch the edges of the square. Now draw along the second circle directly on the first circle where the two circles meet. This is the first intersection.
Next.. move your second circle down to the bottom left corner of the 10.5″ square making sure the edges of the circle touch the edges of the square. Now draw along this circle directly on the first circle where those two circles meet. This is the second intersection.
Last.. move your second circle down to the bottom right corner of the 10.5″ square making sure the edges of the circle touch the edges of the square. Now draw along this circle directly on the first circle where those two circles meet. This is the third intersection.
Your first circle will now have markings like the one below. Write Keep on the two pieces I noted and cut those pieces out of Circle #1.
Step 3 – Assemble Block
Take the pieces that you cut from circle #1 and trace them on to fusible webbing for transfer for applique. There will be four pieces of fabric from each template above.
Cut a 12.5″ piece of fabric for the background. Mark a 10.5″ square centered in this piece of fabric. Mark diagonal lines on the 10.5″ square.
Take the large pieces and put edges against the 10.5″ mark and put the point along the diagonal line. Do this for all four corners.
Add the small pieces, matching the top point to the point of the pieces in the corner. When you are happy with your placement, mark the bottom of the small pieces, pull the paper from the webbing and place back where noted by the marks.
Do the same with the larger pieces in the corner. When you are happy with placement, fuse the pieces to the background fabric.
Applique with your choice of thread and applique stitch.
Use the picture below also for placement of pieces. Refer to my video tutorial for making this block also.
Congratulations on Making the Utah State Block!
Congratulations on making the Utah State Block. Your unfinished block will measure 12.5″ square. Share your block on social media by using hastag #utahstateblockcc.
I have created a video tutorial for making the templates and putting the block together.
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