Nature’s Threadwork: Crafting the New Mexico Quilt Block with Step-by-Step Instructions

Crafting the New Mexico Quilt Block

Your clicks and purchases help support free patterns on Canary Quilts at no extra charge to you.

Welcome to our quilting journey through time! Today, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the rich history and artistic traditions that surround the timeless craft of quilting. In particular, we delve into the intriguing tale of the early 1900’s Hearth and Home quilting project, where quilters from across the United States were invited to showcase their state’s identity through quilt blocks.

In our quest to revive the spirit of this historical endeavor, we find ourselves captivated by the allure of the New Mexico Quilt block. This particular block stands out with its diverse elements that create a captivating and non-repetitive design. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, we pay homage to New Mexico’s State Plan, the magnificent Yucca, whose striking colors serve as our guiding light.

Join us as we unravel the secrets of the New Mexico Quilt block, discover the intricate details that make it a joy to assemble, and celebrate the harmonious fusion of art and nature that lies at its core. Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a novice enthusiast, there’s something truly special about recreating a piece of history while infusing it with your own creative flair.

So, gather your quilting supplies, ignite your imagination, and prepare to embark on a quilting adventure that spans across time and geography. Let’s celebrate the artistry of quilting and the beauty that lies within each stitch.

Below I will show you how to put this block together and I have created a video tutorial for this block also. The video will show you how I assemble little blocks and then put them all together to become the single 12 1/2″ square block.

Go grab the cutting directions and templates for this block below and let’s get started! The pattern includes cutting the templates and instructions on cutting the strips for your templates.

National New Mexico State Day is June 14, 2023! I am going to try to release the State blocks on their National day throughout 2023!

Step 1 -Cut and Assemble Templates A

Per the pattern, cut your Template A pieces.

Sew together the all templates A’s with the two different colors that you cut, so that you have a half square triangle block in the end.

There will be 12 HST’s for this block. Trim to finished size of 2 7/8″ square.

Step 2 – Cut and Assemble Template C

Template C will be cut into 20 light colored squares and 16 dark colored squares. This will be assembled into a 9 patch block with alternating colors in each row. Make 4 identical 9 patch blocks. Trim to finished size of 2 7/8″ square.

Step 3 – Cut and Assemble the Template D.

Cut the D pieces and there will be 4 light and 8 dark pieces. Build this block into a 3 strip piece with the dark template D sandwiching the light template D. Make 4. Trim to finished size of 2 7/8″ square.

Step 4 – Cut B Patchs and Assemble the Block

Cut the B pieces, there will be 5 B pieces in the light color. Lay out the block as show below and sew together each row with the arrows indicating which way to iron the seams.

Sew the rows together and iron the seams as indicated below. Finished size is 12 1/2″ square.

Step 5 – Lay out the entire block, assemble rows

We can now layout the entire block!

Start in the middle with one of the solid square pieces, add the strip blocks to the four sides of the center block. We can now add the square blocks next to the strip blocks.

Next take the remainder solids blocks and put them in the middle rows of each side. We will now fill in the corners with the HST squares by laying them out according to the pattern.

Now that our block is laid out we can assemble the rows. Make sure when you put the rows together that you pin the side you want to sew as soon as you pick it up so that you don’t sew it to the wrong side.

Iron each row in one direction and make sure that the row next to is sew in the opposite direction.