Stitching History Together: Making the Arizona Quilt Block
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Step back in time to the early 1900s, where the art of quilting thrived as a cherished pastime for many individuals across the United States. In a quest to capture the essence of each state, “Hearth and Home” magazine embarked on a fascinating project that involved quilters from all corners of the nation. They invited quilters to submit a quilt block that they believed best represented their state, which would then be published in the magazine for all to admire and appreciate and replicate.
Among the collection of stunning quilt blocks, the Arizona Quilt Block stood out with its intricate design and vibrant colors. While the block may appear complicated at first glance, fear not! Though it requires time and thoughtful consideration, assembling this four-color masterpiece is a rewarding experience for any quilting enthusiast.
This particular quilt block is constructed by combining smaller blocks to create a harmonious 12″ block. To guide you through the process of crafting this remarkable piece of history, I have prepared a detailed video tutorial that will walk you through each step. Alongside the video, I will share valuable tips and insights to help you achieve a flawless 12 1/2″ block that showcases the beauty and legacy of Arizona’s quilting tradition.
So, whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a passionate beginner eager to delve into the art of quilting, join me on this journey as we unravel the secrets of the Arizona Quilt Block. Together, we will honor the skill and creativity of the quilters who came before us and create a stunning testament to the timeless craftsmanship that continues to captivate us today.
National Wyoming State Day is June 21, 2023! I am going to try to release the State blocks on their National day throughout 2023!
Go grab the rotary cutting instructions for this block below and let’s get started!
To Begin With
As I stated above I have created a detailed video on the order of putting all the seams together, how to iron them so you get seams that will nest and how to put it all together to get the finished block!
This block has 4 colors in it unlike all the blocks that I did before. I would make sure that when you pick your color that you lay them next to each other to see if there is enough contrast between the colors that will be next to each other. I tried to match colors of the Arizona Sedona Mountains and sky as much as I could with my Batik Fat Quarter Stash.
Step 1 – Make the 4 Corners
Once you have all your fabric cuts meticulously organized to create the Arizona Quilt Block, it’s time to begin assembling the corners. Take pieces A and C and align their right sides together. Note these pieces are not the same size and line up A in the upper left corner of C. Carefully sew along the diagonal line that was drawn on the A piece, ensuring a precise and even stitch.
After sewing, it’s essential to trim the corner, leaving about a 1/4″ distance from the seam. This step helps reduce bulk and ensures a neat and clean finish.
Now, with the corner seam securely sewn and trimmed, it’s time to press the fabric. Using an iron set to the appropriate temperature for your fabric, gently press the seam towards piece A. This will help the fabric lay flat and create a crisp, professional look. Take care not to stretch or distort the fabric while pressing, as maintaining the accuracy of the block’s dimensions is crucial for a successful final result.
The next step is to add the B pieces to the upper right and lower left corners. Align the right sides of the B pieces with the corresponding corners, ensuring they are positioned correctly. Sew along the marked line on the B piece, joining the B pieces to the block.
After sewing, trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4″ allowance from the seam.
Now, it’s time to press the fabric once again. Gently iron the seam towards the B pieces, allowing the fabric to lie flat and creating a neat appearance.
Step 2 – Create the Four Inner Sections
In Step 2, we will focus on assembling the inner sections of the Arizona Quilt Block. To begin, we’ll create the Half Square Triangles (HSTs) using the E pieces. Place the E pieces with their right sides together and sew a 1/4″ seam on each side of the diagonal line that was drawn on the dark E piece.
After sewing, carefully cut the HSTs apart along the drawn line. Take each piece and press the fabric towards the dark E piece, ensuring a crisp and flat appearance. To achieve accuracy, trim the HSTs to a 2″ square size. This step helps maintain the block’s proportions and ensures a uniform look.
Once all the HSTs are complete, we can proceed to lay out the block as diagramed below. Take a moment to study the diagram and observe the arrows, which indicate the direction of the seams to be sewn. Each of the four sections will be identical, forming the cohesive design of the Arizona Quilt Block.
Follow the diagram carefully as you sew the sections together, aligning the seams and nesting them where necessary to create a seamless and precise result. Pay attention to the placement of each fabric piece to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Step 3 – Create the Final Pieces of this Block
In Step 3, we will assemble the final pieces of the Arizona State Quilt Block. Gather the G/H pieces and the B pieces, ensuring that the B pieces have a diagonal line drawn on the back.
To begin, take one B piece and position it at the top a G/H pieces so that the diagonal line starts in the top left corner. Align the edges and sew along the drawn diagonal line, securing the fabrics together. Once sewn, trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4″ allowance from the seam. After trimming, iron the seam towards the B piece, creating a smooth and tidy appearance. Make 4 of these pieces and label these four pieces as “H.”
Repeat the same process for the remaining four G/H pieces and B pieces, with one slight variation. This time, start the diagonal line on the B piece in the upper right corner of the G/H piece. Sew along the diagonal line, trim the seam allowance, and press the fabric towards the B piece. Make 4 of these pieces and label these four pieces as “G.”
In the next step, we will incorporate the remaining A pieces into the G and H sections we just created. To begin, add an A piece to the side of the H piece opposite the B corner. Align the A piece along the top edge of the H piece, ensuring that they are positioned correctly. Please note that the A piece may not be as long as the H piece, but that is perfectly fine and will work out in the final result. After aligning, sew the pieces together.
Once sewn, press the fabric towards the A piece, using an iron to create a smooth and flat appearance. This step helps to establish clean lines and ensures the block maintains its desired shape. Repeat this process with the remaining A pieces and G pieces, following the diagrams provided below for visual guidance on how the block will evolve during the assembly.
In the final step of assembling these sections, we will add the remaining C pieces to the sections we have created. Begin by ensuring that a diagonal line is drawn on the back of each C piece. Layer a C piece on top of the H/A sections, aligning the right sides together. It’s important to note that the diagonal on the A piece should run from the top right to the bottom right of the H piece.
Once aligned, sew along the diagonal line, securing the fabrics together. After sewing, trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4″ allowance from the seam on the opposite side of the B corner. Then, iron the seam towards the C piece, ensuring a neat and pressed appearance. Repeat this process to create four sections of this type.
Next, repeat the same process for the remaining C pieces and G sections, with a slight variation in the diagonal line placement. This time, the diagonal line will start in the top left corner of the A piece and run to the bottom right corner of the G piece. Sew along the line, trim the seam allowance, and press towards the C piece.
Step 4 – Assemble the Arizona State Quilt Block
It’s time to bring all the elements together and assemble the Arizona State Quilt Block! Lay out the block according to the diagram provided below, ensuring that each component is placed in the correct position. Take note of the arrows on the diagram, as they indicate the direction in which the seams should be pressed during the assembly process.
Congratulations on successfully creating the Arizona State Quilt Block! We applaud your dedication and craftsmanship. Now it’s time to share your progress with the quilting community. Use the hashtag ##ArizonaQuiltBlockCC to showcase your block and discover what others are creating with this design.
To stay informed about our upcoming quilt blocks in this exciting journey, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or join our newsletter below. We’ll keep you updated on new releases, tutorials, and other valuable quilting resources.
Don’t forget to check out the YouTube video we’ve prepared specifically for assembling this block. It provides visual guidance and detailed instructions to support you throughout the process. Watching the video will enhance your understanding and ensure a smooth and enjoyable quilting experience.
Thank you for joining us on this quilting adventure. We can’t wait to see your completed Arizona State Quilt Block and witness the creativity and artistry that unfolds in your quilting journey.
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