Violet Hues and Quilting Muse: The Artistry of the New Jersey State Quilt Block

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Today, on its special day, July 27, 2023, we proudly present the New Jersey State Quilt Block tutorial in celebration of National New Jersey State Day! As part of our commitment to preserving the quilt block heritage of each state, we have meticulously broken down this block to ensure it is accessible and enjoyable for quilting enthusiasts of all levels. With our simplified approach, you can now create the New Jersey State Quilt Block without the complexity of Y seams, making it a delightful and rewarding project.

, Violet Hues and Quilting Muse: The Artistry of the New Jersey State Quilt Block

Throughout the year, we will continue to unveil state blocks on their respective national days, offering you a captivating and educational quilting adventure. Each block will be embodying the colors of each state, and, in this case, the state flower, the Violet.

Step back in time with us to the early 1900s, a period when the art of quilting flourished as a beloved pastime across the United States. In those days, quilts were more than just practical bedcovers; they were crafted with love and creativity, often representing the rich heritage and unique characteristics of each state.

One particular project embarked upon by “Hearth and Home” magazine captured the hearts of quilters from every corner of the nation. The magazine invited talented quilters to submit their interpretations of a quilt block that best symbolized their respective states. The end result? A stunning collection of quilt blocks that celebrated the diverse beauty and spirit of America.

So, get your quilting supplies ready, and let’s delve into the intricacies of the New Jersey State Quilt Block. Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just starting, our step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process with ease and joy, making it a delightful and enjoyable project for quilters of all levels.

Stay tuned for more state block tutorials as we continue to celebrate the quilt block heritage of each state, sharing the diverse beauty and spirit of America, one block at a time! Happy quilting!

Go grab the cutting directions and templates for this block below and let’s get started! The pattern includes rotary cutting instructions and templates if you wish to print the pattern.

Gather the necessary supplies:

Rotating Cutting Board (0ptional) – to help turn your pieces without touching them.
Quilt ruler: Ensure you have a quilt ruler on hand, as it will help in drawing precise lines and measurements.
Marking Pens – I like Frixion because they erase with heat.

Step 1 – Cut the Pieces

The first step in creating the New Jersey State Quilt block is to cut the pieces. Before proceeding, ensure you have the necessary cutting instructions. If you don’t have them yet, don’t worry! Simply head over to our free resource library, where you can access the cutting instructions. Once you have the instructions in hand, carefully cut the fabric pieces according to the specified measurements and subcuts outlined in the guide. Once all the pieces are prepared, return here to proceed with assembling the block.

Step 2 – Assemble the Corners

For this step, we will be using pieces A, C, and D. Start by laying out the pieces in their designated positions, as demonstrated in the instructions. Take the C pieces and align them with the D pieces, ensuring that the right angle corners match up precisely, creating a straight edge for adding the A piece. Once aligned, carefully sew the C pieces to the D pieces and then iron the seams towards the C pieces for a neat finish.

Afterward, it’s time to add the A piece to the section we just built. Align the long sides of the A piece with the existing corner section, sew them together, and then iron the seams towards the A piece. This will complete one corner of the quilt block. Repeat for the remaining three corners.

Clip all tails on the corners at this time.

Step 3 – Assemble the Center Sections for the Top and Bottom Row

In Step 3 of assembling the New Jersey State Quilt block, we will work on the middle section of the top and bottom rows using pieces B, E, and I. First, take the I squares and mark a diagonal line on each of them. Lay the I squares onto the E pieces in a way that the marked diagonals are not parallel and cut off the corners on the same side. This will create a “stitch and flip” effect.

Proceed to sew along the marked diagonal lines for both sides of the E piece. Once stitched, carefully trim a quarter of an inch away from the seam and then iron the seams towards the corner (I piece). This will result in a clean and precise edge.

After completing this for both sides of the E piece, it’s time to add the B piece to the section. Align the B piece with the middle section we just created, and then sew the pieces together. Lastly, iron the seams towards the B piece, giving the middle section a polished look.

Step 4 – Assemble Top and Bottom Rows

In Step 4, we will put the top and bottom rows together. Now that we have successfully assembled the sections from the previous steps, it’s time to combine them to create the rows. Take the two corners we made earlier, ensuring that the A piece points out and away from the center.

Position two corners on each side of the two center sections, ensuring they align properly. Carefully sew the pieces together, joining the corners with the center sections. After sewing, iron the seams towards the center section that contains the larger B piece. This will help the rows lie flat and give the quilt block a clean appearance.

Once the top and bottom rows are assembled, set them aside for the time being. With this step complete, the New Jersey State Quilt block is starting to take shape.

Step 5 – Assemble the Center Row

In Step 5, we will assemble the center row of the New Jersey State Quilt block. For this row, we will be using all the remaining pieces. Begin by laying out the pieces as indicated in the pattern; this will help in orienting the G pieces correctly.

To construct the corner sections, start by adding the F piece to the short side of G, ensuring the right angles match up. Sew the pieces together and then iron the seams towards the F piece. Repeat this process on the other side of G, this time adding the H piece, again matching right angles, sewing, and ironing towards H. Make 2 identical corners.

Next, focus on the middle row. Sandwich the J piece between the other two pieces as shown in the pattern. Sew the pieces together and then iron the seams towards the J piece.

Now we have three sections: the two corner sections and the middle row. To assemble them into the center row, nest the seams carefully to ensure precise alignment. Sew the sections together, and then iron the seams towards the corners.

Finally, add the B pieces to each side of the center row. Sew them together and iron the seams towards the B pieces.=-

Step 6 – Assemble the Block

In Step 6, it’s time to assemble the New Jersey State Quilt block! Lay out the three rows you’ve created in the previous steps: the top row, the center row, and the bottom row. Double-check that the orientation of each row is correct, with the corners pointing out and away from the center.

Carefully sew the rows together, aligning the edges and matching the seams to ensure a neat and precise assembly. Take your time to keep the seams aligned properly for a seamless finish.

Once the rows are stitched together, iron the seams towards the outer rows. This means that you should press the seams towards the top and bottom rows, away from the center row. This ironing direction helps the seams to lie flat and gives the quilt block a smooth appearance.

Congratulations!

Congratulations on completing the New Jersey State Quilt Block in the beautiful colors of the state flower, the mountain laurel! Your dedication to preserving the quilt block heritage of New Jersey shines through every carefully sewn piece. As you step back and admire your finished creation, take a moment to appreciate how this single block can truly capture the essence of the Garden State. Share your progress with #newjerseystateblockcc.

Now that you’ve mastered the New Jersey State Quilt Block, consider envisioning it as a stunning whole quilt. Imagine a collection of these blocks coming together to form a masterpiece that celebrates the spirit and beauty of New Jersey in every stitch. The mountain laurel hues woven into the quilt create a captivating tapestry of colors that reflect the charm and vibrancy of this remarkable state.

For further guidance and inspiration, don’t forget to check out our video tutorial that will aid you in constructing this block with confidence and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, our step-by-step video will be your trusted companion throughout the quilting process.

We hope this quilting adventure through the heart and soul of New Jersey has brought you joy and a deeper appreciation for the art of quilting and the heritage it carries. As we continue to celebrate the quilt block heritage of each state, stay tuned for more captivating tutorials and explorations of America’s diverse beauty, one block at a time.

Thank you for joining us on this quilting journey, and we look forward to seeing your own unique creations inspired by the New Jersey State Quilt Block. Happy quilting!

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