The Indiana puzzle quilt block is a simple block that has a lot of movement and looks hard.
But it's really just made of two quilting units. HST's and a square in a square unit.
If you look closely, you will notice that it is a variation of a friendship star block.
INDIANA PUZZLE QUILT BLOCK
I have been trying to use up some of my stash of fabric, and I'm loving these blues and creams.The fabric line is called Perfect Union from Edita Sitar by Laundry Basket Quilts. It's not really available for sale anymore, but I always get asked what fabric I use, so there you go.
Last week, I used it to create the Celtic twist quilt block.
I plan to make several more blocks with these prints, so stick around.
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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING
Here are my favorite quilting tools. The half-square triangle square up ruler is super helpful for this block.- fabric
- thread
- rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
- sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
- sewing scissors
- pencil
- iron and wool ironing mat
- HST Ruler
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 9 " INDIANA PUZZLE BLOCK
Want to make this block in another size? I've got a printable for that!
Not only does the printable have the cutting measurements for 3 different block sizes, but it also has the instructions to make the block.
Grab your copy today and print it out and keep it near your sewing machine for future reference.
To purchase the cutting chart, click the ↑chart above↑ or the ↓link below↓
PRINTABLE CUTTING CHART PATTERN WITH INSTRUCTIONS
Below are the cutting measurements needed to make a 9-inch block.
MAIN COLOR
- 1) 8" square
- 4) 2" squares
BACKGROUND
- 1) 8" square
- 1) 3 1/2" square
HOW TO MAKE AN INDIANA PUZZLE QUILT BLOCK
This quilt block is made of two basic quilting units. Half-square triangles and a square in a square unit.It really is a fairly easy block.
Learn better by watching? Check out the video!
MAKING THE SQUARE IN A SQUARE UNIT
Let's start with the square in a square.
Select the smaller background square and the four small blue squares.
Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back side of each small square.
Place two blue squares on opposite corners of the background square with right sides together.
Orient the squares so that the drawn lines are parallel to each other.
Sew along the lines.
Trim 1/4 inch from the seam. Press open.
Place the remaining squares on the remaining corners of the background square with right sides together.
Again, orient the squares so the drawn lines are parallel to each other.
Sew along the lines.
Trim 1/4 inch from the sewn line. Press open.
MAKING THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES
Next, it's time to make the half square triangles.This method will make 8 at a time.
Which is perfect because this block has 8 half square triangles, also known as HST.
Select the two 8 inch squares of fabric.
On the background piece, draw the sewing lines.
To do this, place the quarter-inch marking of a quilting ruler on the square, lining it up from corner to corner. Draw a line on the edge of the ruler.
Turn the fabric around and draw another line. There should be two parallel lines going diagonally across the square - each line should be 1/4 inch from the center.
Repeat this process for the other diagonal.
Place two squares of fabric right sides together, with the sewing lines facing up.
Sew along all the drawn lines.
Cut the block in half horizontally and vertically.
Then cut between the seams. This will create 8 half square triangles.
Before opening the HST, place the ruler with the 3 1/2 inch marking on top of the seam. Trim the excess fabric from both sides.
Press open the HST.
Trim tails.
ASSEMBLING THE INDIANA PUZZLE BLOCK
Now that the square in a square and the HST's are made, it's time to assemble the block.
Arrange the squares in the following manner.
Place the square in a square block in the center.
Working around the center, place the HST's.
Top middle and top right HST's = blue pointing to the top left
Middle right and bottom right HST's = blue pointing to the top right
Middle bottom and bottom left HST's = blue pointing to the bottom right
middle left and top left HST's = blue pointing to the bottom left
Next, sew the block together just like you would a nine patch quilt block.
Sew the blocks of each row together.
Note about nesting seams: Nesting the seams means that the seams of the adjoining pieces are pressed in opposite directions. Then, when sewn together, it spreads the bulk of the seams and creates perfect points.
To do this, press the seams of the top and bottom rows toward the middle. Press the seams of the center row away from the middle.
Note #2: Pay attention to the orientation of the pieces and the rows. Check twice before sewing. The picture above shows how easy it is to mix it up. If you do mess up, you can always unpick and re-sew.
Then, sew the rows together.
Press the seams to one side.
That's it! The block should be 9 1/2 inches. Once sewn into a project, the block will finish at 9 inches.
QUILT BLOCK LAYOUT IDEAS
Below are a few quilt layout ideas.
Try alternating the color placement of every other block. Or try with or without sashing for different effects.
MORE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIALS
MORE QUILT PATTERNS
Don't forget to pin it!!
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