How to Make the Amish Square Quilt Block

Again this year, for the quilt guild I am apart of, I am providing instructions for how to make a different quilt block each month. For the month of December, we are making the Amish Square Quilt Block. I have gotten some requests for this block!

 Amish Square Quilt Block in White and Blue

For a 12 inch finished block (12.5 inch unfinished), you will need to cut the following: 

Background (White)

1 of 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch square

4 of 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch rectangle

8 of 3 x 3 inch squares

Color (Blue)

8 of 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch square

4 of 3 x 3 inch square

1 of 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch square

Sew

Create the flying geese units. I use the Four-In-One Flying Geese method. Using the blue 5 1/2 inch square and four of the 3 inch squares, lay two small white squares on two diagonal corners of the large square, right sides together.

 Laying two small squares on top of a large square to make the flying geese

Draw a line, corner to corner, on the small squares, then stitch a scant 1/4" away from both sides of the line.

Draw line diagonally, stitch a 1/4 inch from both sides and cut on line.

Cut on the drawn line and press to the dark side.

Triangles pressed open and ready for the next step

Next, match another small square into the corner of the large triangle.

Lay more squares into the corners of the triangles and follow the steps
Draw a line from the corner to corner of the small square, as shown in the picture. Stitch a scant 1/4" from the line. Cut on the line and press to the dark side.
Trim down each flying geese unit to 4 1/2" x 2 1/2". Make sure you stay 1/4" away from the top point of the flying geese so you don't loose your point when you sew it.

You end up with 4 sets of flying geese with this method

Then, use four of the white 3 inch squares, and 4 of the blue 3 inch squares to create the half square triangles (HSTs).

You need a white and blue square

To do this, draw a line diagonally, corner to corner, on the back of the white 3 inch squares. Match up each white square with a light or dark blue 3 inch square, right sides together. Stitch 1/4 inch away from the line on both sides. Cut on the drawn line and press open towards the blue side. Square the blocks to 2 1/2 inches square. Repeat to create 8 HSTs.

Making half square triangles
Layout the flying geese, HSTs, and the rest of the pieces to create the block.

Layout for the Amish Square Block

Stitch together pieces to create rows. Then, stitch together all the rows to create the block. Press.

Finished Amish Square block in blue and white

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

Check back each month for a new How-To of quilt blocks! To see the other blocks, just search my blog for Quilt Guild Block of the Month.

If you would like a PDF version of these instructions, please check out Group #4 of the How-To Block of the Month Downloads.

(This is classic block that has been designed and created by many people. As I have mentioned before, these block designs come from the book 5500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. (c) 2003 but these instructions are written by me.) 

Have fun quilting!


2 comments

  • Adoro fazer trabalhos com retalhos, o seu trabalho e fantástico, estou encantada. Quero aprender. Esse estilo de. Trabalho.

    Edna Maria de Jesus casmala
  • Just want to say how much I appreciate your blog; with such large type and photos making it possible for these old eyes to see clearly! So many tutorials out there, but I think yours shine.

    Diana

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