In 1976, a patriotic quilt pattern was published with a block for each of the 50 states, and many "state" quilts have been made based on those blocks. The original blocks came from "Hearth and Home" Magazine from 1907 to 1912. These patterns are interesting, but some are difficult -- for example, the Texas star is in a circle. This book is called "The United States Patchwork Pattern Book" and I believe it is still available. I have the 1976 version.
Even if you don't have this old pattern or the skill to make the squares as designed, you can make a patriotic quilt with blocks in designs you like. To make it easier, make certain that the blocks are all the same size or add stripping to the blocks to make them all the same size.
I decided to try my luck with red and blue on a white background for blocks to assemble for a wall hanging or maybe a lap quilt. These are 8 inch size blocks. I started with a flag pattern. The flags are about 5 1/2 inches square and the strips for the flag stripes were about 1 1/4 inches. The squares are a little smaller than the pinwheel, so I may have to put a strip around the edge. Here's what I came up with:
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| Flag Block for Patriotic Quilt |
Then I made a pinwheel in red and blue on white. The pinwheel squares are 4 inches and the triangles are about 2 by 3 1/2 inches.
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| Pinwheel Design in Red and Blue |
The final design uses 3 inch squares and came out to the 8 inch size that will be 7 1/2 inches square when an outer edge is added. I started with 5 strips in alternating red and white, one inch wide. I stitched these so they are 5/8 inch wide, so the seams are about 3/16 inch. That's the center square.
The pennant squares have red pieces that are half of the square, or 1 and 5/8 inch by 3. The other part that is 1 5/8 inches by 3 is made of one white triangle and two blue ones. You need four of these triangle squares and 4 plain white squares. Assemble the three dark squares across first, then assemble the two whites and the triangle square for each side. Before you put them together, press and pin at each seam edge to make certain they fit. Restitch if necessary. I got the hang of it by the second one, but this is more detailed than you have to make and it is a little tedious.
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| Pennant Square |
If you are tired or don't like making these patriotic quilt blocks at this point, make a pillow -- don't just give up. If you have two or four blocks, you can make a 16 inch pillow front. Put a red or blue strip between the blocks and add a blue block and a red block with no design if you only made two blocks. Add batting and backing and quilt if you want. Use your imagination.
We are still in the heat of summer in Texas, and quilting blocks are small and crisp to work with. I'm not crocheting afghans again until winter.
See you soon!
Linda
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