- Background (muslin)
- Dark (indigo)
Block No. 79 · nine-patch
Indiana Puzzle Quilt Block
Part of: Nine Patch Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt BlocksState Quilt BlocksTwo Color Quilt Blocks
Indiana Puzzle turns eight half-square triangles around a small square-in-a-square center. Because every edge unit is a triangle, the dark fabric seems to swirl, and adjoining blocks form interlocking spirals.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Grid
- 3 × 3
- Pieces
- 21
Chart
Cutting for a 12" block
3 × 3 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 12 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Square | 1 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 1 |
| Background | Half-square triangle | 4 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 8 |
| Dark | Corner square | 4 | 2 1/2" square | Stitch and flip; trim seam allowance to 1/4 inch | 4 |
| Dark | Half-square triangle | 4 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 8 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut the HST parent squares once diagonally. Sew each contrasting pair along the long edge, press toward the darker fabric and square the unit to 4 1/2", keeping the diagonal running corner to corner.
Step 2: Make the center by sewing dark corner squares onto all four corners of the background square. Trim to 4 1/2".
Step 3: Lay out three rows following the diagram; each unit is turned a quarter turn from the one opposite it, so the dark halves spin around the center.
Step 4: Sew the rows, pressing alternate rows in opposite directions.
Step 5: Join the rows with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, matching each seam intersection. Press and check the unfinished block measures 12 1/2" square.