How to Make the Amish Square Quilt Block

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Layout the flying geese, HSTs, and the rest of the pieces to create the block.

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