It's month 7 of the JUMBO BLOCKS ROCK series!

For some fun in 2021, I picked out (12) traditional style blocks, gave them a modern twist, and then upsized them into 18" blocks. Once a month, I will post the free tutorial for one block here on my blog for everyone to make!

Here is the tutorial for the Boxed Basket Remix Block from June in case you missed it.

BLOCK 7 - ILLINOIS DIAMOND REMIX

This month I took the classic Illinois block and made it bit more dynamic. I added more colors, switched the center to a diamond, and then changed up the outside corners.

This is an example of what both blocks would look like in a 72" quilt.

BLOCK #7 TUTORIAL

PATTERN NOTES

• Please read through all instructions before beginning.
• Seam allowances are 1/4" unless specified.
• WOF = Width of Fabric; pattern assumes a minimum of 42"
• RST = Right Sides Together
• FQ = Fat Quarter Precut (18" × 21")
• F8 = Fat Eighth Precut (9" × 21")
• Press all seams open (or in preferred direction) unless specified.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

This block pattern uses (5) accent fabrics [FABRIC A] and (1) background fabric [FABRIC B]. Below are the requirements to make ONE 18" BLOCK.

NOTE - If you would like to make a SCRAPPY VERSION of this block, just use the exact quantities and sizes of fabric pieces listed below in the cutting directions.

CUTTING DIRECTIONS 

From FABRIC A1, cut:

(1) 10" square

 

From FABRIC A2, cut:

(1) 7½" square

 

From FABRIC A3, cut:

(1) 7½" square

 

From FABRIC A4, cut:

(1) 3½" × 14", subcut:

• (4) 3½" squares 

 

From FABRIC A5, cut:

(1) 4¼" × 8½", subcut:

• (2) 4¼" squares 

 

From FABRIC B1, cut:

• (1) 10" square 
• (1) 4¾" square 
• (8) 4" squares

 

PART 1 - MAKING THE CENTER SQUARE IN SQUARE BLOCK

Using the (4) triangle Color A5 pieces and the (1) 4¾" Background Color B1 square, you will create a SQUARE IN SQUARE BLOCK by the steps 1-4 below.

1. Prepare the (2) 4¼" Color A5 squares by cutting them in half diagonally in half to make (4) triangle pieces.

💡 TIP - Before beginning, fold and iron a small crease in the middle of the (4) triangle pieces and in the middle of each side of the B1 square, as shown by the red dotted line. Before sewing the triangle pieces to the sides of the square in the steps below, line up the creases. This is an easy way to make sure all pieces are centered.

 

2. First, align the long side of (1) A5 triangle piece RST to both the left and right edge of the B1 square. Sew together by stitching ¼" away from the edge. Flip and press triangle pieces open, then trim off the very tips of the triangles so they are even with the top and bottom edges of the square. This helps to reduce unnecessary fabric bulk.

3. Next, align the long side of (1) A4 triangle piece RST to both the top and bottom edge of the square. Sew together by stitching ¼" away from the edge. Flip and press the triangle pieces open.

4. Trim the block to 6½" square by positioning the ruler so the points of the green diamond are about ¼" away from the edge (see the red markings on the diagram below). 

💡 TIP - A 6½" square ruler is the easiest tool to use here because you can trim all four sides at once. However, you can use a larger ruler to trim two sides at a time. Before cutting, use your ruler to check where all your diamond points fall. They may not be exactly perfect, but try to center them inside a 6" square area of the ruler the best that you can so you have ¼ seam allowance on the other edge of the point. 

 

PART 2 - MAKING THE CORNER UNITS

5. Create HSTs using the 4 at a time method. Pair the A1 and B1 10" squares RST. Stitch a SCANT 1/4" around the edge of the squares. Cut the squares diagonally on each side. Press the (4) HSTs with seams open and trim to 6½". 

6. For each corner unit, you will be using (1) 3½" A4 square to create a triangle the B1 side of (1) A1/B1 HST using the "Stitch and Flip" method. Before beginning, prepare all (4) 3½" A4 squares by marking a diagonal line on the wrong side of the fabric using a fabric marker.

7. Pair (1) 3½" A4 square and (1) 6½" A1/B1 HST as shown below, so the smaller square is on the bottom right corner of B1 and the marked line is showing. Stitch on the line, trim 1/4" on the outside of the line, flip triangle over, and press seam open.  

8. Repeat STEP 7 to create a total of 4 CORNER UNITS.

PART 3 - MAKING THE CENTER EDGE UNITS

To create the center edge units, you will create TWO different sets of (4) flying geese blocks each using the "No Waste" method. 

9. Before beginning, prepare (8) 4" B1 squares by marking a diagonal line on the wrong side of the fabric using a fabric marker.

 

10. To create the FIRST set of Flying Geese blocks, you will use (4) 4" B1 squares and (1) 7½" A2 square. Pair the A2 and (2) B1 squares RST as shown below so the 4" squares are in opposite corners with the marked line showing. Stitch a line 1/4" on either side of the diagonal line.  

11. Cut apart on the diagonal. Flip triangles over and press seams open. You will end up with TWO of these partial geese blocks. 

Note - Pressing the seams open in the back will help the final flying geese unit lay more flat and be less bulky. 

12. Using ONE of the partial geese blocks from STEP 11, place (1) 4" B1 square RST in the remaining corner with the marked line showing. Stitch a line 1/4" on either side of the diagonal line. 

13. Cut apart on the diagonal. Flip triangles over and press seams open. Trim to 3½" × 6½" rectangles. Repeat with the other partial geese block from step 11 to yield a total of (4) Flying Geese blocks.

14. To create the SECOND set of Flying Geese blocks, you will use (4) 4" B1 squares and (1) 7½" A3 square. Pair the A3 and (2) B1 squares RST as shown below so the 4" squares are in opposite corners with the marked line showing. Repeat the process in STEPS 10-13 to yield a total of (4) Flying Geese blocks.

15. Next, lay out (1) of each of the TWO different Flying Geese blocks as shown below. Sew together and press seams open.

16. Repeat STEP 15 to make a total of (4) CENTER EDGE UNITS.  

PART 4 - BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

17. Lay out the CENTER SQUARE, the (4) CORNER UNITS, and the (4) CENTER EDGE UNITS as shown below.

18. Sew the (3) units in each row together. Press open.

19. Sew the (3) rows together. Press open.

20. Your block OHIO DIAMOND REMIX block is now complete! Trim to 18½" square if needed. 

These colors are definitely giving me a summer Miami vibe! If you make this block, be sure to tag me @sewbrainy on Instagram so I can check it out! See you in August for Block #8!

Until later, happy sewing!

Jamie 

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Find the other blocks in the #JumboBlocksRock here:

• Block 1 - Antique Tile Remix
• Block 2 - Maple Star Remix
• Block 3 - Amish Star Remix
• Block 4 - Salem Star Remix
• Block 5 - Sunflower Star Remix
• Block 6 - Boxed Basket Remix
• Block 7 - Illinois Diamond Remix
• Block 8 - Variable Star Remix
• Block 9 - Hidden Star Remix
• Block 10 - Honeymoon Diamond Remix
• Block 11 - Nine Patch Pinwheel Remix
• Block 12 - Blocks and Stars Remix