Missouri Puzzle – February 2021 BOM

The second block for February 2021, is Missouri Puzzle.  This block was originally posted in the Kansas City Star on May 3, 1930.  This block will finish at 15″ x 15″ (unfinished 15 ½” x 15 ½”).   This block is larger to keep from having odd pieces.    

There are a few variations to this block, including different color combinations.   The instructions for this block are based on two colors, a light and a dark. 

Fabric Requirements

Color A (light) – 14″ x 20″  or 10″ x WOF

Color B (Dark) – 9″ X 20″  or  6″ x WOF

Fabric Cutting

Assembly

Step 1

 Using Color A & Color B of Piece 1 (1 ½” x 20″ strips)

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Sew the long sides of the strips together with 1/4″ seams, Dark/Light/Dark.

Press seams towards the dark fabric.

Trim the short edge of the strip to get a straight edge. 

Cut 4 squares measuring  3 ½” x 3 ½”” .  Set aside for final assembly.

Then cut the strip into four 1 ½”  x 3 ½”  pieces.  These pieces will be used in Step 2

 Step 2

Sew the long sides of the strips together with 1/4″ seams (Light/Dark/Light)

Press seams toward the dark.

Trim the short edge of the strip to get a straight edge. 

Cut 8 pieces measuring 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Using 2 of these strips and one 1 ½” x 3 ½” strips from step 1, layout to the following layout.

Press seams towards dark.  Square up to make sure measures 3 ½” x 3 ½”

Step 3

Creating 12 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” Half Square Triangles (HST)

Using one of each color of Piece 3, Place the right sides together.

Stitch 1/4″ along all four sides of square (red line is stitching)

Cut Diagonally from Corner to corner both directions (purple lines)

Square up your triangles to 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Press towards the dark side.

You will have 4 HST.

Repeat two more times, for a total of 12 HST.

Assembly

Lay the pieces according to the following layout.

Sew together in rows or columns.  You can use my method for  Chain Piecing, or the method you prefer.

Making sure to double check as you go, to make sure the pieces are still in the correct order as you sew. Here is my opps.

Press your seams as you go.

Block will be 15 1/2″ x 15 1/2″ unfinished.

You have completed the Missouri Puzzle, the second block of February 2021.

I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks!  Make sure to post on the Facebook group!  Remember to add the hashtag #MissouriPuzzle

Click here for PDF instructions.

Other color variations

          Six Color Option

Three Color option

Quilt – Two color blocks