The 20th block for 2021 is the Kansas Trouble, this was originally in the Kansas City Star on March 03, 1934.
When looking at the history of these blocks, most do not have much information, but this block had so much information about its history, and I really feel it is a great block to end our 2021 blocks.
“This quilt takes its name from the troubled days of early Kansas history, when a pioneer woman pieced this block and sent it to her New England Home. The contributor states that the quilt may be in odd scraps or in solid colors.” (KC Star 1934)
“Historically, this block was created during the Civil War by a quilter who was protesting slavery and all the violence between Kansas and Missouri during the vote to prohibit slavery in those states. I like the idea that women at that time found a way to express their views, even if they couldn’t vote. Smart quilter.” (KTQ)
“The quilt pattern goes back to the time of the Kansas Troubles, but we have no idea what women called the design then. The pattern name appears in print about 1890. It doesn’t matter how many little triangles there are; it’s the rotational repeat that makes it a Kansas Troubles.” (Civil War Quilts)
This block could be fun to make with scraps, where each quarter of the block is completely different. Make the Half Square Triangles (HST) the same for each quarter of the block.
The instructions are for making all the same quarters. This block is made up of 24 Half Square Triangles, and some triangles.
This block will finish at 12″ x 12″ (unfinished 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″).
Fabric Requirements
- Color A – 6″ x 18″ (White)
- Color B – 4″ x 8 ” (Blue)
- Color C – 6″ x 18″ (Red)
- Color D – 7″ x 14″ (Black)
Fabric Cutting
Assembly Step 1 – 2″ Half Square Triangles (HST) (1 1/2″ finished)
Using one of each color of Piece A (5″ x 5″), draw a line from corner to corner on the back on the lighter fabric, creating an “X”.
Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of the drawn lines, creating a double X (Black lines)
Cut along the drawn lines, and then halfway vertical and horizontal halfway. (Cut on the Red lines)
Square up the HST with your preferred method to make sure they are 2″ x 2″ HST.
Press towards the dark side.
Square-up to 2″ x 2″. Press open, and trim dog ears.
Repeat to create 1 more sets of 8 HST for a total of 16
Step 2 – Triangles
Cut pieces B, C & D diagonally in half.
Step 3 – Triangles
Using 4 HST from Step 1, one Piece C triangle, two Piece D triangle, and one Piece E.
Layout in the following layout
Sew the left row together (3 squares and triangle) press towards the white square.
Sew the two HST and triangle across top together. Press towards the red triangle.
Sew Piece C (blue Triangle) to the top row. Press towards the blue triangle.
Add the left row to the HST and Blue piece. Press towards the center (blue triangle).
Repeat Step 3 to create a total of 4 of these triangles
Step 4 – Quarter pieces
Using the triangle created in Step 3, and one triangle Piece B
Sew together
Add Piece B to create a square. (Best practice is to match the outside edges together and then sew 1/4″ seam.
Press towards the black (Piece B).
Press seams. Towards Piece B to reduce bulk.
Square-up to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, remember to trim from all four sides to keep balanced, and watch that you do not lose your seam allowance on the triangles.
You will need to repeat this step to create a total of 4 of these squares.
Step 5 – Final Assembly
Layout out the four blocks created in Step 4 in the following layout.
Best Practice – If you lay all four pieces the same direction, and then rotate one quarter as you go around the block, this will help with the layout.
Sew together with 1/4″ seams.
Press seams.
You have now completed the Kansas Trouble, the 20th block for 2021.
I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks! Make sure to post on the Facebook group! Remember to add the hashtag #KansasTrouble. Click Here for a PDF of the instructions
Click Here for the PDF of the Kansas Trouble.
Lisa's Quilting Passion 