SeeMyQuiltKansas Troubles quilt block
Four units set in a pinwheel. Each has one large background triangle; the other half is a medium triangle edged with small sawtooth triangles and a corner square.
Cutting chart by block size
8" Kansas Troubles (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 12 squares | 1 7/8" × 1 7/8" | 24 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 4 7/8" × 4 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 8 squares | 1 7/8" × 1 7/8" | 16 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 2 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 4 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
12" Kansas Troubles (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 12 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 24 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 6 7/8" × 6 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 8 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 16 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 2 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 4 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
16" Kansas Troubles (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 12 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 24 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 8 7/8" × 8 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 8 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 16 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 2 squares | 4 7/8" × 4 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
How to make a 16" Kansas Troubles block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Cut the squares marked "cut once" in half on the diagonal. Each gives two triangles. Sew them to their neighbours along the long edge first and press toward the darker fabric.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 8 × 8 grid, and each cell finishes at 2". Sew neighbouring pieces into sections, then the sections into rows, pressing seams in opposite directions from row to row.
- Join the rows. The block should measure 16 1/2" now and 16" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Kansas Troubles quilt (16" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Accent | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 38" × 54" | 5/8 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 1/2 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 3 (9) | 54" × 54" | 3/4 yd | 2 yd | 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Throw | 3 × 4 (12) | 54" × 70" | 1 yd | 2 1/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 4 1/2 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 6 (24) | 70" × 102" | 1 7/8 yd | 4 1/2 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 6 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 2 3/4 yd | 6 3/4 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 2 3/4 yd | 6 3/4 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
Blocks side by side with a 3" border, 2 1/2" binding, 42" usable width and 10% extra.
Four ways to set it
A throw quilt of 16" Kansas Troubles blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 12 | 54" × 70" | – |
| With sashing | 12 | 58" × 76" | Sashing 3/4 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 6 pieced + 6 plain | 54" × 70" | Plain blocks 1 5/8 yd |
| On point | 8 | 51 3/8" × 74" | Setting triangles 1 7/8 yd |
See Kansas Troubles in your own fabrics
What to buy
| Fabric | Yardage | Cut |
|---|
Based on 42" usable fabric width, 1/4" seams and 10% extra. Your photos stay on your device.
Questions
How many fabrics does a Kansas Troubles block need?
Three: main, background and accent. Choose a main fabric that contrasts clearly with the background so the design reads from a distance.
What size pieces do I cut for a 16 inch Kansas Troubles?
12 main squares at 2 7/8" × 2 7/8"; 2 background squares at 8 7/8" × 8 7/8"; 8 background squares at 2 7/8" × 2 7/8"; 2 accent squares at 4 7/8" × 4 7/8"; 4 accent squares at 2 1/2" × 2 1/2".
How many Kansas Troubles blocks for a lap quilt?
9 blocks at 16", set 3 by 3 with a 3" border, make a 54" × 54" quilt.
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