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Massachusetts Quilt Block
From our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library
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Skill Level: Confident Beginner
The Massachusetts quilt block is a variation of the Ohio Star block.
Using an imaginary line from the upper left to the lower right corners, each side of the block is a mirror image of the other.
For a successful block, use high contrast fabrics. For the sample block I'll use the complementary colors of blue and orange for drama.
The pieces of the Massachusetts block are very basic, but it does get a bit confusing when you're ready to stitch the block together. Quite frankly it looks like a mess until all the seams are sewn.
But we won't let that stop us. Let's get to the quilting!
General Instructions
These abbreviations are used in this tutorial:
- SA - seam allowance
- RST - right sides together
- HST - half square triangle
- QST - quarter square triangle
SA are 1/4" and pressed toward the darker fabric unless noted otherwise.
When you are instructed to press, first press the pieced unit flat to set the seam. Then open the patch, pressing from the front.
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Step 1: Cutting patches for a Massachusetts block
Massachusetts designSample Size: 7-1/2" finished / 8" unfinished
Grid: 3x3
Design type: Star
Patches are cut based on the Quick Pieced method for HST and the Sandwich technique for QST.
I prefer to use over-sized squares for both QSTs and HSTs, stitch the unit and then trim to the perfect size. QST patches are marked with ***, HST patches are marked with **.
There is another chart later in the instructions that provides the size to trim these units.
 | Cutting Chart for a~ Traditional Piecing ~ | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patch | Fabric | Qty | Finished Block Size | ||||
| 4½'' | 6'' | 7½'' | 9'' | 12'' | |||
| 1** | Light | 2 | 2⅜'' x 2⅜'' | 2⅞'' x 2⅞'' | 3⅜'' x 3⅜'' | 3⅞'' x 3⅞'' | 4⅞'' x 4⅞'' |
| 2** | Dark | 2 | 2⅜'' x 2⅜'' | 2⅞'' x 2⅞'' | 3⅜'' x 3⅜'' | 3⅞'' x 3⅞'' | 4⅞'' x 4⅞'' |
| 3*** | Light | 2 | 2¾'' x 2¾'' | 3¼'' x 3¼'' | 3¾'' x 3¾'' | 4¼'' x 4¼'' | 5¼'' x 5¼'' |
| 4*** | Dark | 2 | 2¾'' x 2¾'' | 3¼'' x 3¼'' | 3¾'' x 3¾'' | 4¼'' x 4¼'' | 5¼'' x 5¼'' |
| 5 | Light | 1 | 2'' x 2'' | 2½'' x 2½'' | 3'' x 3'' | 3½'' x 3½'' | 4½'' x 4½'' |
| 6 | Dark | 1 | 2'' x 2'' | 2½'' x 2½'' | 3'' x 3'' | 3½'' x 3½'' | 4½'' x 4½'' |
| Unfinished Block Size | 5'' | 6½'' | 8'' | 9½'' | 12½'' | ||
| Grid Size | 1 1/2'' | 2 '' | 2½'' | 3'' | 4'' | ||
| **I prefer to cut my patches extra large for HST, stitch, and then trim them to size. If you prefer to do the same, add a bit extra to the measurements for Patches #1 and #2 above (I added 3/8" to each dimension for the sample block). **I also prefer to cut my patches extra large for QST, stitch, and then trim them to size. If you prefer to do the same, add a bit extra to the measurements for Patches #3 and #4 above (I added 1/2" to each dimension for the sample block). There are charts further down in these instructions where you need them for trimming the HSTs and QSTs to size. If you have a perfectly reliable 1/4" seam allowance use the dimensions in the cutting charts for these patches. | |||||||
These are the cut patches.
Step 2: Assemble the units for your Massachusetts block
Draw a diagonal line on the back of all four light #1 and #3 (orange) squares.
HST
Make 3 - There will be one leftover unit
With RST, layer a light and a dark 3-3/8" square and stitch 1/4" from both sides of your drawn line with your favorite 1/4" presser foot.
Cut apart on the drawn line.
Press with the seam allowances toward the darker fabric.
Use the chart below to check the accuracy of your sewing. Trim your HST to size as needed.
HST Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Finished Block Size | Trim HST to… |
| 4½'' | 2" x 2" |
| 6 '' | 2½" x 2½" |
| 7½'' | 3" x 3" |
| 9 '' | 3½" x 3½" |
| 12 '' | 4½" x 4½" |
The finished HST—the Massachusetts uses just three of them so one is left untrimmed.
For more detailed information on this Quick Piecing technique click here.
QST
Make 4
With RST, layer a light and a dark 3-3/4" square and stitch 1/4" from both sides of the drawn line.
Cut each unit apart on the drawn line and press, with seam allowances towards the dark fabric. Voila! You've just made four half-square triangle units...the first step!
On two of these HSTs, draw a diagonal line that bisects the seam allowance.
With RST, layer a marked and an unmarked unit and, again, stitch 1/4" from both sides of the line.
Notice how the seam allowance points into the presser foot. That helps to keep the seams matched when I'm not using pins for the job.Cut apart on the drawn line and press. This time, twirl or spin the seam allowances to reduce bulk in the center of the quarter square triangle (below, right).
Use the chart below to check the accuracy of your sewing. Trim your QST to size as needed.
QST Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Finished Block Size | Center Measurement | Trim QST to… |
| 4½'' | 1" | 2" x 2" |
| 6 '' | 1¼" | 2½" x 2½" |
| 7½'' | 1½" | 3" x 3" |
| 9 '' | 1¾" | 3½" x 3½" |
| 12 '' | 2¼" | 4½" x 4½" |
To trim our 7-1/2" finished Massachusetts block, place the intersection of the 1-1/2" horizontal and vertical line over the center of the QST to trim. The center of the unit is 1-1/2".
Step 3: Assemble your Massachusetts quilt block
Lay out the HSTs, QSTs and cut squares into the Massachusetts design...remember each side is a mirror image of the other across the diagonal line.
The left and bottom edges of the block are the light (orange fabric) edges of the sewn patches; the top and right are framed by the dark (blue fabric) sides of the patches.
Stitch the patches into rows double checking that they are in the correct order.
You may need to rotate a sewn patch 180 degrees in order to get the seam allowances to nest for easier matching.
Press with seam allowances away from the QST-units.
Stitch the rows together.
You may need to reposition a seam allowance or two on the quarter squares as I did. Rotate the patch first to see if that works. Then simply press the long seam in the opposite direction. Easy Peasy!
This is your finished Massachusetts quilt block ready to be pieced into your quilt!
More related 8-pointed star quilt block patterns
There are several tutorials available to you on this website that start with an Ohio star as its base. Click on any of the images below to go straight to that tutorial.
Aunt Dinah and Twin Star may seem a little suspect.
But look closely. Those are 3-patch quarter square triangles on each side.
You'll find confirmation in Barbara Brackman's BlockBase+ (love the software). These blocks are listed in the '09 Equal Nine Patch' library in '03 Like Ohio Star'.
Looking for something truly stellar?
You've finished your star quilt block, and you're ready for more!
Browse our collection of 50 stellar star quilt block patterns. All have instructions and cutting charts in multiple sizes. If templates or paper piecing is used in the tutorial, there's a free download for you of those materials.
Eeny. Meenie. Miney. Mo.
Which star quilt block will you sew?
For a star-studded quilting experience, choose from 100+ bedazzling star quilt patterns—for beginners and beyond—click here.
For EVEN MORE blocks to make, visit our Free Quilt Block Pattern Library with over 215 blocks to choose from in multiple sizes.
Free downloads are included in all sizes for any blocks require paper piecing patterns or templates.
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