Block 3 of our Sampler Quilt is one of the most versatile blocks to have in your quilting locker, the Half Square Triangle or HSTs. This month is a bit of a bonus, because it may be one method, but 13 blocks in five different colours. If you weren't a HST expert before you will be by the end.
Join fellow quilters and be the first to receive our monthly free block pattern and instructions → Join here
Here are the finished quantities of HST blocks you will need.
There is a bit more cutting this month, but they are all 9" squares. Use a long ruler such as our 6"x 24", 6 1/2" x 24" and the markings on your cutting mat to cut 9" strips.
Then sub cut these to create the quantity you need. Our 9 1/2" Square Ruler is a nice to have here and helps with squaring the blocks later.
There are a number of ways to make multiple HST triangles, but we are starting simply and using the 2-at-a-time method, where a square of background fabric and a square of accent fabric create two HST blocks. When you mark the diagonal line, you can use any marking tool: chalk, friction pen, water erasable or our Wooden Point Turner. You will be cutting along this line and it won't be seen again. A few pins, perpendicular to the line, help to hold everything together when you sew.
Take your time pressing the HST because the cut line is on the bias and can stretch and warp, so avoid over handling until you have pressed open. Our Mini Iron and new Wool Pressing Mats are handy here.
Again there are a couple of methods to square HSTs but we are squaring them open. If you are using our 9 1/2" or 12 1/2" Square Ruler, place the 45 degree line on the seam. Find the 8 1/2" markings and square each side. A rotating mat, such as our 12" Rotating Mat, make it easy to rotate the block without moving it. Alternatively, use the 45 degree line on your cutting mat, the markings on the mat and a longer ruler to square your HST.
Now repeat these steps for the other colours and blocks needed. Once you get the hang of HSTs, you can chain sew all your marked squares, sewing down one side of all your blocks, then the other.
You will have these three blocks left over. Hang onto them for a bonus project, or you may wish to use them in another quilt or a project of your own.
As ever you will find all the tools you need on our website and continued support on our Facebook Community, where you can ask questions and share your progress.
Download the HST pattern here.
For a video tutorial visit our Instagram page.
If you missed any blocks or our free quilt colouring pages, look back over our blog so far.
See you next month, happy quilting!
