Friday, April 5, 2019

Gypsy Wife Section 4 Block Half Square Triangles Block

  We will be launching Sections 3 & 4 together this month.   More details when the introduction is released 8am tomorrow.  While you wait, here is our surprise early release for this month!.   Enjoy!!
 

Before beginning each block, I strongly suggest you read through the entire directions and look at the pictures to be sure you understand each step and to ensure that you cut correctly.

As always, remember your accuracy in cutting…
keeping the measuring line of your ruler ON the fabric.


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Directions for the  Half Square Triangles block(HSTs) can be found on page 16 of your pattern. 

There are many ways to make Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

JK has you cut squares and then cut on the diagonal.  Pairing up triangles to make your HSTs.

Using the traditional method, cut your squares, draw the diagonal line Sew NEXT to your drawn line.  Finger press open and check that the corner points meet.



You can see here that I goofed.   If they do not meet, rip out your stitching and re-sew adjusting where your stitching line is so that they do match.
Once the top fabric matches you can then cut off the under fabrics so you have a perfect HST.

You can refer back to my earlier post here on accuracy for more details on making HSTs.




Similar to JK'scutting squares to make triangles to be sewn together, my favorite method is using the Easy Angle specialty ruler by Bonnie Hunter.  With so many small pieces in the block I knew that accuracy would be crucial and this ruler works really well for me.  I pressed my chosen fat quarters and carefully cut one strip from each.  
(NOTE:  For the most accurate cutting, remember to place the line of your ruler ON the fabric not next to it.) 
I cut 2 strips from the black.  I laid a black strip face up and took turns with each of the other color strips laying face down on top of the black strip and cut 16 pairs of triangles using the Easy Angle ruler.   These pairs are prematched and ready to chain sew.



I chain sew the triangle pairs through the sewing machine,  one after the other, being careful to sew a scant ¼ inch seam.  After pressing, I trimmed off the dog ears and did a little sliver trimming to square them up.  In this case, I press to the dark. 




To assemble my block I do what’s been named “webbing”.  Take the 2nd row of HSTs and flip them over onto the 1st row and stitch them together. (sorry no picture)   

Pictured is the 3rd row flipped onto the 2nd row and ready to sew.  Repeat with the 4th row onto the 3rd.  


Personally, I find it best to pin the bottom of each HST to prevent shifting.  These flower pins have a nice thin shaft and don’t distort the fabric like a regular pin does.


 
When I’m done I have my rows webbed together and there is no chance of having an HST turned the wrong way.   Each row is webbed to the one below by just a couple stitches.





To complete the block, fold each row down, pin at each intersection for accuracy in holding the HSTs in place and sew.



Alternate the direction of the seams for each row to help the block lay flat as possible.



Give it a good pressing, a light trim as necessary to square up and you are ready for the next block.



You can leave comments and questions below.  

Thanks for following along.   

Click on "newer post" to see the next block.

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