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.
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.
