Today's Traditional Block Thursday tutorial features a new technique! We are going to learn how to make a quarter square triangle (QST), also known as an hourglass block. It is pretty obvious by looking at the block how the hourglass block got its name. Just like the half square triangle, the quarter square triangle is a very versatile block.
Fabric Requirements:
Two 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" squares from two contrasting fabrics.
Draw a diagonal line on the back of the lighter 7 1/2" squares.
With right sides together, place the light 7 1/2" square on the dark 7 1/2" square. Stitch 1/4" from the marked diagonal line. Repeat for the other squares.
Stitch 1/4" from the other side of the marked diagonal line. Repeat for other squares.
Cut on marked line. Repeat for both sets.
Press toward the darker fabric. Hey look! It's a half square triangle. You thought we were moving on from half square triangles?! Just wait, you'll see:)
Press all four half square triangles.
Mark a diagonal line on the back of two of the half square triangles with the marked line perpendicular to the seam.
With right sides together, lay two of the half square triangles together as shown.
Match them up, making sure the seams match up in the middle by butting them up against each other. Pin if desired.
Stitch 1/4" from the marked diagonal line. Repeat for the other squares.
Stitch 1/4" from the marked line on the opposite side. Repeat for the other squares.
Cut on the marked line. Repeat for the other squares.
Press. Hey, look at that! THAT is a quarter square triangle!
Now come the trimming. Luckily, I have a 6 1/2" ruler. If you don't, you can trim two sides at a time. Place the diagonal line on one of the seams. Make sure that the 3 1/4" mark is at the center point. Trim all four squares to6 1/2" x 6 1/2".
Lay our your beautifully trimmed blocks as shown.
Stitch the top row pieces together. Press. Stitch the bottom row pieces together. Press.
Make sure to press your seams in opposite directions as shown.
Stitch the top row to the bottom row using a 1/4" seam. Make sure to butt up the seams against each other.
Press your last seam.
And that's it! Such a fun and versatile block.
Here is what a whole heap of the same block might look like in a quilt.
And, of course, I have to show a scrappy version. Lovely!
Thanks for sharing the pattern.
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