Welcome to the Half-Square Triangle Block of the Month! For each month in 2012, I'll present a quick tutorial for a traditional quilt block using half-square triangles (HST)! It's going to be a lot of fun, feel free to join in at any time! For past posts see here.
Do you think 5" squares (charms!), would work for these blocks?
Absolutely! If you're using the traditional method, simply trim them down to 4" before sewing your HSTs in order to end up with a 12.5" block at the end! Or, you could leave them at 5" and end up with a larger block!
January is almost over, can I still participate?
Please do! The timeline is just a way to keep things organized, feel free to join along at any time, pick and choose blocks, or add in your own favorites! There are no rules or anything, just an excuse to have fun and try some new blocks! :)
The alternative method results in your blocks cut on the bias, have you had problems with shifting?
Personally, I have not had any issues using this method. I like to pin each seam when I'm joining my rows together. If you're worried, the original video showing this method recommends using starch to make sure you don't end up with much shifting. If this method makes you uncomfortable, I'd stick to the traditional method!
Will all 12 blocks be the same size?
Yes! Each month's blocks will be 12" finished, 12.5" unfinished!
Will all the blocks use the same size HSTs?
Yes! Every block will have 16 HSTs, all 3.5" unfinished, 3" finished.
Can a scrappy look work for these blocks?
For sure! The scrappier the better!
Why do you press your seams open?
I like to press my HST seams open because I think that it makes the block lay flatter. Especially when you have the seams all meeting in the middle it can get a bit bulky. This is mostly a personal preference, so if you'd rather press to one side, please do!
Is it okay if I don't trim my HST blocks down to 3.5"?
Sure! You'll end up with a little bigger block, and therefore a little bigger quilt! When we come to sashing and borders, keep in mind you'll need a little extra yardage to finish up your quilt. If you decide not to trim down to 3.5" please do make sure to still square up your block! :)
I'll continue to update this page as we go along, so if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Check back for February's block on Wednesday!
Just finished the first block and am now ready for the second!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to read what others asked and how kind of you to take so much time to answer!
I can't get enough of HSTs! I'm so glad that you are doing this HST BOM.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the block! I always press my HST's open too :)
ReplyDeleteI have been following you in my Google reader for a number of months now, how did I miss this?! I LOVE half square triangle, count me in!!
ReplyDeleteI want to do this will need to round up some materials and start sewing.
ReplyDeletehttp://richardquilts.blogspot.com
This was so helpful... Thank you!! I have been excited to do February's block since I finished January's.
ReplyDeleteI love this HST block. I am planning to make a bunch of them with the HST scraps from the Swoon along. I just have to figure out the math for the block since the HST's would be smaller than the 3". Oh I hate math! haha
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to the next block and do have to say that I didn't open my seams ~ my block is a bit lumpy, but it turned out wonderful! Thanks so much for these tutorials!
ReplyDeleteI just found this quilt along and I love it!!! Ive been looking for a sampler style quilt to make and nothing hit the spot till I saw this one. Thanks so much for the tutorials!!!
ReplyDeleteRunning a bit late but I have just started this... January block made last night.. Feb block tonight I hope.
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