Today I am looking at some of the tips I have to share with you all for block one.
I made this block using two different methods for the half square triangles, this is how I made the first one.
The first block I made using the pattern instructions. Cutting two squares and drawing a line. Sewing 1/4 inch either side of the line then cutting them apart on the line. This is a great method, no bias edges to worry about. Although it is important to make sure the edges of your squares are in line, not showing more of one edge than the other. Here are a few photos of mine.
This one shows my fabric choices for the yellow fabric. Its a gorgeous fabric, and worked well in this block. This photo shows the fabric laying right side up so you can see the fabrics I chose.
In this photo I have the fabrics laying right side together and the pencil line has been drawn. I like to use a fine graphite pencil for this, a fine line is important as you do not want to take up too much room in your seam allowance.
Sewing a 1/4 inch away from the drawn line. I have the left edge of my foot up against the line. You can chain sew all of your half square triangle blocks on this side, then turn them and sew the other side.
Here I am starting the other side, and a little tip I will add is I like to start all of my piecing with my needle in the down position and the fabric sitting right up to it as it is in this picture. That way I know that my first stitch is going to be taken in the right place. I then cut on the line to separate the two half square triangle units.
Pressing them to the dark fabric. Always press in the direction of the straight of grain, never on the bias.
For my second test block I had some gorgeous strips, that were already cut the right size. They were perfect for using with the specialty rulers.
I laid my light and dark fabrics strips with right sides together. Then I took a straight edge ruler to line up the edge and placed my specialty ruler against it. (creative grids corner clipper ruler)
This is the first cut set of triangles, ready to sew.
Turning the ruler and cutting the second set of triangles.
I have two sets ready to sew from this strip set. Lucky I only needed two.....
I then chain sewed them all, the important thing to remember is to make sure you have an accurate 1/4 inch seam or scant 1/4 inch seam. I am using a seam guide, it keeps me sewing straight and I know my seam allowance is correct. Let your feed dogs do the work, no need to push and pull the fabric. Hold it at the end using your left hand index finger against the foot.
All ready to press.
Below is a little video I made that shows the pressing tip I use when seams are a little stubborn, I hope it helps you.
These photos show my pressing plan, you may have a different way of pressing, but this worked well for me.
A little twirl in the center helps keep the block flat. Here is a fun video on how to do the twirl in the center.
I hope this has been helpful to everyone, I can't wait to see your progress.
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I know the technique to start with squares (draw diagonal/1/4” from line) but need to know what size squares to use to end up with 2x 2.5” half square squares.
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Lynn Veit
April 07, 2023
I know the technique to start with squares (draw diagonal/1/4” from line) but need to know what size squares to use to end up with 2x 2.5” half square squares.