Welcome Blog Tour followers to my little space on the world wide web! I am so excited to introduce you to my first Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks entry: Jubilee.
Here's a quick mock up. I love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt.
Here's a quick mock up. I love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt.
Jubilee is made out of my favorite quilting unit: the good ol" half square triangle. I want to share the only way I make HST. I know there are so many ways you can do them, but this is the only one I have found where I can do them perfectly. While I'm not big on perfectionism, a HST done right, has no boundaries.
To start with I cut my squares a full inch larger that the finished size I want. There is some waste with this method, but not much. In this quick tutorial I am making 5" finished size HST, so I cut my squares at 6".
I draw one line on the diagonal with a mechanical pencil.
When I stitch, I put my 1/4" foot just a bit over the line. This gives me a nice scant 1/4" seam allowance.
Then I turn it and do the same with the next seam. HST are great for chain piecing, you can make quite a few in just a little time.
A quick cut on the drawn line and a press towards the dark side (dang, if only this post went live on the forth) and you have two HST ready for trimming.
There are many rulers out there for trimming HST, but I am just going to use my run of the mill 6 1/2" square Omnigrid (no affiliation). Since I am going for a 5" finished size, I am going to trim these to 5 1/2". Line up your 45° angle on the ruler with your diagonal sewn line as close to the edge as possible. You want to take the smallest cut.
Rotate your HST and now line up the 45° angle with the diagonal, as well as the 5 1/2" mark on the outside. Trim.
You have the perfect HST. Now it's time to play. Putting four of these together will give you a 10" block, which is a nice size to work with.
To start with I cut my squares a full inch larger that the finished size I want. There is some waste with this method, but not much. In this quick tutorial I am making 5" finished size HST, so I cut my squares at 6".
I draw one line on the diagonal with a mechanical pencil.
When I stitch, I put my 1/4" foot just a bit over the line. This gives me a nice scant 1/4" seam allowance.
Then I turn it and do the same with the next seam. HST are great for chain piecing, you can make quite a few in just a little time.
A quick cut on the drawn line and a press towards the dark side (dang, if only this post went live on the forth) and you have two HST ready for trimming.
There are many rulers out there for trimming HST, but I am just going to use my run of the mill 6 1/2" square Omnigrid (no affiliation). Since I am going for a 5" finished size, I am going to trim these to 5 1/2". Line up your 45° angle on the ruler with your diagonal sewn line as close to the edge as possible. You want to take the smallest cut.
Rotate your HST and now line up the 45° angle with the diagonal, as well as the 5 1/2" mark on the outside. Trim.
You have the perfect HST. Now it's time to play. Putting four of these together will give you a 10" block, which is a nice size to work with.
The traditional pinwheel block. I do love a good pinwheel. Here are a few others.
I could play for hours.
There you are. One way to make a perfect half square triangle. Now on to the good stuff. Prizes! I have two giveaways today.
The first is a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 15 along with Pinwheel Pizzazz PBJ 101. Look at those lovely HST! Check out the Flashback Friday post bringing Pinwheel Pizzazz into the more modern age.
The second is a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 15 with Spinning Bow Ties PBJ - 102. Look at those beautiful *larger* HST! Here is the Flashback Friday's new Spinning Bow Ties, made modern.
How do you win? Just leave a comment! I will choose two random winners. If you need help with a comment, share your favorite quilting unit. **If you are a "no reply" please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. It's so sad when that happens.
First winner is Danette!
While you are here you might like to check out the new Beginners Unite! A beginner's quilting series that is just starting out.
Thank you for stopping by, enjoy the tour!
Happy Stitching!
Jen
Pinwheels, I love pinwheels. This looks like a fun pattern. I can already picture the colors I can use. Thank you for your block. You can contact me at trachforwiggles@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeletePamela, thank you so much!! I hope you make a block, or ten. :)
DeleteI love the half square triangles that seem to have endless possibilities. I just need to get better at making them. :)
ReplyDeleteAllison, it is such a versatile unit. The great thing about practicing the HST unit, is they build up pretty quickly, and suddenly you have full blocks and then a quilt. Have fun with it!
DeleteGreat block--I love pinwheels! I think my favorite building block is the 4 patch.
ReplyDeleteI love a good 4 patch!
DeleteI like half square triangles, the possibilities are endless. Love the way your block looks in the mock up. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeletePinwheels are my favorite block. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThere is just something about a pinwheel. :)
DeletePinwheels are so versatile. I love the variety you get with HST. Thanks for the tutorial about them also.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Susan! Thanks for stopping by on the tour!
DeleteI love half square triangles. Lots of possibilities
ReplyDeleteSo many! Thank you for popping over!
DeleteI love the hourglass block.
ReplyDeleteOoo, that's another good one. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteI use a lot of HST's, you can make so many different designs with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit addicted to them myself. :)
DeleteI enjoyed your tutorial. Ending up with HSTs the right size really improves the final outcome/size of the block.I never knew that you could just add an inch and cut the hst down to perfection. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you could learn a little something new! Love it! Thank you for stopping in. :)
DeleteLove the block simple but fun
ReplyDeleteExactly what I was going for. Thank you!
DeleteThat's a great tip for making a HST! Mine always seem to be a little off, so I'll try this--thanks!
ReplyDeleteHaving HST come out the right size was a game changer for me. Enjoy!
DeleteGreat job!! My favorite quilting unit to play with right now is the Triangle in a Square!!
ReplyDeleteOh, that one is fun, too! Thank you for popping over!
DeleteI like making flying geese units!
ReplyDeleteThese might be my second favorite, which will be apparent in a couple of patterns coming out at the end of summer. My testers might start thinking I'm crazy. ;) Thank you for stopping in!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway. I too love the versatility of HSTs and their many arrangements.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting!
DeleteI think it's cool to recreate some of the "older looking" patterns. I have some older patterns that I want to do that with. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteYou should have received an email, just a bit ago. Congratulations, you are a winner!
DeleteOh, that is a fun idea to recreate an older looking pattern. That opens up a lot of quilts to work with!
I love how HST can become so many different patterns.
ReplyDeleteThey are so versatile, aren't they? Thank you for dropping by!
DeleteYou have a mighty fun block considering this is your first. Can't go wrong with pinwheels. I, too, also love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt. Only way to go. Thank you for being a part of QM's 100 Block Blog Tour and giving me this opportunity to try and win a copy and other quilty goodies from you. It is so neat to find a package in your mailbox knowing that you have become a QM winner.
ReplyDeleteSandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
Thank you so much, Sandra! I do love my little block. :)
DeleteBeautiful block. I really like this block. I am a big fan of pinwheels. I make my HST's the same way you do. That way they always come out the right size. Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce! I hope you make one and share it with us. :)
DeleteFun block--I love HST's too!
ReplyDeleteGirl after my own heart! Thank you for visiting. :)
Deletecongratulations. your block is wonderful. I love how it makes different designs. I have found that making my hst's this way are the easiest and fastest.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lori. I have found that to be true, as well. When the HST is correct, everything else fits together so smoothly.
DeletePerfect HST's! I love your block!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacy!
DeleteI love making HSTS. They are so versatile.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! Thank you for dropping by and taking the time to comment!
DeleteI agree that the HST's are great. You can do so many things with them. I also like flying geese, they make great star points and stars are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI love a good star!!
DeleteHSTs are a challenge for me. I really like Flying Geese. I'm working on a HST block (composted of 16 HST units) for a Gypsy Wife quilt at the moment.
ReplyDeleteOooo, getting all of those little pieces together can be challenging. Good luck! Don't forget to enjoy the process. :)
DeleteGreat block idea and speed method to make the HST's. I also like 9 patch quilt ideas.
ReplyDeleterozz01 at cox dot net
A good 9 patch goes a long way!
DeleteYou are a woman after my own heart. I love HST's and chain piecing. Will definitely make your block.
ReplyDeletePat K
yfg3749@yahoo.com
Awesome!! I hope you share it. :)
DeleteGreat block and great quilt.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Cindy!
DeleteThanks for the pictures to remind me how versatile half square triangles can be!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome. Enjoy!
DeleteI like the half square triangle also--so many ways to use it!
ReplyDeletebjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)
They really are fabulous units, aren't they?!
DeleteCongrats on your first 100 Blocks block - love it. My favorite unit is the 9-patch - it can go with anything. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce! I love a good 9-patch. I'm finding there really isn't a unit I don't love. Such a problem to have. :)
DeleteThat's awesome that you got your first block included! Keep designing. Would love to be your prize winner!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Glenda! I definitely will!
DeleteWhat a nice little block. I love flying geese and really love to do them with 1/2 square triangles.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love flying geese. So many awesome units, so little time. :)
DeleteI like your method for HST. I also cut my squares 1" bigger and then trim, because I was always running into a few finished HSTs that were not quite up to size.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your first block in the 100 Block series!
You should check your email, you are a winner! :)
DeleteI hate when I have a piece that doesn't fit in well. Trimming really, really helps with that.
Your block is so cute. Thank you for sharing. I like simple blocks, the old fashioned four square one is the best...it made a great beginning for a wonderful block.
ReplyDeleteThe four square is a great little unit. It goes with everything, like a great little black dress. :)
DeleteI like a block that I can change the colors from one block to the next. Triangles can be tricky the smaller they are.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely trickier the smaller they get! I've found if I make my squares even more than 1" bigger, that the trimming goes much smoother. That is for another post. ;)
Deletecongrats on having your block in the magazine -- hst's are so useful,, and I like the idea of cutting 1" wider,, gives enough room for trimming to the exact size. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is pretty exciting!!
DeleteI do love triangles! Thank you for sharing. tacdah at gmail (dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you for popping over!!
DeleteI am a huge fan of the HST myself. So versatile. Congrats on publishing your block! I need to submit one soon. :)
ReplyDeleteLove pinwheels, the quilt top I finished this week had pinwheels.. drhodes9@cox.net
ReplyDeleteI bet it is gorgeous! Thank you for visiting :)
DeleteGot to be HST's, so many options. I often just make many of them from scraps and put them in a box...when a need comes - prefabrication is king!
ReplyDeleteI have quite a box myself. It's good to be prepared. :)
DeleteI like Flying Geese and recently took a class to learn how to make them in curves. Now I am hooked! Love the fabrics you chose for Jubilee.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. What class was that? It sounds fabulous!
DeleteHST can be used in so many ways to make interesting blocks.
ReplyDeleteThe possibilities are endless! Thank you for stopping in. :)
DeleteLove making half sq and you r right there r so may ways, I use most of them depending on how many I have to make.. Magshandlin@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by and took time to comment. Thank you! :)
DeleteI love the nine patch unit - plain ole squares!! :0 mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYes, plain squares can be an awesome, awesome thing. :D
DeleteLove these pinwheels-I picture them in different bright colors, whirring around-how pretty! Thank you, Susan
ReplyDeleteNow I have windmills going through my mind, in spring colors of course. :)
Deleteso glad you joined the "hop"...I always enjoy this so much and it's because of people like you willing to share your expertise! My fave unit would be any star....
ReplyDeleteI so love a good star! I appreciate YOU for following the hop. Awesome hoppers are what keeps us all connected to this awesome craft. :)
DeleteI've made a million HSTs and I do them just like you. Always a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI refuse to count how many I have made, hehehe. Thank you for stopping by! :)
DeleteI like to make my HST's a bit large and cut back as well. Thanks for the wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping in an joining the hop!
DeleteLove the block.. good ol HST indeed.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was HST galore for this block. ;)
DeleteI love triangles too! I make mine the same way as you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see so many say this! It really does make things easier.
DeleteHST's are one of my favorite units to make. Really like your block, thanks for sharing. Diane
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like the block, Diane. Thank you for taking the time to visit!
DeleteLike you, I love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt. Your block looks great!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what designs pop out sometimes. Thank you for hopping over!
DeleteI love the block and love the illusion made when placed together in a quilt.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy!
DeleteYou don't need much more that a HST, they are so versatile
ReplyDeleteTruer words have not been spoken. ;) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI do love flying geese-ever since I found the right technique and ruler have been a fan of them.
ReplyDeleteTechnique makes such a difference, doesn't it? So glad you found one that you love!
DeleteI love the pinwheel and I use the same technique as You do
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to stop and "visit"!
DeleteWhat a great block! I love half square triangles, because they are so versatile. bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
DeleteI make my HSTs the same way. Definitely my favorite component of a block!
ReplyDeleteallisonpogany at gmail.com
Thank you for hopping and taking a moment to comment. HST lovers abound, it's awesome!
DeleteHst's are so useful. I just hate making them.
ReplyDeleteThey can be a chore, especially when there are a lot of them, but worth it in the end. I think. ;)
DeleteHST's are used in so many beautiful designs!
ReplyDeleteThey are everywhere!
DeleteHST are so versatile, love them...marta...martamanole@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by!
DeleteI do like to use HST units as they can be the component of so many other designs as you have illustrated here. I love the Friendship star, and pinwheels, you have combined them so nicely here. Thanks for the great block. Nancy Noah njjnoah@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteThank you! I stray a little in my designs, but always come back to the HST.
DeleteI like using HSTs. They are very versatile and I love pinwheel blocks. Great block!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! This is for you then, LOL!
DeleteI have always loved HSTs the many things you can do with them.
ReplyDeleteThey just call to you, don't they?
DeleteLove your block! It has my favorites in it. HST's and Pinwheels!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with either!
DeleteYou can do so much with a hst. Change the size, change the look.
ReplyDeleteExactly! It's an awesome little unit. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteLove HSTs! Love making pinwheels.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
kinderpam@gmail.com
So glad you took the time to stop by! Thank you!
DeleteI make HSTs the same way. I've tried triangles and the easy angle ruler and my HSTs that way are always, always, ALWAYS off. As long as I can trim my HSTs down, I'm golden!
ReplyDeleteI need that little extra to trim off. I just do, and it is so worth it. :)
DeleteMy favorite quilt unit is four patch unit
ReplyDeleteYou aren't alone in that! It is a great little unit!
DeleteI love half square triangles & the way you make them is my favorite method too.
ReplyDeleteauntie.clark@gmail.com
I've tried others, this is the one that gets results, though. Thanks for stopping in!
DeleteMaking HST that way is so much better, no worries about making them to small. Wonderful block, easy to play with. Thanks for giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSure like your two color bow ties.
djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you so much! I love that little quilt. :)
DeleteOnce I started making over-sized HST's and trimming them down, they became my favorite because of their versatility. Have you tried the Bloc Loc ruler? I love them--they make trimming extremely quick and accurate!
ReplyDeleteI haven't, but it is on my list to try. I currently use the Tucker Trimmer from Deb Tucker Studio 180 Designs. It's so nice to have choices. :)
DeleteMy favorite blocks are the half square triangle and the nine-patch.
ReplyDeleteThose two units go together so nicely, too! Great choices. :)
DeleteYou have a great block. I love pinwheels.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Vicki!
DeleteI love making the 3 dimensional bowtie block. Easy to make and it looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good one!!
DeletePinwheels are one of my favorite blocks! Love your block. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting!
DeleteStars are my favorite blocks. I really like the quilt layout with your block.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love a good star block as well.
DeleteI like the clarity and close-up pictures of the tutorial in the post--very helpful. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJen, I love both those patterns. I love HST and actually have a chart with over 25 layouts. One of my first quilts was HST (scrappy blue and white) .
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find this chart of goodness? Please share. :) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWell girl, you,ve got my attention- my favorite unit is HST's!!!!! Bar all I can't look at a pattern without automatically breaking it into HST(some resist but not many). I think it was the first "quick shortcut" I learned. yeeHaw! rjc2cam(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYes! If you look hard enough, you can find HST :)
DeleteMy favorite block is broken dishes...guess what it is made up of...Yup, HST!
ReplyDeleteThey are everywhere!
DeleteHST are so versatile! And the more I make, the better I get at it! This year I am really improving my cutting skills and my HSTs are much better now.
ReplyDeleteAs with everything, it gets better with practice. I know it's true for all things, but I feel it's especially true when it comes to accuracy in quilting. Love that you are seeing improvement! Keep quilting!!
DeleteI always use an inch as 7/8" always results in a few that are a bit shy. But I still don't love making lots of them. I'd rather play with hexagons. pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have a Grandmother's Garden started. I need to find time to get back at it. It's so neglected right now.
DeleteHST's are not hard to make, and it is so much fun to use them to make the pinwheel. I made a quilt that had 50 pinwheels and thought "grrrr". But once I made a couple of them, it got to be fun. They went together so fast, I wanted to make another quilt just like it!
ReplyDeleteThey are addicting!
DeleteLove your block! The tutorial was so helpful!
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Thank you so much!!
DeleteI like flying geese.
ReplyDeleteAnother great unit!
DeleteI like your block. I think it would make a good Quilt of Valor. I like to make 4-patches and Hourglass blocks.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a very good idea!!
DeleteI like your block. So many ways it could be set.
ReplyDeleteI love the churn dash block
ReplyDeleteAnother great block!! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteFantastic block. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting!!!
DeleteGreat block Jen!
ReplyDelete