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
