Hi everyone! Since we enjoyed the block of the week so much in 2020, I decided to run another series starting today. I plan on presenting a new block each week for the next 9 weeks and then have instructions to finish a fun wall hanging from the blocks. Of course, the finishing is optional. If you like a block, feel free to make a whole quilt out of that one block! Since this is a scrappy project, I am not giving any overall fabric requirements. This is meant for using up scraps and small pieces of fabric in your stash. When I give finishing instructions in week 10, I will have fabric requirements for any fabric needed for borders, etc that might not be found in your stash.
Added bonus! For participating and commenting on the blog each week, you will be entered into a drawing for a give-away. There will be one each week and then, at the end, a grand prize! Sorry, drawing is open only for US residents. But we’ll talk more about that later. For now, let’s get started with block #1!
Block #1 – Combination Star
For the instructions to make this block, find the pattern here: 2021 BOW Block 1.
So now onto this week’s tips. I will show you the steps to make fast quarter-square triangle squares or fast QST squares as I will refer to it throughout the remainder of this post.
How to: Fast QST Squares
As I show in the pattern, the traditional way to make a QST square is to cut two different print squares into quarters by cutting diagonally and then sewing them together, carefully because these are sewn on the bias. But, there is what I think is a simpler way that make two QST squares at the same time.
Step 1: This step starts out having you make two half-square triangle (HST) squares. Take two squares of different colors, lay them right sides together – lining up raw edges, and draw diagonal lines in both direction on the wrong side of the top square (first photo). Next, stitch an accurate 1/4″ on each side of only ONE of the lines. Cut the unit apart and press the pieces open for two HST squares.
Step 2: Now comes the twist! Layer the two HST squares right sides together with the tan print of the top square over the color print on the bottom. You do not want the same color print sides on top of each other.
Be sure to line up the seams of the HST squares as shown and pin so the pieces don’t shift while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Extend the line from the tan print as shown to give you a guide and once again, sew 1/4″ on each side.
Finally, once the stitching is done, cut the unit apart on the drawn line and press open for two finished QST squares!
So, if you have a lot of QST squares to make, this is a slick way to make two at a time without having to sew on an already cut bias seam.
This method also works when you need QST squares with 3 or 4 different colors. See the examples below.
I hope you will join me in this Block of the Week adventure for 2021! The grand prize at the end of this project will be a copy of my book, a Quilt in a Day Triangle Square-up ruler, and an assortment of my latest patterns. Commenting on one or all of these Block of the Week posts not only enters you for the prize that week, but enters you in the grand prize drawing!
Leave a comment below and be entered in the drawing this week’s give-away, my Mill Country Sky pattern, which will give you some practice with QST squares!
This drawing will be on Monday, April 19th. I’m excited for this project and I hope you join me every week! Let’s get sewing! **We have a winner! Congrats, Christie Brehm!**
Happy Quilting,
Deanne
Love the quilt colors
Deanne – A sincere thank you for taking your time to provide a sew along and share your creativity.
Thank you for the new sewalong! I love making quarter-square triangles and your directions are great.
Mill County Sky Pattern great pattern for QST squares. Love sew alongs.
Thanks for your generosity in providing the sew a long and tips to use! I think it was last month you had 3 patterns in 3 different magazines. Congrats on such success! I cannot decide which pattern to start first!
Thank you for the qal. You do scrappy so well.
Your directions and diagrams are super for a beginner. Thank you.
Love this quilt!!! I am joining the sew along, thanks for your generosity!!!
Thanks For the explanation of how to make QST squares using 3 or4 different fabrics . I had tried to figure that out but gave up, but now I understand it! Your block of the week program looks like great fun.
Your instructions are terrific- as always! I love (& appreciate) how you explain the process/quilting techniques by using verbal along with visuals of the fabrics. It’s SO helpful – I need both to fully understand sometimes….and lots of ‘light’ to sew (lol).
I’m looking forward to this adventure – thank you for deciding to offer this quilt along in ‘21.
Thank you for the SAL and your quilt above is beautiful. I love the colors!
Nice star block, and thanks for the qal. Time to make stars!!
So happy I found your blog/quilt site. I love scrappy and the sew along will be fun! Can’t wait to go back and read your blog posts. They look very informative!
I pieced the first block last night using new precision piecing method I saw on YouTube using Elmers glue instead of pins. Worked great till I glued to 1/4 squares in wrong way and then realized my Elmers was NOT the washable but called Glue All!!! Other than that it came out nicely on the points. Lol. Now, to do it again the right way! Lol
You are gracious to provide free BOM and BOW patterns. I love your very precise, effective, yet simple and straightforward techniques.
Love reading all of your tips and tricks on so many quilting related topics!
Thanks for all that you do.
Beautiful color choices. I love the block.
Thank you for sharing your Sew a Long with us and as always, your tutorial is well done and very informative. Hope to use up some more of my stash! Thanks again. HUGS… and stitches
Just saw this. It’s going to be lot of fun. Am going to join. Thank you SO much.
Great star block! Thanks so much for the inspiring posts and this Block of the week!
Ju
Love the challenge. I have bought several of your patterns through the last several years and am getting used to all the small pieces. I don’t even burn my fingers any more. I also love the quick method you published for week #2.
Thank you
Your instructions are always so easy to understand.
Thanks so much for sharing all your tips and wisdom! It’s so nice to share your blocks for free!