Block of the Week – Block 2

Hi everyone! We’re on to block 2 in my block of the week series. If you missed block 1, find that post here. Like last week’s block, this one is 6 1/2 x 6 1/2″. I used a darker background fabric than in block 1 and will continue to alternate to make the finished sampler more scrappy. The quilting tip that will go along with this block will be how to make multiple half-square triangle (HST) squares at a time. The pattern for block 2 uses the technique I describe below to makes 8 HSTs at once. It’s always fun to try new techniques, right?

Block #2 – Union

As you can see, there a lot of HSTs in this block. And if you make several of these blocks, you can be making HSTs for days! Find the pattern for the block here: Block of the Week – Block 2. Also, the stitch and flip information and measuring units information from last week’s post will help with this block.

Multiple HSTs

There are several ways to make multiple HSTs. One method I’ve used in the past makes four at once. The method I’ll share in this post makes eight at a time. Since the Union block has 16 HSTs, this method works for the block. This method is great to use if you have a scrap quilt pattern with a lot of HSTs too! Just divide the amount of HSTs in the quilt by 8 to find out how many of times you will need to do the method. If your HSTs are not exactly divisible by 8, you can make the extra HSTs needed the old fashioned way, two at a time.

Start with 2 squares that are 2 times the size of the HST you are making plus 1 3/4″. For this block, my HSTs needed to be 1 1/2″. So, 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 = 2 1/4 then 2 1/4 + 1 3/4 = 4″. My HSTs are made from the black fabric and tan fabric so I cut two 4″ squares from each since I need a total of 16 HSTs.

Once you have your fabric picked out, draw diagonal lines on the wrong side of one of the squares as shown. Lay the 2 squares right sides together, keeping the square with the drawn lines on top.

Now, stitch a scant 1/4″ on each side of the drawn lines. I use a scant because I then have the option to trim the HSTs if needed. If you make them too small …. no way to make them grow!

Once you have the squares stitched this way, use a ruler to cut this unit into four quadrants, and then cut the quadrants apart for 8 HSTs!

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Next, I measure and trim the HSTs to make sure they are 1 1/2″ like I wanted. If you have the Quilt in a Day Triangle Square-up ruler, you can measure and trim them before pressing (photo on left). Otherwise, press them open and trim all four sides with a traditional ruler. And there you have it… 8 HSTs ready to use in the pattern.

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What Can I Do with This Block?

I think this block would lend itself well as a medallion block in a small wall hanging, table topper, or even a pillow. You can add wide borders and then a pieced outer border for this. In the wide border you can either do decorative quilting or applique! Here are two options below:

Hmmm …. could there possibly be a new quilt pattern using these options in the future? You never know!

For now, just have fun diving into your scraps and I’ll see you next week!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne