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
