Half Square Triangle Blocks by Joanne M. Winn

The formula for Half Square Triangle Blocks ----- finished size + 7/8" e.g.  2" finished square (used in the Christmas Star Table Topper) is 2" + 7/8" = 2 7/8" cut squares Cut 1  -- 2 7/8" square of light or background fabric 1  --  2 7/8" square of print fabric Press with right sides together and all edges even. Draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner - Fig 1 Stitch on each side of that line with a scant 1/4"   Fig 2 Press flat Cut on the drawn pencil line Carefully press seams open (unless the print will really show through - then press to the print) Do not rub your iron back and forth or have the heat set on high. This will give you 2 perfectly pieced squares.  Fig 3 Each of the 4 blocks for Christmas Table Topper requires 2 perfectly pieced squares.

Fig 1                      Fig 2                                                      Fig 3

Quarter Square Triangle Blocks

The formula for Quarter Square Triangle Blocks ---- finished size = 1 1/4" e.g. 2" finished square (used in the Christmas Star Table Topper) is 2" + 1 1/4" = 3 1/4" cut squares Cut 1  --  3 1/4" square of print fabric #1 1  --  3 1/4" square of print fabric #2 Press with right sides together and all edges even Draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner  Fig 1 Draw a second line diagonally from corner to corner on the opposite corners  Fig 2 Stitch with a scant 1/4" on each side of one of these diagonal lines  Fig 3 Press flat Cut on the diagonal line that does not have the stitching on each side of the line Now cut on the pencil line that does have the stitching on each side of it Gently press seams open I like to make several sets before I go on to the next step - for variety in the prints Pin at the center seam of two sets of triangles lining up the center seams I also like to pin the two ends of the triangles so that they cannot run off when you sew them. Tip -- hand wheel the needle or use needle down to put the needle down into the hole - lift the pressure foot and insert the triangles holding on to the pin to keep it straight.  Take a few stitches and remove the pin.  Hold the bottom pin taunt until you get close to it and then remove it and stitch right off the triangles. Gently press seams open and check for accuracy. Two 3 1/4" squares will make 2 perfectly pieced Quarter Square Triangle Blocks Fig 4

Fig 1                       Fig 2                      Fig 3                                     Fig 4

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Copyright Joanne Winn 1989 - 2007   Canada Goose Designs      All Rights Reserved