Have you ever wanted to make an Ohio Star block, but the thought of making all those Quarter-square triangles left you searching for a nice simple block, say a 9-patch, that wouldn’t leave you seething with frustration?Me, too!
I hope that this technique will help you as it did me … The traditional way of making quarter square triangles (QST) is actually a very good one.Let’s say you want to make a 4” finished square made of 4 QST.
You need to cut squares 1¼-inch larger than the finished measurement.After cutting 4 squares to a 5¼-inch size, you then have to cut them in quarters diagonally and then stitch them together again.After pressing them open, you realize that your 1/4-inch seams were just a bit bigger and that your square is too small, or you see all the little “ears” sticking out from the seams that you now have to trim, or your fabrics slipped just a bit and the corners aren’t quite matching up.These problems don’t always occur, but it happens to me just often enough to frustrate me.Well, here is the solution: Please note that all instructions are for a 4” finished block/square, but can be adapted for any size.
Cut 4 squares of contrasting fabric to 5½”.Then, cut in half diagonally, being careful to cut from corner point to corner point. Place triangles right-sides together, and stitch, using ¼” seam allowance. Press seams open (your block will lay flatter, and won’t be any weaker than if you pressed to one side). Lay your block on your cutting mat, using the diagonal line marking to make sure that your seam line is completely lined up.Using your ruler and rotary cutter, cut each block in half diagonally and across your seam line, creating halves of a QST block. Now place 2 of these halved QST blocks right-sides together, matching up center points.Stitch, using ¼” seam allowance.Press seams open. Lay your block on your cutting mat, using the diagonal line marking to make sure that your seam line is completely lined up.You’ll notice that your block is slightly larger than the 4½” size that is should be. Using your ruler and rotary cutter, simply trim the block to the correct size of 4½”.You now have a perfect half-square triangle block.
Please note that trimming can be tricky until you get the hang of it, so be sure to practice a bit before you use that expensive fabric.
