Quilt-Along: Traditional HST Method

After posting the first quilt-along block, I've gotten a few emails about doing the blocks a little differently than what I've done because their scraps are smaller than 5.5" square.

There's two other methods of making HSTs that come to mind, and the first way is the traditional method.

1. For the diamond star block, you'll need twelve 3 7/8" square pieces from four different fabrics.

Fabric A: 4 pieces

Fabric B: 4 pieces

Fabric C: 2 pieces

Fabric D: 2 pieces

And from either Fabric A or B, cut four 3.5" square pieces. Set these aside for the time being.

2. Take the 3 7/8" squares and pin them right sides facing in this combination...

Fabric A + B (four sets)

Fabric C + D (two sets)

3. Draw two parallel lines 1/4" from the centre diagonally.

4. Sew along the two lines and cut through the centre diagonally.

5. Press the HSTs open and trim the little corners. You should end up with twelve 3.5" square HSTs.

6. Arrange the HSTs like so, and place the four 3.5" squares cut from Fabric A or B on the four corners.

7. Sew them together, row by row, or however is easiest for you to keep track of them.

And you should end up with a 12.5" square star diamond block!

The second way of doing HSTs is with Thangles. This method uses strips half an inch larger than your finished HST, and the beauty of this method is trimming the little corners is way easier (they only appear on one side and while folded, you just need to make one cut!).

Hope this helps :) If you have any questions, you know what to do!