June Mini Madness: Block 20 Double Hourglass

Today we are on block 20 for June Mini Madness...two thirds of the way through!  Great job, everyone for making these fun little blocks!

Today I'm going to show you my favorite way of maing quarter square triangles.  Start out by cutting your pieces:

For a 3 inch block, cut one red square 2 ¾ inches, one white square 2 ¾ inches, and two blue squares 2 inches.

For a 6 inch block, cut one red square 4 ¼ inches, one white square 4 ¼ inches, and two blue squares 3 ½ inches.

I got a little carried away when I was making mine and doubled up on the squares I started out with!  You only need one square each of your white and red fabric, so don't worry about my doubled up units.  Start out by drawing a line diagonally across the back of the white square.  Layer this with your red square and stitch 1/4 of an inch from each side of the drawn line.

Cut on the drawn line and press seams toward the red.  Draw a diagonal line across the back of one of your half square triangle units.  Layer your two half square triangles together, making sure that your red side on the top square is facing the white side on the bottom.  Nest that seam allowance nice and tight, an make sure your edges are aligned.

Sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side of the line.  Cut in half, then press your seam allowance to one side (or open if you prefer).

Now it's time to make sure your quarter squares measure up!  For the 3 inch block, your squares should measure 2 inches.  See how the center sits right at the 1 inch mark?  For the 6 inch squares, your units should measure 3 1/2 inches.  This would put the center at 1 3/4 inches.

Stitch your quarter square triangles and blue squares together.  Make sure you stitch those points just right so they don't get cut off!

And there you have it!  Double hourglass.  

Complete instructions available here:

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