Modern HST Sampler #11: Starshine

Welcome back to the second quarter of the Modern HST Sampler! If this is the first time you’re reading this, fear not, you can join in at anytime. Start with this one or go back to the beginning, it’s up to you. This year, we’re making 24 modern half-square triangle quilt blocks, and by the end of the year, you will not only have a beautiful sampler quilt, but you will have some well-honed HST making skills. If you need more information, you can find out more about:

• The QAL and fabric requirements
• Required and recommended tools
• Tips for HST accuracy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The rest of the blocks!

This quilt along has been structured so that you slowly ease your way into half-square triangles. We started off with 4″ finished HSTs (4.5″ unfinished), and now we’re tackling 3″ finished HSTs (3.5″ unfinished) for this quarter. We’re still using the same methods of making the half-square triangles – 2 at a time, 4 at a time, and 8 at a time – it’s just that this time the HSTs are a little smaller at 3″ finished (3.5″ unfinished). Starshine is a nice and easy block, using just two prints, and making 8 HSTs from each.

Fabrics used from the Modern HST Sampler Kit:
Blueberry Park Melon Clothesline , Rhoda Ruth Nature Flower Toss, Kona Oyster

Starshine

Fabric Requirements

Print 1 (pink)
1 – 7 3/4” x 7 3/4” square

Print 2 (yellow)
1 – 7 3/4” x 7 3/4” square

Background
2 – 7 3/4” x 7 3/4” squares

Block should measure 12.5” x 12.5”. Use a 1/4″ seam and press seams toward the darker print, or as directed.

Instructions

Step 1. Pair Print 1 with a background square and make 8 HSTs. Open the HSTs and press the seam towards the print or darker fabric colour. Trim to 3.5” square. Repeat for Print 2 and remaining background square.

Step 2. Arrange the HSTs to create the Starshine block layout. Sew the HSTs together to form rows, pressing seams in each row in alternate directions in order to nest seams and reduce bulk. Sew the rows together, pressing the seams open.

Step 3. Press the block, and trim to 12.5” square if necessary, keeping 1/4″ between the outer HST points and the edge of the block.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/modern-hst-sampler-qal/" title="Modern HST Sampler QAL"><img src="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/The-Modern-HST-Sampler-QAL-400x399.png" width="250" alt="Modern HST Sampler QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

I hope you enjoy making Starshine! You can share them on Instagram using #modernHSTsampler (and feel free to tag me too – @blossomheartquilts!), or in the Blossom Heart Quilts group on Facebook, or even link them up to Sew Cute Tuesday. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.

Click here for all the Modern HST Sampler quilt block tutorials