Modern HST Sampler #19: Perspective

It’s October, which means we’re now onto our final set of blocks! What what?! 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 then conquered 3″ finished HSTs (3.5″ unfinished), before working with the 4″ and 2″ finished HSTs. This time, we’re back to making 3″ finished HSTs, but also adding in half-sized ones too that finish at 1.5″ (2″ unfinished)! 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 – but now we’re getting smaller again.

Which is scary, I know. Even for me, working with little bitty HSTs is tricky! Especially if using the 4 at a time method, which means the outside edges have bias and thus are prone to stretching. So just take it slowly, take it easily. Always be sure to trim them down to the correct size (2″ for these little babies), and if in doubt, sew the various HSTs and squares together using a slightly-smaller-than-1/4″ seam (aka a scant seam). When there’s that many smaller seams in a block, a slightly over-sized seam allowance will quickly add up. Even just a millimetre per seam will add up to make a block over a 1/4″ smaller than it’s supposed to be.

Fabrics used from the Modern HST Sampler Kit:
Anna Elise Cold Geo Mist, Rhoda Ruth Nature Flower Toss, Kona Oyster

Perspective

Fabric Requirements

Print 1 (dark yellow)
1 – 6″ x 6″ square
2 – 3.5″ x 3.5″ squares

Print 2 (light yellow)
1 – 3.5″ x 3.5″ square

Background
1 – 6″ x 6″ square
9 – 3.5″ x 3.5″ squares
8 – 2″ x 2″ 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 the Print 1 and 6″ background squares and make 4 HSTs. Open the HSTs and press the seam towards the print or darker fabric colour. Trim to 3.5″.

Step 2. Pair one remaining Print 1 square with a 3.5″ background square and make 4 HSTs. Open the HSTs and press the seam towards the print or darker fabric colour. Trim to 2″. Repeat for the remaining Print 1 square and the Print 2 square.

Step 3. Arrange the HSTs and remaining background squares to create the Perspective block layout. Sew the 2″ HSTs and 2″ squares together first, pressing seams towards the background squares. Sew them into rows, and then sew the top two rows together, followed by the bottom two rows together, pressing the seams open.

Step 4. Sew the rows, pressing seams in each row toward the background squares in order to nest seams and reduce bulk. Sew the rows together, pressing the seams open.

Step 5. 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 have fun making Perspective! 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. 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