So you have your 64 fabric squares cut out, right? Check! Good…because I’m ready to move on with the next step and you might be, too. Again, we’re keeping this a simple, no-stress project so we’re doing this in “baby steps”. Here’s what you’ll want to do next!
Step 1: Take one light color square and one dark color square and set side-by-side.
Step 2: With right sides together, place the light color square on top of the dark color square.
Step 3: With a ruler and pencil (or disappearing ink fabric pen) draw a line from one corner to the next. I like to draw this line on the light color fabric square.
Step 4: Take these 2 blocks to your sewing machine. Sew 1/4″ on each side of that drawn line.
*Note: Sewing a 1/4″ seam is a standard measurement in quilting and is important so that everything lines up correctly.
Step 5: Cut the squares apart by cutting across the line you drew.
Open those up and take a peek! You have just completed what is called a “Half Square Triangle!” Can you see why? Isn’t that cute?
Remember how I mentioned to cut your 4×4″ squares in *even* numbers, right? So repeat these same 5 steps with another set of 2 fabrics that are the same as you just did. It’s like I am starting over again with the same 2 fabric squares shown above:
Repeat this process for the rest of your 4×4″ squares.
OK, that’s all for today! We’re taking this just a bit at a time, so keep checking back for those next steps. Have fun!!
-Kim
hmm, one of my ’09 goals is to learn how to quilt… I’ve done lots of sewing, but not nearly enough to have a large stash. I think I may have to find some fat quarters and join in! Seems easy enough (until you get to the binding part – that SCARES me!!) I’ll post my progress on my blog.
http://www.sewcutebabe.blogspot.com
-Sarah-
How fun! I’m ready to join along. I’ll be sewing my squares together and posting updates on my blog. You always have such fun ideas Kim!
mamakrit.blogspot.com
I think I’m going to try joining in.
And I was about to learn this exact technique about one year ago…lol
Hello,
this is all new to me, but I am in. I will have to report my progress here tho. I am going to cut my blocks from my stash this afternoon.
Thanks for this it looks like fun.
Ann
I am very interested…I’ve only done triangles once before. I can’t wait. Now–I’ve got to catch up by cutting and sewing!
Yay, a new step! I have been so excited to see what to do next!
http://sistertosisterdesign.blogspot.com/
Never quilted before but have generation after generation of fabulous quilters in my family – maybe I’ve inherited the gene! I’m going to give this a shot, but I’m already two days behind!
Ok, I’ll play – What the heck. Who can passs up step by step instructions. :<)
Oh, fun! I’m crocheting like a mad woman these days and love the idea of breaking it up a bit with a hodge podge quilt. Count me in! Now I’m off to get caught up on the steps so far!
Thanks Kim, After about 4 months of sewing nothing (suffering a dry spell of creativity), this is the starter I needed to kick start myself again.
I look forward to see what everyone creates. I will catch up with you today!! Happy quilting.
Im joining! I will post updates on my blog at kbennettphotography.blogspot.com
I have a question… I know this is a “no-stress” project… hahahaha… but I’m stressing… I have charm packs that I bought a while ago… for a twirl skirt… but now I want to use them for this project… they are precut 5 x 5… can I use those or should I cut those down?
This is my first quilt.
carol
I just finished step 1! It took me WAY longer to pick out the fabric than it did to cut the blocks!
I posted about it here:
http://scientificseamstress.blogspot.com/2009/01/im-sewing-along.html
I have been out of state visiting family and don’t expect to be home for several more days. It has been a great and long visit, but I have had no internet until today. This project really excites me, so you can be sure I will try to catch up when I do finally arrive at home. Looking forward to working with you all on this. Ann
Fantastic idea – I have loads of fabric scraps – I will definately be joining in and giving this a go even though I have never quilted before
My daughter and I have been wanting to learn how to quilt so I will tell her after school today that we are going to do a suprise project together. She did great on the doll clothes for Toys for Tots at only 9 so I know she will be a big help and have something to show for her accomplishment at the end.
OK, I just decided I am going to give it a try. What a fun way to learn…baby steps!!! I am so excited. I guess I am joing a little late, but I will catch up. I have a lot of leftover fabric from all of the twirly skirts and hats I have made using YCMT patterns. Yah!
I also just created a blog, too. Man, I am on a roll this new year. I will post pics of my progress, too. Thanks for the fun!
-stacy
Hi Carol!
Yes, you can definitely use a 5×5 square for this project. Any size will work, as long as it is a perfect square. I’m excited to see what you’ll do!
Have fun!
Kim
I love this! I’m totally going to do one with you. I too have a ton of scrap fabrics that I just can’t part with. Thank you for posting the steps!
This is very cool. Thanks for doing and sharing. Helpful to have it broken down into ‘manageable’ pieces.
I am so excited to make this, I am using some Christmas fabric and getting started on one of my Christmas gifts for 09′
)
I bought my fabric and a new ruler yesterday. When I get my daughter up from her nap I will tackle cutting out the fabric. I currently have zero stash around so I’m starting fresh. I have decided to really shrink the quilt down though and make it the size of a bath mat. I have been meaning to make one for at least six months now to keep my husband from drenching the floor after his showers. I figure this way I can make a fun bath mat that will match my bathroom while having fun with all of you.
I’m debating making my squares 2.5″x 2.5″
I may be getting ahead here, but should we press them?
Dana
I’m a little late but I’ve picked out my fabrics and I’m ready to cut squares. I blogged about it here http://7alltogether.blogspot.com/
Ugh, I keep checking to see if step 3 is here yet…I’m waiting in anticipation!
? so we are only creating 2 4×4 triangle squares? (minus the diagonal seam).
CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALMENT, THANKYOU.
Well…whatdoyaknow….JoAnn’s had a sale on fat quarters for 99 cents! I guess I’m in! I’ve certainly never done this before, but I did make a shaggy quilt for my mom for Christmas. It turned out great, so now I want something for me! I guess I better hurry and catch up!
Thank you for inspiring me to use up some of my scraps
I need to get started on this! I have tons of scrap fabric!