Beginner's Quilt Class 6

Quarter Square Triangles

1. Determine how big you need the finished QST to be add at LEAST 1 ¼ inches to that number. I add about 1 ½ inches just to be safe. For example if your QST has to be 4 inches finished that means it has to be a 4 ½ inch square before it it is sewn into the block. You add the 1 ½ inches to 4 (the finished size) to give you 5½ inches. 
   
   
   
2. For these instructions we will have Fabric A (white) and Fabric B (Green) We will make 4 QST that are green and white. These end up measuring 4 ½ inches before being used in a block or 4 inches finished. Cut 2 – 5 ½ inch squares of each color.
3. Take the Fabric A squares (or the fabric with the lightest back side) and you will either draw one or two lines. You can draw one line from corner to corner diagonally. Or two lines ¼ from the center diagonal line using a ruler or a tool like the one shown. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Place the Fabric B squares right sides up and lay the fabric A squares right side down on top of B. 
   
   
   
5. Now we stitch. If you drew just one line you will sew ¼ inch away from your line on both sides of that line. If you drew 2 lines sew on both lines.
   
   
   
6. Cut between the stitching lines and press towards the darker fabric.
   
7. You now have 4 half square triangles. You do not trim yet. Take two HST and draw diagonal lines as you did in step 3. Make sure you draw the lines so they cross the seam. 
   
   
   
   
   
   8. Lay the other 2 HST right side up. Lay the two marked ones face down on top of the unmarked ones with Fabric A facing Fabric B. The seams should butt against each other as in the close up below. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    9.Now sew as in step 4 using your lines as guides.Cut between the stitching lines and press. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   10. Here's a way to press for this piece or a 4 patch. Pull out the one or two stitches in the seam allowance where the seams intersect. One side of the newest seam will be pressed in one direction and the side in the opposite. The intersection will form a little pinwheel and the pieces will lay flatter.
   
   11.Now you trim to what ever size you needed. In this case 4 ½ inch squares. And you have 4 QSTs.