Posted by Shari on May 10th, 2024
'Blue'tiful Quilt Pattern Sew-Along!
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| Welcome to our second block tutorial for the Bluetiful Quilt Sew-Along. Deb refers to this block as a HST (Half Square Triangle) Variation Block. |
| I created the block tutorial in scrap fabrics so please do not get confused why these fabrics look different. You can see my HST Variation Blocks down further in the post. Also, my home sewing room is functional but not setup with "studio-style" lighting. So, my photo colors do look a little drab but the purpose is the step-by-step tutorial and for that, it works just fine. |
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| Follow the Bluetiful Quilt Pattern instructions for the size and number of fabric pieces you need for the quilt size you are creating. Each set of HST Variation Block fabric pieces will create one block. For the HST Variation Block, you need three varied-length rectangles and a large square. Let's get started...... Fold each rectangle in half to find the center. Line up the center mark on two rectangles and sew together. Line up the center mark on the third rectangle and sew to the first unit. See image below for an example. |
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| Press according to the Bluetiful Quilt Pattern instructions. For nesting blocks, half of the units are pressed towards the smallest rectangle. The other half of the units are pressed towards the largest rectangle. Cut the large square fabric in half diagonally to create two triangles. (Only one triangle is needed per block.) |
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| Find the center of the strip unit and the center of one triangle by pressing a creased line. |
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| Line up the crease from the strip unit and the triangle, along the longest edge. Pin securely. The above image is two blocks so you can see how the fabrics should look on each side of a unit. |
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| Sewing Tip: The triangle edge is a bias edge. Whenever possible, place your bias edge fabric on the top when sewing. This prevents the feed dogs from pulling and stretching the fabric out of shape. |
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| For squaring up the blocks, there are two possible methods.... For the traditional method, the first step is to press the center seam in the same direction as the rectangle fabric seams. |
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| In my sample block example above, I am placing each side of my Creative Grids Quilting Ruler on the 6 1/2" mark on the center seam. I then trim both edges. |
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| Next, I turn the HST Variation Block around. I am again lining each edge up on the center seam at the 6 1/2" mark. I am also lining up the previously trimmed side with the 6 1/2" mark. |
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| This is a perfectly squared HST Variation Block using a traditional method of squaring a block. |
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| Now, I will show you how to square up a block using the Creative Grids Half Square 4-in-1 Triangle Ruler. Since I discovered this ruler, I now use it for (almost) all my squaring of blocks. Place the Creative Grids Half Square 4-in-1 Triangle Ruler 6" mark on your stitched center seam line. (With this ruler, all measurements are a finished size, so don't let that confuse you.) Check to make sure your top point has fabric to trim. You can move the ruler side-to-side along that marked line, if needed. Trim both edges. |
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| Carefully, open the block and press. You now have a perfectly sized block with only making two cuts. Does it get any easier than that?! Ok, yes, you still have to trim off the dog-ears. :o) |
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| Here are my two sample tutorial blocks. This is a great scrap-buster block! |
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| Here are my HST Variation Blocks for the Bluetiful Quilt! Thank you for following along. Next week, we will work on the Log Cabin Blocks. If you are part of the Bear Creek Quilting Company exclusive Sew-Alongs Facebook Group, please post your progress pictures! Happy Sewing! |
| 'Blue'tiful Quilt Pattern Sew-Along Schedule:
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| The Bluetiful Quilt Pattern Sew-Along articles will be published here on our blog. Bluetiful Quilt Kits are available but supplies are limited. Want to use your own fabrics? No problem. I understand many of you are using your stash fabrics. Or maybe you want permission to shop for some new fabrics. The Creatively Yours Pattern Book is available separately. The Bluetiful Quilt pattern is required to participate as no cutting/sizing information will be given. The Bluetiful quilt pattern is one of many patterns in the Creatively Yours Pattern Book available HERE. This is not a Zoom Class and there is not a specific time to check in. Sew at your own pace as you follow along with me on the Sew-Along schedule. Our Private Bear Creek Quilting Company exclusive Sew-Alongs Facebook Group is available for requesting to join HERE. Be sure to complete all the questions and agree to the group rules or the automated-moderator may deny your request to join. |
| Questions?? Email us at sales@BearCreekQuiltingCompany.com |
 and the BCQC Team |