The Hourglass Quilt Block ⋆ Scrapdash Quilt Patterns and Tutorials

How to Make the Hourglass Quilt Block

Before starting this project, I recommend that you press your fabric with spray sizing. It will make it easier to cut small pieces. Take the time to clean your machine, put in a new needle, and fill a few bobbins. When pressing, just hold the iron over a spot for a moment or two. This pattern assumes a perfect 1/4” seam.

Other items you might like to have

Here are my fabrics:

Fabric needed for the Hourglass Quilt Block

Hourglass Quilt Block Cutting and Piecing Directions

Place the two large blocks right sides together. Draw a line on the diagonal and sew 1/4″ on either side of the diagonal. Cut on the line.

To Make an HST, draw a line on the diagonal for your cutting line. — Place two squares right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the lighter one.

To make an HST, sew 1/4" on either side of a diagonal line and cut on the line — Place two squares right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the lighter one.

Open the squares and press the seam allowances to the dark.

Two HSTs — You have just made two Half-Square-Triangle Units.

Place these two blocks right sides together with the colors facing in opposite directions. The seams should just touch each other. Once again, draw a diagonal line. This time it should be through the center seam.

Draw a line on the diagonal through the center seam.

Sew 1/4" from this line on both sides. Cut on the line. — Draw a line on the diagonal through the center seam.

Press the Quarter Square Triangle quilt block open – but what to do with that center seam?

The back of two Quarter Square Triangle Blocks — You can press the center seam open or unpick a few stitches from the center and “twirl” it.

Either way, press, and square up the block. You can see that I am very fond of the Quilt-in-a-Day Square Up Ruler Set. A rotating mat comes in very handy here. You will be able to make two of these blocks.

Square up your quilt block — Square up your block, matching the diagonal lines on the ruler with the seams on the block

Sew your completed Hourglass blocks to a square of the same size. Make two. Press to the dark.

Put it together and look what you have!

Would you like to make HSTs or QSTs in different sizes?

Have another tip to offer? Send it to me or reply below and I will add it here.

Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! Once a week, I send updates on quilt-related information I have found while wandering the web. This might be an inspiring article, a tip or tutorial I have discovered (or written), and occasionally exclusive offers & discounts as well as immediate access to the secret page of free patterns, guides, and printables. You can follow my page on Facebook, or join the Make Believe Quilters group, too.