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How to Sew the Hourglass Quilt Block
The Hourglass block is made using the Quarter Square Triangle (QST) method. It produces four triangles arranged into a square that creates a beautiful hourglass design.
Step 1: Draw the Diagonal Line
On the back of the lightest square, draw a pencil line at 90° to the existing seam on the diagonal.
Step 2: Butt the Central Seams
Nest the central seams together so they butt up against each other for a precise match.
Step 3: Sew Both Sides of the Line
Sew a ¼" seam allowance on both the right and left sides of the diagonal line.
Step 4: Cut Along the Pencil Line
Cut along the pencil line to separate the two hourglass blocks.
Covered Corners Technique
The covered corners technique is a great way to add triangle details to your blocks without complex piecing. Follow the steps below:
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowance (½"), double the finished size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½") — giving you a 6½" cut piece.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½" to your finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½" to both the length and width. To double a 3" × 4" block, cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 7/8" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished HST block, cut 4⅞" squares.
Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 5¼" squares.
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