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Making Half-Square Triangles
This technique eliminates the need to directly manipulate the stretchy bias of the triangle. It uses two easy-to-cut squares to produce two half-square triangles.
On the back of the lighter fabric, draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner.
Stack a pair of light and dark squares right sides together. Sew a ¼" seam allowance on each side of the line.
You will end up with something like this:
Now cut along the diagonal line.
Press the seam to set it, then press toward the darkest fabric.
To trim to the exact size, line up the 45° diagonal on your ruler with the seam.
Then carefully trim your block with a rotary cutter.
Four Patch Piecing
The secret to a perfect four patch is pressing seams so they butt together when joined. You can make a four patch by cutting individual squares (great for scrappy quilts) or using pre-joined strips for speed.
Cut two A squares and two B squares in your required size. Using chain piecing, join an A square to a B square, right sides together, with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press toward the dark fabric. Your result:
Press all seams toward the dark fabric so they butt up. Place the two A/B units right sides together with butted seams, pin if needed, and join with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press.
Wider Application
This technique applies to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4×4 grid — no matter how many pieces — the basic principles apply. Keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions and piecing will be smooth sailing.
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Important: Always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You'll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½" to your desired 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 block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.
Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".
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