A group of us are just getting started on a HST Swap. Each of us will make 126 5" units with a dark and a neutral fabric. Here is just one way of getting that 5" unit and how the block could be cut into two smaller units. Two for the work of one you could say...
First I selected an appropriate neutral and dark fabric that measure 5 1/2". I marked a line through the neutral's center and sewed on either side of the line using my 1/4" foot as a guide.
Next cut the sewn block on the marked line. Each piece when opened up is real close to a 5" HST. Trim it up if it isn't. The Bloc-Loc rulers work great for trimming down HSTs. In my opinion it is well worth the cost of this specialty ruler.
When you get your swap back you can use the block for any design. It can be one of any size 3" to 5". Make sure when you cut it down you maintain the HST by trimming away equal fabric from one of the neutral and the dark fabric sides. If you want any size smaller up to 2 1/2" cut the unit in half both ways across the middle. You will have 2 1/2" HSTs and two "fabric squares" that can be used too. The 2 1/2" HSTs can easily be trimmed smaller, just remember that you maintain the HST by trimming away equal fabric from one of the neutral and the dark fabric sides.
Monday night I cut the fabrics for four more Seven Sister Simplified blocks. This kept me busy while watching the opening season of Dancing With The Stars. Tuesday night I'll be cutting the last three that I have fabrics for... Tonight will be assembling. Thursday might have me searching for more backgrounds or maybe I'll just decide to repeat one I've already used. I've been on the hunt for two more since January. I'm hoping a quick lunchtime visit on Thursday to Cozy Quilt Shop can work into my day sewing with Kerry.
Happy HST making. I've got six done already with only 120 yet to go! Can't wait to see yours...
2 comments:
I only have two sizes, but I love my bloc loc rulers, which I was introduced to on this very blog! : )
Clever way to cut up those HSTs into smaller segments.
I agree the Bloc Loc ruler is the greatest. A must for everyone's ruler colection. I have some gray coming to you in the mail, I hope you can use them.
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