Tutorials

Step by Step: 8-at-a-Time HSTs

Published on January 28, 2023January 28, 2023 by ChristineLeave a comment

I’ve been working hard behind the scenes on my second quilt pattern. It’s a really fun, block-based design, made up of mostly half square triangles. The throw size uses five different colors that you can mix and match to give sort of a coordinated-scrappy look, if there is such a thing! But that’s as many hints as I will give for now, start looking for sneak peeks on Instagram soon!

Before the pattern releases, I wanted to share my favorite time-saving tips, tricks and tools for making half square triangles (or HSTs, for short). The pattern provides direction on the 8-at-a-time method, but I wanted to give you a resource that goes a little bit more in depth, and that can help save you time trimming all those little squares!

Half Square Triangles: 8-at-a-Time Method

Supplies Needed:

2 squares of coordinating fabric

(The size of the squares depends on the size you would like the HST to be. I am using 5.5” square and trimming my HSTs to 2”)

Hera Marker, or other marking tool

Rotary Blade

Rotating Cutting Mat (Optional)

Straight Edge Quilting Ruler

Cleary Perfect Slotted Trimmer

(This is my go to ruler for trimming HSTs- it will save you so much time!)

Directions:

Step 1: Place two squares of coordinating fabric right sides together.

Step2: Using a Hera marker, mark an “X” across the top of your fabric

Step 3: Sew ¼ inch on BOTH sides of BOTH lines

Step 4: Using a rotary blade and ruler, cut horizontally, vertically, as well as along the lines that you drew with the Hera marker. This will leave you with 8 triangular sections.

*I like to do this on my rotating cutting mat but that is totally optional!*

Step 5: Using the slotted trimmer, find the size you would like your HST to be (in this case I am making 2” squares). Line up the dotted line with your seam line. Trim both sides along the ruler, as well as into the little grooves. (This will take care of any little dog-ears from your seam allowance.)

Step 6: Open your square and press. Repeat to make 8 HSTs.

Now, get ready to sew this cute little squares into something beautiful!

** Please note that some of these products contain affiliate links. However, all suggestions are my own :)**

FREE Pattern: The Reversible Gameboard Quilt

Published on April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 by ChristineLeave a comment

Today is an exciting day! I am releasing my first ever quilt pattern, The Reversible Gameboard Quilt! The pattern is very beginner-friendly and can easily come together in one afternoon. Fun, fast and free…need I say more?

If you’d like the free download sent to your email, just click here and I will send you a copy.

My idea for a reversible game board- one side is checkers, the other is tic tac toe- came from a love of spending time outdoors with my family. I wanted to design something fun, machine washable and that we could easily take anywhere from the beach to camping trips to backyard bonfires. This pattern is very simple, so it was also good practice in pattern writing as I prepare to release my first full-sized quilt pattern this Summer.

I have already made two different versions and I am sharing all the details below. If you are looking to give this game board as a gift or just need an extra set of checkers, here is the link to the ones I have pictured. Or you can get creative, my son and I used chalk to mark stones with Xs and Os for a game of tic-tac-toe.

Here are the details on my two finished versions so far:

Pattern: Reversible Game Board Pattern (20”x20”)

Quilt Top Fabrics: Sevenberry Petite Classics in Blossom, Kona in Ballet Slipper

Backing: Kona in Ballet Slipper, Kona in Snow

Binding: Watercolor Gingham Pink from Bessie Pearl Textiles

Batting: Hobb’s Heirloom Cotton Batting (This is not so important since you won’t be snuggling under this quilt- just use scraps you have on hand!)

Thread: Machine Quilting -Aurifil 50wt in White (2024); Binding– DMC Pearl Cotton Size 8 in Cream

Pattern: Reversible Game Board Pattern (20”x20”)

Quilt Top Fabrics: Sevenberry Petite Garden in Black, Kona in Snow

Backing: Kona in Snow, Kona in Cardinal

Binding: Kona in Cardinal

Batting: Hobb’s Heirloom Cotton Batting (This is not so important since you won’t be snuggling under this quilt- just use scraps you have on hand!)

Thread: Machine Quilting -Aurifil 50wt in White (2024); Binding– DMC Pearl Cotton Size 8 in Cream

All that is left is to sit back and enjoy a cup of iced tea while you play (or hot cocoa if you are playing fireside in the wintertime)!

Have the pattern sent to your email by clicking here and let the games begin!

USA Banner Tutorial

Published on January 30, 2022February 24, 2022 by ChristineLeave a comment

The Winter Olympics are just around the corner (didn’t we just have the Summer Olympics!?!). If you are looking for a fun and easy way to share your team spirit, this USA Bunting Tutorial is just what you need.

The best part is that it is 100% customizable, which means you can use the steps to make a banner for a birthday, holiday or any other celebration. It also helps use up some fabric, from that ever-growing scrap pile!

TEAM USA BUNTING TUTORIAL

Materials:

About 1/2 yard fabric, or 10 6x7in fabric scraps
Felt
Embrodiery Floss (I used DMC Pearl Cotton)
1/2in wide bias tape

STEP 1: Cut fabric into 10 rectangles, each 6 inx7 in

STEP 2: Cut letters (U,S,A) and stars out of felt. I recommend drawing on card stock first to make a template for each letter and star.

STEP 3: Stitch each letter to the right side of one piece of fabric. I centered mine about 1.25 inches from the top.

STEP 4: On the wrong side of each remaining rectangle (you should have 5 left), make a mark 2 inches up from the center. Draw a line connecting this point to each corner.

STEP 5: Place one lettered rectangle right sides together with one of the rectangles you just marked. Stitch along sides and drawn line with a 1/4 inch seam. Make sure to leave the top edge open to turn right side out!

STEP 6: Trim the center triangle and corners. Turn right side out. (I also made a small snip in the top point of the triangle, but be careful no to cut the seam!) Tip: You may need to use the tip of a pencil to really poke the corners out.

STEP 7: Cut bias tape to desired length of bunting. I made mine about 65 inches. Pin flags in place, tucking them between the folds of the bias tape. I started in the center and placed each flag about 2.5 inches apart.