Hourglass Quilt Block Tutorial

The Hourglass Quilt Blocks 

This method will yield 4 blocks

These hourglass quilt blocks are a snap to make and with two colors or four,
there are so many possibilities.

Size:  When I put these together I always figure I am going to lose about 3/4" from my original fabric squares.  In this example I added an inch and will then trim them.  

Finished size wanted: 5"

Cutting:  Cut 4 fabric squares 6"

Put one light fabric on top of one dark fabric square right sides together and mark one diagonal line from corner to corner.

You have 2 pairs to sew.  Stitch each pair 1/4" from the drawn line on each side of the line.

Cut each pair on the drawn line.

Now you have 4 pieces (half square triangles).  Press each of them open with the seam allowances towards the dark fabric.  DO NOT TRIM!

Pair one of each color of half square triangles together with the right sides together and the seams meeting in the middle.  Put them together by smushing the seams together.  Definition of smushing??  Really squeezing those seams together until you can feel them meeting.  :)  Draw a diagonal line across the back of the block as shown.  Your corners should form little butterfly wings like in the pictures below.

Now stitch 1/4" away from the drawn line on both sides of the line as you did before.  Check to see that the first time you sew 1/4" from the line you are running into the seam allowance as it is pictured below.  This will help to "push" those seams together.

Sew on both sides of the line 1/4" from the line.

Cut on the lines to form 4 pieces total.

Press open and now you have 4 hour glass blocks. 

 They all measure about 5 1/4" and can be trimmed to 5" by centering and squaring up the blocks.

If you have any questions, please ask.

Have a great day!