Christmas Quilt Block in Halfsquare Triangles


© Jeanne Walsh
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Are you ready for another halfsquare triangle block? This large block is fun, fast, easy to make. The block above is 16 1/2 inches, made up of 2 1/2 inch squares. The exact same block at the bottom of this article is 24 1/2 inches made of 3 1/2 inch squares. Four of either size make a nice wall hanging. Several designs in addition to the center star appear when four or more are sewn together.

Needed for one 16 1/2 inch block as shown:

    1/4 yd dark green fabric
    1/4 yd light green fabric
    1/8 yd red
    3/4 yd beige
    18 inch square batting
    thread for piecing, quilting

(Hint: I do not launder my quilt fabrics. I like the crispness of the new fabric, and I find it easier to work with small pieces if they are not laundered.)

Cutting the blocks
Rotary cut the following: (If you need help in rotary cutting, refer to my article A Mini Quilt in Nine Patch, scroll down to "Cutting Strips".)

    2 strips 2 1/2 inches wide light green. Then cut the strips into twenty-four 2 1/2 inch squares.

    2 strips 2 1/2 inches wide of dark green. Cut into thirtytwo 2 1/2 inch squares.

    1 strip 2 1/2 inches wide of red. Cut into sixteen 2 1/2 inch squares.

    3 strips 2 1/2 inches wide of beige. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares.

The basic units
There are 2 basic units in this large block. One has a whole square and 3 triangle squares. The other is made up of 4 triangle squares.

Do you remember how to make triangle squares? (also called halfsquare triangles) Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lighter of two fabric squares, place the two squares right sides facing, stitch on the diagonal line. Trim off one side at 1/4 inch seam, and press open the resulting square. Press seam to darker side.

Unit A

    2 light green/red triangle squares
    1 light green/beige tr sq
    1 beige square

Unit B

    4 dark green/beige triangle squares

Stitch the above triangle squares together as below. Press seams to the darker side.

Join sets to complete the basic units. Press seams. There will be eight of each A and B units.

 

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