Make this diagonally striped quilt block using just half square triangles.

This block is easy to make and a great way to practice making half square triangles using two different methods.

EASY STRIPED QUILT BLOCK (USING HST'S)

Recently, I made a video featuring three different methods of making half square triangles.

I started playing around with laying out the HST's in a block and this diagonally striped block was the result.

↓ ↓ ↓ PIN IT ↓ ↓ ↓

↑ ↑ ↑ PIN IT ↑ ↑ ↑

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

This project uses my favorite HST square up ruler. Feel free to grab your own. It makes HST's much easier.

You will also need basic quilting tools.

fabric
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and wool ironing mat
HST Ruler

For all my best quilting supply recommendations, check out my Amazon storefront.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 6" DIAGONALLY STRIPED BLOCK

Today we will be making a 6 inch block.

If you love this block as much as I do, you'll want to make it in all the sizes.

So I've created a printable pattern with a cutting chart for 5 different sized blocks.

Go grab it and add it to your block library.

To print out the cutting chart click the ↑chart above↑ or the ↓link below↓

STRIPED QUILT BLOCK PRINTABLE PATTERN

FABRIC CUT LIST FOR A 6 INCH BLOCK

1) 3" square (background)
1) 3" square (blue)
1) 6" square (background)
1) 6" square (blue)

HOW TO MAKE A STRIPED QUILT BLOCK

There are several ways you can make a striped block.

The easiest way is to simply sew stripes together. Creating the stripes on a diagonal creates a bit more complexity.

So when I had a bunch of HST's to use up and I came up with this method.

It is a great block for beginners because it utilizes two techniques of making half square triangles. It's a great way to practice those methods and improve your piecing skills.

MAKING THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES (2 at a time)

Let's begin by making half square triangles two at a time.

Step 1: Select the two 3 inch squares. On the back side of the background piece, draw two lines. Each line should be 1/4 inch from center.

To draw the lines place the quarter inch marking of a quilting ruler from corner to corner, then draw along the edge of the ruler. Repeat in the other direction.

These are the stitching lines.

Step 2: Sew along both drawn lines.

Step 3: Cut the block in half diagonally between the stitching lines.

Step 4: Trim the block to 2 1/2 inches. Press toward the blue fabric. Trim tails.

MAKING THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES (8 at a time)

Now let's make more HST's using the 8 at a time method.

Step 5: Select the two 6 inch squares.

Draw two lines 1/4 inch from the center diagonally. Repeat in the opposite diagonal, for a total of 4 stitching lines

Step 6: Stitch along all four lines
Step 7: Cut the square in half vertically and horizontally. Cut each square in half diagonally between the stitching lines

Step 8: Trim to 2 1/2 inches. Press toward blue. Trim tails.

ASSEMBLING THE STRIPED BLOCK

You'll notice that we made 10 HST's. We only need nine for the block. The other is a spare.

Step 9: Arrange the half square triangles to form stripes. Begin with the top left corner being blue.

Step 10: Sew together as you would a nine patch. Sew the blocks of each row together. Press the seams of the top and bottom rows outward. Press the middle row inward.

Step 11: Sew each row together, nesting seams as you go. Press the block flat.