Quarter square triangles (QSTs) are the basic unit for the Ohio Star Block.
Here’s how I made them for this project.
- QSTs get their start from two half-square triangles. (I’m using the grey background fabric and one feature fabric in each QST.)
- Cut the two squares 1 1/2″ bigger than the finished QST. My QSTs will finish at 4″ square, so I am starting with two 5 1/2″ squares – Each pair will make two QSTs
- Stack the two squares right sides together.
- Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the gray square.
- Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of the line you drew
- Cut on the drawn line to separate the two HSTs
- Open the squares and press the seam allowances toward the background fabric.
- Stack the two HSTs so that the background fabric faces the feature fabric of the other square and vice versa. The two HSTs will nest together with the seam allowances pressed to opposite sides.
- Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on one of the HSTs
- Stich 1/4″ on both sides of the line you drew
- Cut on the drawn line to separate the two QSTs
- Open the squares and press the seam allowances toward the feature fabric.
- Pop the centers of the QST block open and press toward the feature fabric on both halves. This method produces a small square at the center where the seam allowances go opposite directions.
- Trim the HSTs to 4 1/2″ square.
- I use a bias square ruler.
- Place the 2 1/4″ mark on the center point, and trim excess fabric from the top and right side.
- Turn the unit, place the 2 1/4″ on the center point, and trim the two remaining sides.
So that’s it – my first tiny tutorial. QSTs are a great block to have in your toolkit. I am sewing up an Ohio Star picnic-style quilt featuring 120 them and I will post it on the blog soon.
Thanks for reading!
Catie
