Middle Sister Quilt SAL: Week 3

Written By Katie Zahm

Week 3: Sew Half Square Triangles

Welcome to Week 3 of the Middle Sister Quilt Sew Along (SAL)! This week will be diving into our Half Square Triangles (HST). Weeks 3 and 4 are both about sewing and trimming HST. We will need a total of 288 HST, regardless of the lap or throw size. Note: You will make more than needed if you make the Color Burst using fat quarters (lap) or yardage (throw). Set the extra HSTs aside, as we can sew something fun together at the end. See below how I am handling my layer cake.

SAL Schedule

(Add to Google Calendar)

  • Welcome Note + Bundle options

  • Week 1: Select Fabric & Gather Supplies - Jan 6th

    • Sponsor: Ollie Fabrics - $50 gift certificate - WINNER: @lynncycle

  • Week 2: Cut Fabric - Jan 13th

    • Sponsor: Lamb & Loom - $50 gift certificate - WINNER: @mtngalrn

  • Week 3: Sew Half Square Triangles - Jan 20th

  • Week 4: Sew Half Square Triangles - Jan 27th

  • Week 5: Sew HST Blocks - Feb 3rd

  • Week 6: Assemble Quilt Top - Feb 10th

    • Sponsor: Oliso - Grand Prize - Oliso Collection includes a ProPlus SmartIron, Mini Project Iron, Ironing Board Cover, and Felt Pressing Mat (US and CA only) ($400 value)

Some recommended products below may earn me a small commission.

Week 3 Assignment: Sew Half Square Triangles

Tip 1: Favorite Tool for HST

Tip 2: If using Layer Cake or Scrappy fabric

If you’re like me and using layer cakes, I picked 36 squares from the pack and used them to make the HST. I removed a few of the repeated colors or prints I wasn’t a huge fan of. Once all are made, I will lay them out and see if I like them or if I am missing a color or two. At that time, I can make what I need. I am hoping to save some time on making HST.

Tip 3: Steps to take to give yourself more room for trimming

My pattern includes room for trimming HST, but not all patterns do. Here are a few steps to help give yourself a little extra room when it comes time to trim.

  • Sew at a scant ¼” when making HST. A scant ¼” is sewing the seam allowance a hair narrower than ¼”. [photo A]

  • Take your time cutting the square into eight pieces. Center the ruler the align it with the edges of the square. Then cut vertically and horizontally before cutting on the diagonal. [photo B]

  • Press HST open. [photo C]

photo A - sew line vs ruler line

photo B - align the two red arrow

photo C - press open

Tip 4: Sewing Half Square Triangles

The HSTs are simple and fun - made with two right-angle triangles producing a square shape. I love the calming repeatable actions in making HST. It's an easy put-down and pick-up project, which can be great with our busy schedules. Check out my Magic 8 HST blog post for all tips and an easy-to-follow video tutorial below.

 

Katie’s Week 3: Assignment

  • 160 trimmed HST + trimmings for fun

  • I have grouped my HST by color and hope this helps me when I am ready to figure out the layout

 

Enter Week 3 Prize

To enter the Week 3 prize, post a photo of at least 144 trimmed half square triangles on Instagram and use the hashtag #middlesistersal. Post by Thursday, January 26th, 11:59 pm MST, to be entered into the Week 3 prize.

Week 3 Prize - One lucky person will win a $75 gift certificate to Pasadena Quilt Studio. Good Luck!

Sponsored by Pasadena Quilt Studio

Week 1 winner: @fallenleafcreative, congrats Teri!

Katie Zahm

Quilt Pattern Designer

https://zahm.co
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Middle Sister Quilt SAL: Week 4
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Middle Sister Quilt SAL: Week 2