Double Hourglass Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ INTERMEDIATE
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 12⅜” x 12⅜”
Multiple triangle squares are what rank this block in the intermediate level. Cutting and sewing accuracy is important so that you don’t chop off any points. Our method of sewing triangle squares slightly oversize and then trimming them down to size helps ensure accuracy. See our Tempus Fugit quilt in Classic Quilts for instructions on how to use this block in a quilt.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with diagrams. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed. Fabric requirements include extra yardage for shrinkage and insurance. If working with directional prints, you may want to purchase more fabric than called for.
WOF = width of fabric
HST = half-square triangle unit.
FABRIC:
Fabric A: ¼ yard strip solid white
Fabric B: 5″ x WOF strip blue print
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (3) 5¼” x 5¼” squares. Cut in half diagonally to make 6 HSTs.
• (3) 4⅝” x 4⅝” squares
• (9) 2½” x 2½” squares
From Fabric B, cut:
• (9) 2½” x 2½” squares
• (9) 2¼” x 2¼” squares. Cut in half diagonally to make 18 HSTs.
Block Assembly:
Referring to Diagram 1, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (1) 2½” Fabric A square. Place Fabric A 2½” square over (1) Fabric B 2½” square. Sew a ¼” seam allowance on each side of drawn line. Cut in half on drawn line and press to make (2) HST Units. Trim to 1⅞”. Make 18.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (3) 1⅞” HST Units, (3) Fabric B 2¼” HSTs, and (1) Fabric A 5¼” HST as shown in Diagram 2. Sew into rows. Sew rows to (1) Fabric A 5¼” HST to make (1) Triangle Unit. Trim Triangle Unit to 4⅝” square, if needed. Make 6.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (3) Fabric A 4⅝” squares with (6) Triangle Units as shown in Diagram 3. Join into rows. Join rows to complete Double Hourglass Block.
