My experiment was a little iffy. 11" is too big. Hourglass measured 14-1/4 making the sections 4-3/4 but it finished out At 13+ a smig. I also found that I really do not like dealing with bias edges even tho I starched the squares before starting. I was going to make a small 4th of July wall hanging. I would just say if you plan to make this block into a complete quilt that you make a sample block before starting. Here is the block idea I had...


Ps I did square up at 12-1/2 leaving small triangles on the four corners

Thanks Tartan, I had planned to make four blocks. Not sure if it will be completed. Looking forward to seeing your blocks as you continue

Judy

Tartan: Loved your blocks. Thanks for showing the both blocks. One with the center rotated and what it looks like if you do not rotate the center. They are so pretty either way. I am presently working on Jenny's Disappearing Pinwheel Quilt so it was so neat to see that same block, layed out as the Hour Glass. Guess I will have to try that one next. Jenny is so clever.

After rethinking this block, I have come up with this, if you want 12-1/2 in unfinished block.. Use 11 in or 10-1/2 squares and when the hour glass is made ..... Square block up to 13-1/2 in square using the center to be sure it is square... Then you can cut 4-1/2 units for the 9 patch. That would make a 12-1/2 unfinished block in the end. I took a break and worked on a 4th of July banner this afternoon. Will post photo on different link.

Judy in Phx, AZ

Isn't the hourglass the same as a quarter square triangle? I will try using the method I learned from Jan on here for quarter square. No bias edges to deal with.

Visited MSQC days before the tute filmed--Jenny was so nice and welcoming and showed us this block (and quilt). She did say the bias edge was a tricky issue and once you got the hour class you may want to square up before making1/3 cuts.

Thanks for all the information about this block. You guys are great.

Here are 6 blocks layed out and I have pieces cut for 3 more which will make it about 34 and 1/2 inches square. I think I might make it 3 blocks wide and 4 blocks long for a rectangle so 3 more sets to cut. The bias edges are tricky and you also have to careful cutting so we'll see how big it gets.:)

Love your blocks, Tartan.