Ok, so I am very new to quilting (and sewing) but am finishing my first quilt now (just binding left). I have already picked out a quilt to work on as my second. It's the four-four time block. Is this going to be too challenging for a beginner? I am not too concerned about the half square triangles, but I am having trouble finding info on joining h.s.t. to a full square. I am not explaining this very well. Essentially, I need some info on joining to h.s.t.'s to a full square so I end up with a larger triangle. Does this make sense? Should I just look for a different project? Help, please!!!

i don't know that block and when i googled that name i couldn't find anything.

do you have a pic that you can post

I took pics on my cell phone and then uploaded them; not very good, but maybe they will help? I looked on google too and could find nothing! It came from the book 101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts by Judy Hopkins & Nancy J. Martin.

Hmmm... no pics. Better go back and reread directions on posting!

let's try this again...

***bit of a sticky situation, here. i think we might be in violation of copyright law if we leave the pics of the pages from the book. since i'm not sure, i think we'll play it safest. luckily, i'm 99.99% sure the block is in the public domain because i found one almost exactly like it in my block base database. since sashing with cornerstones is a very common way to set blocks, i think any "design" that sets this block that way would also be considered unprotected. soooooo, i'm replacing the pics from the book with images exported from EQ. you'll all still get the idea. and we should be safe from the lawyers. ;-)***

for the 2 color corner triangles i would sew a 4 patch together.

lights on opposite corners and darks on the other corners and then cut the block in half on the diagonal thru the dark squares.

that will leave you with 2 large triangles having an entire light color square with 2 dark triangles attached to it.

you would have to make 2 of these 4 square units to cut in half yielding four 2 color corner triangles.


does that make sense to you?

Welcome Chrissy. You found a very pretty pattern, it shouldn't be too hard for you if you take your time. The two HST's are sewn to the small square as shown on the right side of your first picture. Make 4 sets like this. After you have put your large square together, nine pieces, then you sew each HST set to each side of the square. Remember to press each step. This will finish up as a square. Post pictures when you get er done. Hope this makes sense to you, am not good with words. :D

Oh my goodness, Klue, that made perfect sense! Admittedly, I had to draw it out on paper, but it definitely made sense. Bluebird, I did see the pic, but wasn't sure that I could actually get the points to line up correctly if I just sewed the triangles to the square-- was worried about stretching the triangles out of shape... But Klue's way eliminates that concern I think! My only question is will I need to cut the dark fabric a little larger than directions (which do include the seam allowance) or not. I don't think so, but I'm not sure... And thanks for the very quick help!!! BTW, Bluebird, your words were perfect-- helped me with the directions a bit :mrgreen:

LOL - i drew it out too just to make sure it would work.

make just one block to start to make sure all the measurements are correct.

i'm not sure if the author has you cut squares and then cut them into 4 triangles.

i think you might be able to just use them same cutting guidelines.

if you have time throw a sample together over the next day or 2 and take a pic and post back to us.

I might have not had enough coffee this AM. But here is my concern about this method.

Yes you can do them that way - but what you suggest, I think will "loose" the seam allowance. The diagonal cut will be at the corner of the light and will not leave you a seam allowance. To use this method, you would need to keep the light squares the right size and make the dark squares larger - something like the following picture. Then you would need the trim the edges and cut on the diagonal. The second picture is what it would look like cut and then trimmed. Which it what you are looking for I think . . .

Ok does this make ANY sense?? or do I need more coffee??

All I can say is this way toooooo much math for my brain. I'm dizzy just trying to figure out what you guys are doing... :shock:

Cute quilt pattern, but I am no help with figuring it out. I'm with you esqmommy, too much math for me this early.

I think what she is saying is the smaller block is the square, that stays square. Then the larger block is cut on the diagonal into the triangles and sewn onto the sides to make the finished triangles for the sides. I couldn't say for sure, but, that is kinda what it looks like from the picture.

Edited to say ... Remember to match up you straight sides, then there wil be a dog ear hanging off in the middle. It is supposed to be like that, you can trim it off after you sew the other side on and press it so your seam is straight along that side. Press up and down ... no rubbing the iron around back and forth! Just put the ruler on the block and make sure you leave a full quarter inch seam. Just the dog ears, really need to be cut.

i agree with your premise on the light square having to be cut smaller then the dark square because that has to be cut according to triangle math of 7/8. i think the author addresses this in her pattern and thats why i asked does she start with a square and have you cut it into 4 triangles.

i don't know why you'd want to have one of the outside corner triangles off from the seam line.

how would you sew that triangle section into the next block when the edge isn't even with everything.

maybe you're thinking i want her to make a perfectly equal 4 patch and of course its not because the dark section will be bigger than the light.

Sewing the 2 HST to the first square shouldn't stretch as you are sewing with the grain, it will be when you put that finshed part on the bigger inside square that you are on the bias and have more of a chance on it stretching.

go to http://www.quilterscache.com

find the alphabetized list and click on the alamo. (under 'a')

the block is different, but it gives exact direction for this problem. if you follow their proportions, you will end up with the correct sizing and have your seam allowance. their solution to cutting is a great method that many of us have used with a lot of success. test it out.

editing here: remember - proportions only...not necessarily the same sizes.

go to http://www.quilterscache.com

look under Art Square in the patterns. It looks like the same method you are doing. You just sew one HST on the square then the other one.

zennia, that's perfect.

I was banished from my home for a few days--DH was painting the house, and I am pregnant, so he didn't want me breathing in the paint fumes. I came back, and here are ALL OF THESE SUGGESTIONS! Thank you!!! I have to admit, I was lost when I looked at the Alamo block instructions. I think I have to actually try it... I was really hoping Klue's first instructions would work-- they seemed easiest, but it doesn't sound like those will work... Going to try to follow step by step the Alamo instructions once I cut the fabric and I'll post my results. If you real quilters have any other thoughts, let me know. Thanks again!

Just saw zennia's post-- going to try that. Pretty sure I can follow those instrctions! Thanks again!

maybe this drawing will help?

you will have a tail/ear from the hst

please excuse the primitiveness of the drawings