ShellyQ

Hi and welcome, this month we are going to look at the half square triangle and how to make them, using them in a split 9 Patch block, some other ideas and a brief look at quarter square triangles

Now for exact measurements for cutting half square triangles we need to add 7/8ths of an inch to our finished size square, then cut the square diagonally from corner to corner. There are lots of different ways of making these, some people just cut their squares into triangles and piece accordingly without any trouble. I’m not very good at lining up the points of my triangles and end up with all sorts of interesting variations so I like to sew my seams before I cut the diagonal line, that way I actually have a chance of ending up with something usable lol..

Another way to make these is to include a trimming allowance when cutting the squares. That is instead of cutting at 4 7/8” you would cut at say 5” then when the half square is completed, trim to 4 1/2”. You can also draw up paper guides or purchase ready made guides.(Thangles, I think they are called.) My personal choice is to cut accurately and draw my guide line directly on the fabric, but if that doesn’t work well for you investigate one of the other methods, the trick is to find what works best for you.

Fabrics for the Split 9 Patch

You will need scraps of light and dark, I have used pinks for my lights and blues for my darks.
In blues cut four of 4 1/2” squares and two of 4 7/8” squares

In Pinks cut three of 4 1/2” squares and two of 4 7/8” squares (Pic 1)

These cutting requirements will give you a couple of extra half square units, but is necessary to maintain the scrappy look, your extras are bound to come in handy somewhere else

This block can also be made in two colours, if you use two colours you will only need to cut one 4 7/8” square in each colour