HALF SQUARE FOUR PATCH

This is a block that I believe to be in the public domain.  It is known by several different names, I coined the Half Square Four Patch name to avoid confusion during a swap process.  The quick method of construction hints were supplied to me by a friend who teaches this technique... Try a sample before cutting a lot of units.

We are constructing 6" finished sized blocks.... Finished is block's size when sewn to others - Swap size includes seam allowances and measures 6 1/2" You must cut exactly and use SCANT 1/4" seams to have a 6 1/2" block Or you can cut each of your A B C units 1/4" larger on all measurements - then square up your block. as I did while constructing the blocks for photos

In a 14 x 14 setting it will require 196 Six inch blocks to make a top 84" x 84"without borders.

QUICK METHOD - MAKE TWO BLOCKS AT A TIME

UNIT C (cut 1 -dark  fabric)

UNIT B (cut 2- light fabric)

UNIT A (cut 2- dark  fabric)

SWAP SIZE

6 1/2" SQUARE

6 1/2"  X  7 1/2"

3 1/2" SQUARE

3 1/2"  X 4 1/2"

STEP 1: Place all your Unit A squares in a container - mix them up.

STEP 2: Place all your Unit B rectangles in a different container - mix them up.

STEP 3: One by one, pick up a Unit A and pair it with a Unit B  place right sides together -- sew using a SCANT 1/4"seam allowance. --  See    Photo 1

PHOTO 1

PHOTO 2

STEP 4:  Join two of the combined A/B units to make a 7 1/2" x 6 1/2"  rectangle (Or....If you cut your A B C  units larger, this step should measure  the same size as your Unit C ) ......... See Photo 2

HINT:  Make a template or mark your ruler to position the sewing lines in Step 5 Cut a sheet of paper the size of Unit.C.. fold one end over to the side Be sure to watch your corner  Keep your edges even, Crease to form a triangle, if you find it a little off re-crease it, Turn your paper around (not over) and do the same on the other end,.You should have 1/2" between the two triangles if your creases are right Cut off one of the triangles  Be sure to not alter its size Paste it to something heaver for a template or tape it to the underside of a clear ruler.  .  Thanks to Aud  for this hint. Tracey says,  "An Easy Angle Ruler works great "

FOLD

1/2" space

STEP 5: On the backside of this A/B combo,draw a line starting exactly at the corner and making sure the line intersects exactly with the point of the A unit's corner.. Turn the block and repeat this step on the other corner.......Be certain  you draw these lines across the light fabrics !               See Photos 3 + 4

PHOTO 3

PHOTO 4

STEP 6: Now that you have drawn your sewing lines, pair your A/B combo with a Unit C rectangle (right sides together)  In Photos 3 & 4 you will notice the clipped seam which helps you position your seams.

STEP 7: Sew on one of the marked lines - then turn the unit around and sew the other line. See Photo 5

PHOTO 5

STEP 8:  Cut in the center between the two sewn lines-  leave your standard 1/4" seam allowances on each piece.  See Photo 6.

PHOTO 6

STEP 9: Press your blocks -- Align your ruler's 45 degree angle line exactly along the diagonal seam - check the position of the corner   and square up your block. If cut & sewed exactly right, your block should measure 6 1/2" If you added a 1/4" to each A B C  unit's cut sizes, You will need to trim each side to get a 6 1/2" block  Keep the diagonal seam under your ruler's 45 degree mark. The corner square should line up with your 3 1/4" ruler mark. Be careful that you do not trim unevenly.

PHOTO 7

Now that you know the quick method steps and have constructed two blocks,  you can streamline the process even more.  If you want to make multiple blocks using the same fabric combinations,  You can sew the A and B units as strips!   (Remember to add 1/4" to your measurements if you want a little extra for squaring up) Cut strips of your A fabric  3 1/2" wide  by the width of your fabric.  Cut strips of your B fabric  4 1/2" wide by the width of your fabric. Pair your A/B strips - right sides together - sew with a SCANT 1/4" seam Cut the sewn sets apart every 3 1/2" Continue with construction steps 4 through 9.