Summer Sampler 2019 Block 2: Perfecting your half-square triangles

Good morning - happy Monday, and happy Memorial Day in the U.S.! Monday means it's time for another Summer Sampler 2019 block.

I designed this week's block, Pixelations. And to continue the Summer Sampler: Piecing Bootcamp theme, can you guess what skill we're working on this week? Anybody? 😂Yep, this week's focus is half-square triangles (HSTs)! Ahhh, the humble HST. You're not going to get very far in quilting without making a few (or few thousand) of them.

(Psst, want to join Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp? Each block tackles a new piecing skill or technique. When you join, you get immediate access to all 21 sampler block patterns, plus finishing instructions for two different layout options. Click here to join!)

Before you dive in to Block 2, let's discuss what it takes to make a successful half-square triangle quilt block or pattern. I think there are two basic requirements:
1) Make accurate HST units
2) Sew those HST units together so that seams align and you don't lose points

Let's take a closer look at each of those two requirements, and how I accomplish them.

1) Make accurate HST units
You're not going to get a good result if you don't start with accurate HST units! There are tons of different methods out there for making HSTs. My Perfect HST Templates are one way to quickly and easily make accurate HSTs—and they are (obviously) my go-to method for making them! The Summer Sampler 2019 pattern includes a freebie sample of my Perfect HST Templates for those of you who would like to try them out when making this block, or there are also instructions for making the HSTs the "old-fashioned" way, two-at-a-time. (For a video of my Perfect HST Templates in action, click here!)

2) Sew the HST units together so that seams align and you don't lose points
Accurate, well-sewn HST units is only the first step! Next you have to actually sew those bad boys together—while lining up seams and not losing points. How do I do that? Click here for a quick video tutorial about my method of sewing HSTs together. Once you've got this method down, patience and a little practice should give you lovely results in no time. And practice is what my Pixelations block is all about! You'll get lots of that this week!

So this block may look tricky, and I won't lie and say it's not. But it is pretty straightforward piecing—a lot of it, but straightforward nonetheless. And if you keep those two basic requirements in mind while you're making it (accurate HST units, and careful technique when sewing the units together), I think you'll end up with a pretty good-looking block!

So how was last week’s block? I know it was challenging, but I saw some gorgeous finished blocks out there in social media land! That’s one of my favorite parts of a project like this—admiring all the different interpretations on the same design. And our subscriber-only Facebook group was super helpful to those with questions, so if you have the Summer Sampler 2019 pattern and haven't joined the FB group yet, please do! Finally, check the IG hashtag #summersampler2019 to see more of last week's block and this week's.

The Summer Sampler 2019: Piecing Bootcamp pattern includes:
• Fully-tested instructions for 21 gorgeous blocks (12" finished size)
• Complete finishing instructions to make an 80" x 92" sampler quilt
• Instructions for two layout options—you get both! No need to choose!
• All fabric requirements and suggested Moda Bella Solids colors (YES! There are fabric kits available from Sewtopia and Canadian shop Mad About Patchwork)
• Quilt mock-up coloring sheet for planning
• Access to an exclusive subscriber-only Facebook group to ask questions, get advice, and interact with the designers and a community of other quilters

The Summer Sampler 2019 designers are: Top to Bottom, Left to Right
Row 1: Heather Black @Quiltachusetts, Krista Hennebury @poppyprint, Lynne Goldsworthy @lilysquilts,  Lee Heinrich @lee.a.heinrich, Krystina Hopkins @khquilts
Row 2: Andrea Tsang Jackson @3rdstoryworkshop, Jemima Flendt @tiedwitharibbon, Faith Jones @freshlemonsquilts, Kitty Wilkin @nightquilter, Yvonne Fuchs @quiltingjetgirl
Row 3: Lynn Carson Harris @lynncarsonharris, Stephanie Zacharer Ruyle @spontaneousthreads
Row 4: Jen Carlton Bailly @bettycrockerass, Amy Friend @duringquiettime, Justin Stafford @keatonquilts, Katie Blakesley @swimbikequilt, Jo Avery @mybearpaw