Within the Could/June 2023 concern of McCall’s Quilting, we launched a brand new collection quilt, , designed by Scott Flanagan. It’s a vibrant, daring, dynamic quilt with plenty of completely different star blocks in several sizes. A lot of the quilt is constructed utilizing simple, fundamental patchwork strategies you’ve in all probability accomplished tons of of occasions, however there are a few strategies that some won’t be as acquainted with — like make 3 shade hourglass models, for instance.

It’s not very tough to make them, however a step-by-step tutorial is at all times good. We’ve made a video tutorial for the method and I’ll clarify it right here, too.

Let’s Get Began

Begin with 4 squares. Two squares are the material for the star ‘factors’, one sq. is for the middle distinction shade, and 1 sq. is the background shade. For this sample, the squares are lower at 3¼”. If you wish to follow the method in several sizes, lower your squares 1¼” bigger than the completed measurement of the unit.

For instance, the models in Starry Sampler end at 2”, in order that they’re lower at 3¼”. In order for you your models to complete at 5”, lower your squares 6¼”. They’ll be the precise measurement wanted, no trimming required.

Mark a diagonal line on the fallacious aspect of the 2 matching squares. Pair every marked sq. with one of many remaining squares—one with the background cloth and one with the distinction shade cloth.

Sew a ¼” seam on each side of the marked line, lower on the marked line and press open.

I pressed all seam allowances in the direction of the star level cloth for consistency’s sake. You’ll now have 4 Triangle-Squares—two star level/distinction and two star level/background.

Now mark diagonal traces on the fallacious aspect of two matching Triangle-Squares, intersecting the seam.

Layer the marked Triangle-Squares on high of the unmarked Triangle-Squares, proper sides collectively and contrasting colours dealing with each other—which means the yellow patches will probably be on reverse sides from each other. The seams ought to nest.

Once more, sew a ¼” seam on each side of the marked traces, lower aside on the marked line, then open.

Pop the stitched within the seam allowance aside to permit the seams to fan out and keep away from bulk within the middle of the unit, then press.

Repeat the method with the remaining Triangle-Squares and you’ve got simply made a cool set of 4 matching Hourglass models, that are utilized in half 1 of the Starry Sampler collection quilt.

Now Begin Stitching!

The method is similar whether or not your hourglass models will include two, three, or 4 colours. Experiment with the method and be part of me in stitching a model of Starry Sampler, or embody hourglass models in a future challenge!

Comfortable quilting!

Gigi Levsen
Editor, McCall’s Quilting