It was fun seeing all the Square in the Square units pop up last week.
Since our QAL is following the units in the order they are found in the pattern , today it is time to make some Half Square Triangles (HSTs)! Each Harmony block needs 4 HST units which means you'll need 16 if you are making the throw sized quilt. We've got lots of basic tutorials - Using Templates, Marking Stitching Lines, and the Running Stitch - if you need some tips.
Still need the pattern for Harmony? Grab yours now!
Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56''). Did you miss the QAL announcement? You can find more information here! If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!
Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block. Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.
Stitching Tips
The HST can be pieced with either templates or by cutting the pieces with your rotary cutter. The only difference will be the version made templates (top one in photo below) will have no dog ears!
Instead of marking a 1/4'' stitching line around the whole triangle, try marking just where you are about to stitch plus a little bit more so you know where to start and stop your needle. (Please note that my lines are not usually that dark - a bit a computer magic made the lines visible in this photo!)
Mark both triangles and align a pin through the intersection point on each block so you are certain everything is aligned.
Then stitch away! Remember to make a backstitch every few stitches to help with overall tension. Although you will be sewing through the seams when attaching units together, I still am pressing my seams flat where possible to help the overall quilt lay flat.
If needed, sliver trim your block and then go ahead and mark the stitching lines around the outside so you will be ready when it is time to sew your units together.
Kristin is sharing some tips on her blog today as well - check it out!
The Basics
Please consult the tutorials for Using Templates, Marking Stitching Lines, and the Running Stitch if you need some tips.
The following supplies were used - the Perfect Piecer, Aurifil 80 wt thread, needles, Clover applique pins, wool pressing mat, Oliso mini iron, and great lighting!
We will be sewing the units in the order of the pattern which means our next block will be a HST vairation that we are calling a Fancy HST. We'll share tips next Monday, March 8. Our first check-in link-up will be March 29!
Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing! 
- Join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group.
- Follow Simply Everyday Handmade and Elm Street Quilts on Instagram
Hi, Patty! Your Harmony pattern is beautiful! I love that it's a hand pieced QAL even though I'm not able to participate right now. Curious about your 80 weight Aurifil, though -- I can't even use 50 weight Aurifil for hand piecing because it constantly breaks on me, especially when snugging up block centers where lots of points come together. So I use a 50/3 cotton thread like Gutermann or Mettler for hand piecing (except for EPP which is a TOTALLY different animal).
ReplyDeleteThanks Patty - I am leaving tomorrow morning for a week so I will be sure to cute my fabrics and take along with me to stitch while I am away.
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