The MMQ Blocks for today are very simple – instant gratification!

Block 2: Half Square Triangle

Block 2 is a Half Square Triangle – a single seam creates the center 4″ design block!

Half Square Triangles are used in a multitude of traditional quilt blocks, from Broken Dishes to Ohio Star to Bear Claw!

Simple to sketch on graph paper and simple to sew.

Paper Piecing Diagram for Half Square Triangle

Following the same process used for Block 1, draw the diagram on graph paper.  Place Piece 1 right side up on the back side of the graph paper – hold it up to a window to verify it is correctly located.

Then place Piece 2 right side down on top of Piece 1 (does this remind you of Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Suess?) and sew along the red line.

Flip Piece 2 open and press.

Baste 1/4″  and trim excess fabric 1/2″ from the squares finished 4″ lines.

Add borders, trim following “Squaring the Squares” process for Block 1 and Block 2 is complete….only 5 seams!!!

Block 3: Split Rail Fence

Block 3 is a variation of a traditional quilt block called “Split Rail Fence”.  Split Rail Fence typically has all vertical stripes the same width – but varying the widths adds some dimension to the block.

Paper Piecing Diagram for Split Rail Fence

Following the same process used for Blocks 1 and 2, draw the Paper Piecing Diagram onto graph paper and sew pieces together in order.  Flip and press each piece before proceeding to the next piece.

Comment:  It is not uncommon to sew a piece upside down or facing the wrong direction when first trying paper piecing.  Fortunately, the no seam is ever longer than 6″, so removing the stitching is never all that time consuming!

Baste and trim – add borders – square up and Voila! Block 3 is complete!

Block 4: Bordered Block

Block 4 is a Bordered Block.  Many traditional quilt blocks are bordered to create a visual separation from adjacent blocks.

The center design block is, like the others, a finished 4″ square.  This block includes a grey 2 1/2″ square surrounded by a 3/4″ lighter border.

Paper Piecing Diagram for the Bordered Square

Here is the Paper Piecing Diagram to transfer to graph paper.

Remember the order of seams sewn follows the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet) – I had to get a color fix – the grey monochromatic is difficult when color has been such a focus!

Sew, trim and add border in the same manner used for the earlier blocks.

Four Blocks Complete!  Or, possibly even more than four!

Block 4: Bordered Block

Block 1: Square in a Square

Another Block 1: Square in a Square

Block 2: Half Square Triangle

Block 3: Split Rail Fence