HST Block Scrap Buster Tutorial

This tutorial makes a very simple block that when turned different directions makes some really great secondary patterns.  Here is a picture of two finished blocks.  Always put the lighter color in the position of the light aqua in this first block.  In the second block, the orange is the lighter color so it now is placed in that position.

Here is an example of what the blocks look like when arranged properly and sewn together.   I love this scrappy patchwork look!

FABRIC NEEDED:
Two colors, one dark and one light.  They don't have to be in the same family as long as one is dark and one is light and there is plenty of contrast.

CUT FROM EACH FABRIC:
One 5 3/4" square
Four 2 1/2" squares

Using the large square from each fabric, make 8 HST's as follows:
Draw diagonal lines from corner to corner to make X on back of lighter square:

Sew 1/4" inch away from the drawn lines on each side of both lines:

Cut on lines and also from top to bottom and from side to side as follows:

You will have 8 half square triangles.  Press open for best results.  This is the only time you will need to do this.

Trim to 2 1/2 inches.

Arrange all square and HST's as follows (always put the lighter color where the orange appears in this block)

Sew each row together and wait until all four rows have been sewed before presseing seams.  Press the first row one way, and row two the opposite way and keep going back and forth like that so your seams will nest together nicely when you sew the rows together.

Ta da!  You are done!