Quick Piecing Quarter Square Triangles-- The Ohio Star Block

The second block that we are going to make for our Beginner Sampler is the Ohio Star.  In the following picture of an Ohio Star, the blue "star points" are quarter square triangles and, just like the half square triangles in the previous post, they can be quick pieced for a fast and easy block!

In order to quick piece quarter square triangles, we first have to make half square triangles, exactly like we did in the previous post.  You will start with two squares that are each 5-1/4" X 5-1/4".  One square will be your background fabric and one square will be one of your accent fabrics (whatever color you want your star to be). 

Referring to the previous post, make two half square triangles and press your seams toward the dark fabric.  On the back of one of the half square triangles, draw another pencil line, this time going in the opposite direction of your original pencil line (dissecting the first line). Now place your two half square triangles right sides together, with the light side of one half square triangle "kissing" the dark side of the other half square triangle and vice versa. Once again, sew a line 1/4" on each side of the pencil line.  When you have finished, cut on the pencil line, and you will have two completed quarter square triangles!

Now, how did we know to start with 5-1/4" squares?  Once again, we have to start by figuring out the "finished" size of our quarter square triangle. By looking at the picture of the Ohio Star above and knowing that it is a 12" finished block, we can figure that each of our quarter square triangles is 4" finished.  Instead of adding 7/8" like we did with the half square triangle, though, for the quarter square triangle we add 1-1/4".

Just remember, the math will ALWAYS be the same for every quarter square triangle: finished size plus 1-1/4".

Next-- the Flying Geese!