Sewing/trimming half rectangle triangles (HRTs) is not as straight forward as you may think. Unlike half square triangles (HSTs), they are offset a little when trimmed to allow the diagonal seam to perfectly meet the corner when sewn into a block.
This HRT block with a Twist by Twiggy and Opal (photo above), is an opportunity to learn how to create perfect HRTs. Before rushing in, brush up on how to make HRTs (using a rectangular ruler) from one of the following references.
Our block will have 2 differences:
1. We will be cutting our HRT a different size than in the references
2. We will only do the diagonal cut in one direction (top left to bottom right).
The block assembly also includes sewing a partial seam. If you are unsure on how to do that check out the excellent tutorial below:
HRT Tutorial by Andrea Tsang
YouTube by xoxsew
HRT for Beginners at (4 minutes)
Partial seam Tutorial by Fresh Lemons Quilts
Fabric/Cutting:
- Choose bright colours to make for a vibrant quilt when assembled.
- To optimize colour variety it is recommended to plan on making 2 blocks by cutting the following:
- Cut eight 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ rectangles from different solid (or reads as solid) coloured fabrics.
- Cut two 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares from another solid coloured fabric.
Note: after trimming, our HRTs will be 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Instructions:
1. Cut all rectangles diagonally from upper left to lower right corner.
2. Mix and match the triangles sewing two different colours together to form a rectangle. Sew a scant 1/4″ seam.
Using the HRT assembly/trimming method in the tutorials, trim rectangles to 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.
Follow the block assembly using the instructions on the Twiggy and Opal website.
Note: you will be starting on the 9th picture and your HRT will differ in that it will be multicoloured unlike those pictured in the tutorial which are only 2 colours. Also the seam of the HRT will go from the lower left to top right.
Unfinished block size is 8 1/2 “x 8 1/2”.
You will have 2 blocks.
Well done! keep going…
