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Cutting & Block Assembly

Half Square Ginghamskill level: Beginner with basic knowledge of quilt block piecingsize: 12.5” Square (12” finished)

#halfsquaregingham #sariella half square gingham 1

Nothing says summer like gingham and this easy-to-sew block has endless design possibilities! It is suitable for the beginner quilter with basic knowledge of quilt block piecing. Make a single block into a hotpad or mug rug, make four blocks into a mini quilt, pillow or table runner, or make a full quilt perfect for summer picnics!

The following directions outline construction of a single block. Additional pattern notes and a variety of block layouts can be found on page 3. All seam allowances are a scant 1/4”. Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.

Share your projects and find inspiration with the hashtags #halfsquaregingham, #fabricdotcomblockparty and #sariella!

This block is made up of two half square triangle (HST) halves. One half being the pieced gingham squares and the second half being a single fabric triangle.

The gingham HST is made up of twenty one squares in three fabric values – light, medium and dark. To achieve a true gingham look, your medium fabric should have the value/color of an even mix between your dark and light fabrics, as if the two were transparent and overlapped.

NOTE that there are a variety of ways to layout the gingham placement based on the final look you want or the overall layout of your project. The following directions will create the sample block shown, but you can find more information about the various gingham placements and how they are used in various projects on page 3.

From your dark fabric, cut six 2.5” squares. From your medium fabric, cut twelve 2.5” squares. From the light fabric, cut three 2.5” squares (FIG A). Piece the squares in rows (FIG B) and then piece the rows together (FIG C). Next, you will trim this half of the block.

SAMPle BlOCk

FIG A

FIG BFIG C

Cut twenty one 2.5” squares

Piece across rows Piece rows

together

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Assembly (continued)To trim your gingham HST, position it as shown in FIG D and lay your Quilter’s Ruler on top, lining up the 1/4” mark with the top and bottom points of your HST. This 1/4” line should also align with the seam points where the far right row of squares meets the next row in, shown in detail on FIG e. Trim off the overhanging squares (FIG F.)

To cut the single fabric HST for your block, cut a 12 7/8” square block from your focal print fabric. Cut the square in half along the diagonal (FIG G.) This will yield two HSTs.

To assemble the two HST halves of your block, place one solid HST and your pieced gingham HST right sides together aligning the longest flat edge of both pieces (FIG H). NOTe that the corners of the solid HST will stick out a bit past the pieced gingham. Sew along the aligned edge and press seam.

Your block should now measure 12.5” square. If needed, trim your block using a large square ruler, lining up the 6.25” mark on your ruler with the point where the center of your gingham squares meets the diagonal center seam.

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FIG D

FIG E

FIG F

Ginghamhalf square

12.875”

12.875”

FIG G

FIG H

This block is quick and easy to sew, and there are endless possibilities for using it in a variety of different projects. Combine four blocks, either in a square or in a row, to create a mini quilt, pillow, table topper or runner, or make a full quilt for all your summer adventures!

You will find some layout ideas and more notes about gingham placement on the following page.

We hope you enjoy this pattern as much as we do! Share your projects and find inspiration on social media with the hashtags

#halfsquaregingham and #fabricdotcomblockparty on social media!

half square gingham 3

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Ginghamhalf square

Notes & TipsThere are a variety of ways to layout multiple blocks to achieve different looks. As mentioned in the assembly section, adjustment of the light, medium, and dark gingham squares is needed to create different looks, especially where the look of continuous gingham is desired, or simply if you would like more light vs. dark in your blocks.

To the right are some examples of multiple block layouts which can used as is to create pillows, runners, table toppers, or bags, or can be repeated to create full quilts. Note the differences in the gingham value placements in each block and how they work together in various arrangements. Below are some of these layouts repeated.

More InspirationYou can find more ideas and inspiration for using this block, and all the blocks in the Fabric.com Summer Block Party at sariella.com, search “half square gingham”.

Fabrics used in the featured block are from Fabric.com:Flamingo Floral Multi from Flamingos by Melissa YbarraMini Flamingos Pink from Flamingos by Melissa YbarraKona Cotton in Snow from Robert KaufmanKona Cotton in Punch from Robert Kaufman

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