I had the pleasure of creating the November block for the 12 minis sew along. I love using traditional
blocks and turning them into something new. In the block this month, I used the traditional hourglass
block to create the petals of my poinsettia flower. In this guide, we’ll focus on a crucial technique that
will make a significant difference in the outcome of your block: nesting seams. Nesting seams might
sound like a complex term, but fear not – it’s a friendly and essential skill that will help you achieve
perfect center points in your hourglass blocks.
Understanding the Hourglass Block
Before we dive into the art of nesting seams, let’s take a quick look at what an hourglass block is. An
hourglass block is a classic quilt block consisting of four triangles that form a square. The magic happens in the center where the points of the triangles meet, creating a visually striking hourglass shape.
Nesting Seams: What and Why?
Nesting seams is a technique that involves aligning the seams of two fabric pieces perfectly so that they
fit together seamlessly when stitched. This method is particularly important when working with
hourglass blocks because it ensures that the center point of your block lines up precisely, resulting in a
polished finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Nesting Seams for Hourglass Blocks
- Precise Cutting and Marking: Start by carefully cutting your fabric into the required squares.
Precision at this stage will make nesting seams much more manageable. Draw a diagonal line on
the wrong side of the squares and sew 1/4” seam on opposite sides of the line. - Press Seams: Press the seams of the triangles to the same fabric on all of them. This will allow
you to nest your seams on the following step. Draw another diagonal line on the wrong side of
the half square triangles. - Aligning Seams: Place the two half square triangles together, right sides facing, and align the
pressed seams. Ensuring that the seams match perfectly is the key to nesting success. (See
image below) - Sewing with Care: Stitch ¼” on opposite sides of the drawn line, keeping a steady hand and
maintaining the alignment. Take your time – accuracy is more important than speed. - Pressing Matters: After sewing, press the seam open. This step will help set the stitches and
reduce bulk at the center point so that it is easier to trim to the correct size.
Conclusion
Nesting seams may take a bit of practice, but the effort is well worth the polished results it brings to
your hourglass blocks. Remember, quilting is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final
product. So, embrace the learning curve, take your time, and enjoy the journey of creating beautiful,
perfectly matched hourglass blocks for your poinsettia flower. Happy quilting!
Thanks to Kelsey of White Rose Designs for designing this months mini! Grab the pattern HERE!