There are many ways to cut QSTs. In this case, I wanted to cut my QSTs from leftover strips – like Bonnie Hunter does – without having to buy another ruler. QST math formula is finished size of block + 1-1/4″ equals the size square to cut. You then cut on both diagonals to yield 4 QSTs. I did just that and compared one of the QSTs to every ruler I had. I’m sure there a mathematical formula to figure out this out, but it’s Saturday and I didn’t feel like mathing that hard on the weekend.
A QST has a 90 degree angle at the peak. If you have a companion angle ruler, you could give that a try. I do not have one of those, but my Clearly Slotted Trimmers Ruler B (even numbers) provided the solution. The original strip was cut at 1-1/2″ and the hourglass blocks finish at 2″. If you see the comparison with the QST sample I cut, the 2-1/2″ line is where I need to align the ruler with the bottom of the strip to cut the correct size QST. The little bit (point) at the top that’s missing is okay, because the hourglass unit will end up slightly oversized and need to be trimmed to 2-1/2″. I cut full sides on the legs of the triangle – not cutting off the dog ears as I would for a regular HST.
My preferred trim down tool for hourglass blocks is my Tucker Trimmer from Studio 180 Designs. As you can see, the end result after trimming is a perfect 2-1/2″ hourglass block waiting to be sewn into a project. Now to make a few dozen more. The bonus: I used up short strips of fabric I would have otherwise thrown out.
Challenge yourself to figure out solutions using what you have on hand.
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