An Hourglass a Day Project & How to Make an Hourglass Quilt Block.

I always love a good challenge and this project is one that I found on Instagram. The challenge is to simple create an hourglass quilt block each day. What’s fun about challenges like this one, is it is super simple and takes no time at all and in several weeks you end up with lots of blocks to use in a project. It is also a GREAT scrap buster.

I also use these blocks as my starters and in-between piecing bigger blocks together (I love chain piecing to save on thread). Sometime my machine wants to “eat” my fabric especially when I am sewing small pieces together. Using my hourglass blocks as starters helps reduce my machine from pushing my other blocks down into the face plate and feed dogs.

See what I made using my hourglass blocks here!

So how do you make an hourglass block? There are different ways to make one but I like the method that actually makes TWO identical blocks at the same time. As you can see from the photos above I have two of each.

Follow the steps below to start creating your own hourglass blocks.

Cut two squares (see chart for commonly used block sizes). Place right sides together and draw a diagonal line down one on the squares.
Sew 1/4″ away from your drawn line on both sides of your square.
Cut apart your square on the drawn line. You will now have 2 half square triangles.
Press your seams. I usually go towards the darker fabric but sometimes it depends on your pattern.
Layer your two half square triangles on top one another. Layer them according to the photo above. If you layer them wrong you will end up sewing the same fabric back together (I am speaking from experience!)
Repeat the same steps above. Draw a diagonal line down the wrong side of your fabric. Sew 1/4″ away from your drawn line on both sides of your square.
Cut down your drawn line and press open your newly made hourglass blocks.
Square up your block using your ruler. (Mine is a little off)
Tada! You now have two hourglass blocks!

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Are you going to join in on the fun #anhourglassaday challenge?

Happy Sewing!

Start to bloom by choosing JOY ~ Julia

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