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BeginnerFoundational Units

3×3 Quilt Top Repeater

Click any block to rotate it 90° and explore custom layouts.

Quarter-Square Triangle

Four-triangle hourglass square unit for star points and lattice designs

Recolor Fabric Slots

Preset Palettes:

Block Anatomy & Specs

Grid LayoutBase Unit
Standard Sizes6", 8", 10", 12"
Seams & Techniques:
Quarter-Square Triangles (QST)
Foundational Units Used:
Half-Square Triangle

History & Origins of the Quarter-Square Triangle Block

The Quarter-Square Triangle (QST), often called an Hourglass unit, is created by crossing two diagonal seams within a single square. It features straight-of-grain edges on all four outer sides, making it structurally stable and indispensable for star points like the Ohio Star.

Cutting & Piecing Guide (12" Finished Block)

Precise unit cut sizes and step-by-step piecing instructions.

Choose a finished block size

The cut measurements below update to match.

Piece Cut List

6" Finished UnitCut 2 HST units at 7", place right sides together with opposing colors, mark diagonal line perpendicular to seam, sew 1/4" on both sides, cut.
12" Finished UnitCut 2 HST units at 13", place right sides together with opposing colors, mark diagonal line, sew 1/4" on both sides, cut.

All measurements include a standard ¼" seam allowance. Finished block size: 12".

Step-by-Step Visual Assembly

1

Create two identical HST units.

2

Place the HST units right sides together with opposite fabrics nesting at the center seam.

3

Mark a diagonal line across the existing seam.

4

Sew 1/4" on both sides of the line, cut apart, press center, and trim.

Classic Quilt Blocks Built With Quarter-Square Triangle

The Quarter-Square Triangle unit is the core building block used in these traditional patterns:

Ohio Star

Related Quilt Blocks

Ohio Star

Intermediate

Half-Square Triangle

Beginner