Booksy Block #1: Helpful tips for beginners

Booksy Block 1 might look complex, but it is simply made up of half square triangles (HSTs) oriented in various directions. HSTs are one of the fundamental blocks of quilting, so if you're a beginner, it's worth taking the time to learn how to make them and trim them correctly!

How to Make 8-at-a-time Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

While all of the directions for magic-8 HSTs are included in the pattern, sometimes it's helpful to see a video of it being done. Here is a quick one:

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How To Trim HSTs

I have designed the Booksy Block 1 pattern so that the HSTs will be slightly oversized, which makes them easier to trim accurately. There are two ways to trim half square triangles. 

Trimming Option 1: Using a regular quilting ruler

You'll need a ruler with a 45-degree line. I prefer this Omnigrid 12-inch Square Up Ruler.

The key to this method is to always keep the 45 degree angle aligned with the HST seam. That way, you'll keep your points every time. 

First, press your HST open. Next, align the ruler's 45-degree line with the HST seam. Using the measurements on your ruler, extend your HST just slightly past the measurement that you're trimming to. The HSTs for our General Squires' block will measure 3.5" square. You'll make two cuts: one to square up the bottom and right side of the HST and one to square up the top and left side of the HST.

The first cut is shown below. Notice how the top and left sides (under the ruler) of the HST extend slightly past the 3.5" mark. This ensures that you will have something to trim once you rotate the block. 

Next, rotate the HST so that the other two untrimmed sides extend slightly past the 3.5". Align the diagonal seam with the 45-degree line on your ruler again. This time, align the left and bottom sides of the HST with your desired HST size. Trim the edges.

Trimming Option 2: using a slotted HST ruler

These are my preferred slotted rulers.

 There is one ruler used to trim HSTs to whole inches, and one ruler used to trim HSTs to half inches.

This is my preferred method. It only requires you to cut each block twice. When using a slotted trimmer, do not press the HST open prior to trimming. Simply find the measurement that you want to trim to on the ruler, then align that measurement with the HST seam. Trim the two edges of the HST that extend beyond the ruler. The little slots are used for trimming the dog ears (those little corners). 

Once you've trimmed, press the HST open, and you're finished. 

Here is a short video showing both HST trimming methods:

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 What does nesting seams mean?

If you have wonky looking quilt blocks, where the seams don't quite line up, try this method! Nesting seams refers to when seams interock like puzzle pieces. For Booksy Block 1, try pressing the seams in each row in alternating directions. (Row 1: Press all seams to the right, Row 2: press all seams to the left, etc.). Once you place the rows right sides together, the seams between blocks will "click" into place and align more easily! Don't forget to pin your seams into place before sewing. 

Here is another quick video to show this technique:

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I hope these pointers help you have success with block 1! I am absolutely loving all of your Booksy Blocks that you've tagged me in over on Instagram. Be sure to follow the hashtag #booksyblockproject for lots of reading and color palette inspiration. Booksy block 2 will release here on the blog on February 1, 2025. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!