The versatile Half Square Triangle (HST) is a basic in quilting units - and I explored my love affair with HSTs here. But what is a fun variation on this amazing unit? The split rectangle!
As I've done with several other units, I'm going to walk you through making this unit using a Studio 180 tool, the Split Rect tool.
Split Rectangle Step One
Like the rest of the Studio 180 tools, the Split Rect tool will enable you to make multiple sizes of the the Split Rectangle unit. The tool comes with detailed instructions on cutting and trimming, and like many of the tools, has you begin with strips. One strip will be the left side of the unit, while the other strip will be the right side of the unit. So Step One is to cut and layer your strip sets, either right sides together or wrong sides together, so you will be able to cut mirror image units.
Split Rectangle Step Two
Using the right side of the tool, you'll line up the trimmed raw edges of the strips with the line marked (conveniently) Cut Edge of Strip, and the bottom of the strip with the appropriate size unit line. You'll then cut along the angled right side. You'll then continue along the strip sets, rotating the strip set as you go.
Split Rectangle Step Three
To make the split rectangle units, pair the left and right side cuts. Notice that you can create a unit that angles from top right to bottom left or a unit that angles from top left to bottom right. Depending upon your design, you might want all left angling or all right angling units, or you might want a mix of both.
Split Rectangle Step Four
Your next step is standard for most piecing. Match up the angled cut sides, right sides together, and center the edges. Stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance.
Split Rectangle Step Five
Press the seams open - trust me, press them open. Your units will be nice and flat and easy to trim down. Right now they are oversized, which is intentional. This removes the stress of lining up the pieces when sewing and allows for practically perfect blocks every time!
Split Rectangle Step Six
Using the opposite side of the Split Rects took, line up the angled line with the seam line and the appropriate size unit and trim the top and right (for right handed folks - lefties will trim left and top). As with HST units, you'll rotate the block and line up again to trim the remaining two sides.
When trimmed, your Split Rects units will look like this. No, the seam does NOT go corner to corner. Because of the angle, it needs to come in approximately 1/4" to allow for the seam allowance. Looks easy, right? It is! So how can this unit be used?
The split rects unit is the main unit in my quilt Spark. Some simple sashing and partial seams, plus unique color placement, create a faux border and two color diamonds. And yes, you can find this pattern, plus a whole lot more, on my website if you are super excited to try making some split rects units!
Head over to Kate's blog to get some additional ideas on the split rects block as well.
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