4-at-a-Time Half Square Triangles & a Broken Dishes Quilt Block
This is a fast, no-fail method for making four half square triangles in a snap! I use this method to make the Broken Dishes quilt block, which is my go-to block when I need to whip up a quick and easy quilt with a timeless appeal. The block can easily be made in any size, and is a great option for using a stack of precut 10” or 5” squares.
I made this throw size quilt entirely out of Broken Dishes blocks. I used a 10” stacker from the Sugar and Spice collection designed by Lindsay Wilkes, aka The Cottage Mama for Riley Blake Designs.
I felt this sweet Valentine themed fabric line would be a perfect fit with the Broken Dishes block style because the blocks do have a sort of “envelope” look to them that lends itself nicely to the idea of giving and sending Valentines. I did add a few extra prints from Riley Blake’s Basics in Gingham, Kisses, and Dots.
For the quilt back and binding, I used this adorable little houndstooth print from the Oh Happy Day! collection designed by Sandy Gervais for Riley Blake Designs. I attached this binding using my sewing machine, which means I first attached it to the back, then folded it over and topstitched it to the front. I do get asked about this method — if the stitching shows on the back, and if so, does that bother me?
There are people who take their time and carefully top stitch so that their stitching only goes through the binding on the back, and therefore doesn’t show on the quilt back fabric. I don’t have the patience for that:) I stitch away, and don’t worry about stitching appearing on the quilt back. It typically blends in so that it isn’t noticeable, like you see here. It is very hard to detect the stitching line. If I were using a solid fabric or fabric that contrasted greatly with my thread, then yes, it would certainly show and it might even bug me. I try to pick fabric and thread for my quilt back and binding that avoids that issue by letting the thread color blend in nicely.
Let’s get started on our Four at a Time Half Square Triangles and turn them into a fun, classic Broken Dishes quilt block.
Step 1
You’ll start with two same size squares. These squares are 10” and they make a 12” finished block.
Step 2
Place your squares together with right sides facing.
Step 3
Using a 1/4” seam allowance, sew around the entire perimeter of the square.
Step 4
Place your ruler so it aligns corner to corner.
Step 5
Cut along the diagonal line.
Step 6
Repeat a cut along the opposite diagonal line.
Step 7
You now have four triangular shaped sections that look like this.
Step 8
Open the sections and press seam toward the darker fabric.
Step 9
Arrange the four squares so that the darker halves point toward each other and the lighter halves point toward each other, as shown here.
Step 10
Place the top squares so they are facing each other with right sides together as shown. Stitch along the right side. Press seam toward the darker fabric.
Repeat with the bottom squares.
Step 11
Here you see the top squares are stitched together, and the bottom squares are stitched together. In this block, I always pressed towards the red heart fabric.
Step 12
Place the two rows together with right sides facing. As you arrange the pieces, make sure your center seams are nesting (facing opposite directions and butted up against each other) as shown in this photo.
Step 13
Press the long seam open.
Step 14
Trim block to 12 1/2” or whatever size you are working with.
Take a look at my video demonstrating how I make these blocks.
Once you have a stack of Broken Dishes blocks finished, you can quickly sew them into rows and turn them into a timeless quilt ready for snuggles or just to brighten up a room.
This throw size quilt used twenty-five 12 1/2” blocks — five rows of five blocks each. I used an entire 10” stacker + a few extra squares of coordinating Riley Blake Basics.
I LOVE these fun blocks and this quick 4 at a time technique which allowed me to whip a quilt just in time for Valentine’s Day!