Half Square Triangles - Eight at a time

Videos and helpful resources

I love the Sawtooth star. I use it in lots of projects, from quilts to little sewing pouches. Have some fun with some leftover fabrics and make your own colour combos. 
It's a different method for HSTs this week and it's my favourite. Eight at a time is a really quick way of making lots of HSTs at the same time. It's a great method if you have a lot of layer cakes (10" squares), you can make a quilt top in no time at all. 

TIP - After sewing the ¼" lines either side of the drawn lines cut the large square vertically and horizontally; before cutting the diagonal lines. 
Sewing HSTs together
If the points of two HSTs need to match into a 'V shape' then once you have matched them, use a pin along the diagonal seam to hold in place.

I always find it easier to start the sewing from the end where the points meet. If I start from the other end the points sometimes move out of alignment.  To do this place the presser foot down so that the needle will go in just before the diagonal seam, then sew forwards and then backwards a few stitches. 
Picture
Pressing the Sawtooth Star

This quilt block is a great block for nesting seams, which makes it easier to get matched up. I have pressed open the seams of the HSTs, and then pressed the remaining seams towards the darker fabric.  If you follow this then the seams will go in opposite directions for each row. 
Remember to post your photos using the #signalquiltalong and tag me @paulasteel.quilts and Lisa @modernquiltclub so we can share in your achievements and spread the encouragement. 

I hope you've enjoyed the 8 at a time HSTs, they really are my favourite block. Remember to check back next week for week 5