How to Make The Hourglass Quilt Block

Making the traditional Hourglass Quilt Block is very easy. By taking two pieces of cloth in different colors, you can create hourglass blocks of any size you need. Additionally, you can tailor the size of the initial block to make blocks compositions of any size you desire. Hourglass blocks can be quickly and easily put together, allowing you to make an entire quilt with just these blocks. Alternatively, you can blend them with other types of blocks.

Instructions to Make the Hourglass Quilt Block

First you will need to decide the size you want your blocks to be depending on the final size of your project. Then cut 2 squares of fabric according to the chart below.

When you select contrasting fabrics/colors the resulting combination will make your design stand out.

Draw a diagonal line from one corner to its opposite on the back side of the fabric, aligning the two right sides of each square.

Sew the two squares with a 1/4″ seam allowance away from this center line on both sides of it and cut the squares in half along the drawn line, then cut them in half over the opposite diagonal.

Press the seam of each triangle piece open towards the side of the darker fabric.

Line up the pieces to form two hourglass blocks with the same colors opposite each other.

With their right sides facing each other, stitch along the longer edge to assemble the blocks. Press the seam allowance towards one side. To finish, trim to the size you selected from the chart

Now you can make your imagination fly!

Here are some combinations you can make with only 16 blocks.

You may want to watch The Hourglass Quilt Block – Learn to Quilt! by Missouri Star that shows how to do the classic Hour Glass block using precut fabric, quickly and easily.