Fat Eighth HST How To

Fat Eigths or f8s, are a newer cut and one I haven't played with all that much.

But in answer to the age old question what happens if...., I have discovered a new favorite for making a lot of hsts, and getting some squares too, from f8s.

First press the crazy number of deep creases out, and use either spray starch or Best Press etc. to add some stiffness. We're throwing out the rules regarding bias on this one. I know it's scary and shocking but I promise it works out in the end.

Sew two f8s right sides together, along the long edge. Match up the cut edge, not the selvedge to get the most out of the fabric.

Press the seams to help sink the stitches.

Lay your f8 flat on your cutting surface. Clean up the edge, and lay a 12.5" ruler on the edge with the 45 degree line on the edge, so you have a triangle. Cut. Use the images below, and you'll get 4 half a quarter square triangles. (1/2 a qst)

  

 Press the triangles open. stitch two together to make a quarter square triangle.

Each f8 pair will yield 2 QST.

Trim down the qst so it is 12" square.

Making 6 cuts, subcut into 3" segments.

Each 12" qst will yield 4 & 4 3'' solid squares, and 3" 8 hsts, With the fq8 pair yielding 8 & 8, and 16 hst.