I've already posted how to make quick hour glass blocks here. These are great, but if you are trying to nest seams, or are using more than 2 colours, that process results in blocks which are mirror images and/or with seams that spin in opposite directions. I recently came across a method for making 4-at-a-time half-hourglass blocks, which are all identical, removing the mirror image problem. This process will let you make identical blocks, with up to 4 different colours, with no worries about reversed blocks.
First, cut 4 squares of fabric - one for each quadrant of your hourglass - which are 1 1/2" larger than your FINISHED size for your block in your quilt.
- layer 2 fabrics which will be side-by-side in your block. Looking clockwise on your finished block, put the first one on top. Draw 2 diagonal lines on the top block.
- Now, going clockwise from those diagonals, in each quadrant mark a sewing line from the edge of the block to the center. (See diagram below. Dotted line is my sewing lines)
- Now, starting a one corner, sew on your sewing line to the center, stitch along the center, then out the opposite sewing line to the edge. Repeat for the other 2 sewing lines.
- Cut the block into 4 sections along your original diagonal lines
- Open up and press to the top fabric. You will have 4 identical sections as shown here
- Repeat with your other 2 colours, being sure to layer them the same way (colour that sits the farthest couter-clockwise on top).
- Now you can sew 2 half-hourglass pieces together to make your block. All of your blocks will be identical, with no mirror imaged sections.
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