Christmas Three Sisters QAL – Week Three
Creating Your HSTs
This week we are crafting the Half-Square Triangles that will form the definition of your stars and create those sharp edges.
You will be using the bigger squares to create your HSTs
Sewing Focus
For the HSTs in this pattern we will be using the two-at-a-time method, this works great when using multiple scrap pieces.
-Using the larger squares pick one background and one accent fabric.
-Place right sides to right sides.
-Draw a diagonal line with a pen or pencil.
-Keep a consistent ¼” seam for every HST pair and stitch either side of the line.
-Cut along the drawn line to create two triangles.
-Press before trimming, it keeps the units stable.
-Trim every HST according to the pattern and your chosen size.
-Press seams open for flatness or towards the darker fabric for strength.
Fabric Contrast
Strong contrast is what makes your star stand out.
Aim for:
Light background + darker feature fabrics.
Avoid pairing prints that are similar in value, stand back to check.
The greater the difference, the clearer the design.
Cosy Snack
A warm mince pie! Perfect for nibbling between pressing and trimming, the scent alone brings on the festive mood.
Nancy Birtwhistle has some excellent tips for keeping batches of homemade mince pies in the freezer over on her Instagram.
Winter Folklore
The Snowdrop Legend
In old folklore, snowdrops, the first flowers of winter, were said to appear when an angel breathed on falling snow to comfort a despairing Eve as she left Eden.
They symbolise hope, renewal, and the quiet promise of brighter days.
Your HSTs are your snowdrops this week, small beginnings that hold the whole quilt’s shape within them.
