In the final part of our patchwork piecing series, we show you how to make the beautiful hourglass block. It's easier than you might think!

This is the final instalment in our patchwork piecing tricks series, and this time we’re looking at the hourglass unit, which is also known as a quarter square triangle. You can find all this information and more in the reference section of the Quilter’s Planner, and do check out our other tutorials on half square triangles, flying geese units and the square in a square block too!

So, the hourglass unit. It looks tricky, but when you know how, it’s so easy!

1) First of all, refer to the planner or the online tutorial and use the two at a time method to make 2 half-square triangles. There is no need to trim them at this stage.

2) Place the two HSTs right sides together so that the seams nest. Draw a diagonal line using a removable marking pen on the back of the HSTs, perpendicular to the seam.

3) Sew a 1/4” either side of the drawn line and then cut down the line.

4) Open out and press the seams open. Trim the hourglass units to the desired size.

Aren’t they just such lovely blocks, with so many possibilities!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this patchwork piecing tricks series. Don’t forget you can find all of this and more in the Quilter’s Planner, which is packed full of inspiration, patterns and projects to inspire you, every day.