MINI TUTORIAL: Fringe Benefit Block

Looking for a way to use up surplus Half Square Triangles (HST)? This might be just the thing you are looking for. Gather up all the HST you have laying around, pick a size, add some low volume scraps, and, before you know it, you have a beautiful quilt to share.

I built my quilt without sashing, and the quilt sizes below assume that. You will likely come up with variations, and I would love to see them all.

NOTE: The quilt above is a 2-1/2″ HST variation using 36 blocks and finishing at 72″x72″.

Fringe Benefit Blocks/Quilt Size Options
#of blocks required and approximate finished size.
Trimmed HST SizeFinished Block SizeBaby QuiltThrowTwinQueen
2-1/2″12″9: 36″x36″25: 60″x60″42: 72″ x 84″64: 96″ x 96″
2″9″16: 36″x36″49: 63″ x 63″72: 72″x81″121: 99″x99″
1-1/2″6″36: 36″ x 36″100: 60″ x 60″168: 72″x84″256: 96″x96″

FRINGE BENEFIT BLOCK

For each block you need:

28 HST trimmed to your chosen size (based on chart above). High contrast between the “color” and the “background” is recommended.

4 Low volume rectangles (For 2-1/2″ HST: 2-1/2″x4-1/2″. For 2″ HST: 2″x3-1/2″. For 1-1/2″ HST: 1-1/2″x2-1/2″)

Layout as per picture above. I assembled mine 9-patch style. Meaning: 1. each of the 4-patch corners, 2. the middle diamond, and 3. the four flying geese and low volume rectangles. Then joined into rows. Then the entire block.

NOTE: It will be better for bulk management if you press the seam allowances of the HST open after trimming and before assembly..

I grouped my HST by color. It isn’t necessary, but it helped to give flow to the finished product. And an interesting secondary pattern emerges.

Finished quilt is worth the work and wait!

This is very much a MINI tutorial. Your questions and comments are welcome. Enjoy!

Fringe Benefit Gallery

…your beautiful creations here.

Scrappy Sampler Sew Along: Blocks 9, 10, 11, 12

In spite of life events, I have managed to stay caught up with the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

While I have been quilting for some time, it is never too late to try something new. While working on this quiltalong, I have focused on pressing the seam allowance of my HST open after trimming them. I am surprised at the difference it makes. There is less slip due to bulk when I am assembling the blocks, and the blocks are flatter in the end. Who knew?

Not only will I have a fun quilt, but also a new-to-me technique. Sound like an all-around win!

Heart Throw COMPLETE

This started off as a little bundle of three floral print fat quarters. I found some friends for them and, using my favorite Heart Block Pattern, started sewing.

The 6″ size made best use of the fabric I had available. When trimmed to 2-1/2″ the HST cut-offs became the border.

The backing matches beautifully and came from stash, where it had been for a long time. Don’t you just love it when fabric finds its purpose?!

I have another heart quilt in mind and hope to start it in the next few weeks. I need to get the idea drawn up first.

Good Idea. Poor Execution.

I had seen something similar (without a pattern I could identify) on Pinterest . It turned out to be a good idea that didn’t work.

I am very pleased with the solid flying geese blocks. But, the background…If it had all been the flowers, or the other bright print. But, mixing the two with some leftover scraps…Not successful.

That said, I am going to try again with a single print. The idea deserves a second chance.

ps–I have been calling it the Ugly Geese Quilt, which isn’t fair, because the geese aren’t ugly at all.

Glimpsed

While visiting Sparkle Jane and her family this past weekend, I was out on a pre-dawn walk.

As I wandered and pondered through the quiet neighborhood, I caught a glimpse into the home of what is surely a kindred spirit. Ah….

Scrappy Sampler Sew Along: Blocks 5 And 6 And 7 And 8.

I got a little behind due to…well, life! But, I am caught up with the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

Week 3 and Week 4 are available on YouTube.

I changed to using the red, white and blue color patterns. They work better with my scrapp-ier plan. I am very pleased at how blocks 7 and 8 went because of that.

I was also glad to use some of the pre-cut items that Debra included in the mystery kit she sent me. No, those are not going to waste.

Looking forward to the coming blocks this week.

Blessing Dress

Sparkle Jane hoped for a dress for the blessing of Baby L. (A baby blessing is a religious naming ceremony.)

Wow, I haven’t sewn clothing in a long while. And, with the demise of Joann’s, apparel fabric is hard to find.

But, thrift stores are still a good option. This women XL shirt was the starting point.

With additions from the big pile of miscellaneous stuff, we have a dress.

And a head band.

And very few small scraps. Good thing the shirt wasn’t any smaller.