Hourglass Quilt with Expression Batik
A simple traditional quilt block that can make a big impact when you play with these colorful Batik fabrics.
Free hourglass block tutorial
First, let's get to know this collection "The Expressions Batiks Tjaps". Tjap, pronounced "chop," is a batik fabric stamp created with thin strips of copper that are manipulated by hand into florals, geometrics, or other motifs. These beautiful motifs are then welded onto a metal base. The motifs are typically denser and medium or large in design. Color combinations vary for more depth and movement.
Materials
You need 12 fabrics, divide all fabrics into 6 pairs (light & dark).
- 1/3 yard each from 12 fabrics, cut each fabric to:
- (1) 10" x WOF, and subcut to (4) 10" x 10"
Making 2-at-a-time hSTs
From the first pair, stack (2) Squares (light & dark) right sides together, then draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the top square from one corner to the opposite corner. Sew a ¼” seam on both sides from the drawnline.
Cut along the guideline, press the seam towards the dark fabric. DO NOT TRIM.
Making HOURGLASS BLOCKS
Stack 2 HSTs from previous step in correct layout by placing opposite colors on top of each other (light fabric on dark fabric), right sides together. Be sure the seams line up. Secure with a pin.
NOTE: PLACEMENT MATTERS! Before sewing, fold back the fabric on one of the stitching lines. You should see an hourglass shape.
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side on the top HST from one corner to the opposite corner. Sew a ¼” seam on both sides from the guideline. Cut along the guideline, press open.
Trim each Hourglass Block to 9” x 9”.
Repeat these steps with all the squares. You should have 8 Hourglass Blocks from each pair and a total of 48 Hourglass Blocks.
I played around with the layout a bit, and decided to go with this one. 8 rows of 6 Hourglass Blocks. I pressed all my seams open to keep the quilt top nice and flat. But you may press in alternate directions. For example, Press row 1, 3, 5 & 7 to the right and row 2, 4, 6 & 8 to the left. Then your seams should nest perfectly when you sew all the rows together. The finished quilt size is 51” x 68”, a perfect size for a movie night on the couch.
Make it scrappy
One thing I love about this quilt is that you can also make a scrappy version using your layer cake + something from your stash. And you don’t even need a background fabric for this!
All you need is (48) 10” squares, which means (1) layer cake (42 pcs) + (6) 10” squares.
I chose the simple quilting design called “Marmalade” from Urban Elementz to give it textures but not too busy. I hope you enjoy making this simple Hourglass Quilt, and your stash gets a little smaller :)
Remember to tag me @Thaicharmllc when you share your projects made with my tutorials or patterns on social media, using hashtag #ThaiCharmPatterns. I can’t wait to see what you make!
