Tips & Tricks:  There are variety of ways to create half-square triangles.  Find what works best for you.

Diagonal Line:  Place 2 fabric squares (right sides together) and draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.  Stitch 1/4 inch on each side.  Cut on the diagonal line.  (Yields 2)

Triangles:  Cut fabric triangles individually and sew 2 triangles together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance  (Yields 1)

Magic 8:  Using 2 fabric squares (right sides together) draw a diagonal line from corner to corner, both directions, creating an "X".  Stitch 1/4 inch to the right and left of each marked line.  Before cutting, mark a vertical and horizontal line on your fabric.  Cut on the vertical and horizontal lines first.  Then cut on the diagonal line.  (Yields 8)

Free tutorial available HERE.

Tips & Tricks:  This block is a good block to test your cutting, sewing and pressing techniques. 

Cutting:  Check to see if the fabric edge is inside, outside or on the line of the ruler.  Be consistent with your ruler.

Seam Allowance:  Measure the placement of your needle with the foot and mark 1/4 inch, use stacked note-cards to mark seam allowance.

Pressing:  Pressing seams open (vs. to the dark) provides less bulk.  Set your seam by pressing your stitched line first then press your seam from the front to eliminate pleats.

Tips & Tricks:  Applique introduces a variety of choices for your sewing project; fusibles, stitches and threads.  Try different ones for different projects for the results that please you.

Fusible Interfacing:  Often confused with "stabilizer", which is often meant to be removed at the sewing project completion, fusible interfacing remains attached even when the project is finished.  Fusible interfacing can have fusible glue on one-side or both, depending on your project needs.  The glue is activated from the heat of an iron.  It also comes in many "weights" - this can give your applique a soft feel (light-weight) or a very heavy stiff feel (heavy-weight). 

Machine Stitches:  Common machine applique stitches over raw-edge applique are Blanket, Zig Zag, Satin, Straight and decorative (depending on your sewing machine model).

Hand Stitches:  You can do similar stitches over raw-edge applique, such a Blanket stitch for a decorative look.  For finished edges, needle-turn or turned-edge is suggested.

Thread:  Silk, light weight cotton and invisible thread can be used for machine applique and hand applique.  Thicker embroidery thread can also be used with a Blanket stitch for hand applique to finish your edges.

Tips & Tricks:  Your sewing machine needle should be changed often, not just when it breaks.  Tension problems can occur from dull or bent needles.  Check your tension with this little test:  sew with two different colors of thread; one color in the bobbin and a different color in the top.  Is your bottom thread visible on the top of your fabric?  Is your top thread visible on the bottom of you fabric?  You should adjust your tension, in small changes, to achieve your best stitches.

Tips & Tricks:  Since these are all 6 inch blocks, make a small pillow or table runner with several of your favorite block patterns.  Add coordinate sashing and maybe a border to increase the size and you have a perfect quick gift idea!

Tips & Tricks:  Make a flannel design board to audition your blocks for best placement.  Pin a vinyl table cloth (with the fuzzy flannel side out), 108" flannel backing fabric or a large piece of fleece to the wall.  Place your fabric blocks on your design wall and stand at a distance to preview your layout.  Look for good contrast - light and dark, and color placement.  Audition your blocks in several different positions to achieve your most favorite layout.

Tips & Tricks:  This block has 45 pieces and is not for the faint of heart, but WOW, what a beautiful block!  Another skill strengthening block.  Go slow, be precise and you can do this!

Enlarging Trick:  If you would like to make this block 12" instead of 6", use this easy formula -