Quilt Fairy Frolic Block 2: Disappearing Hourglass

How to Sew Quilt Fairy Frolic Block 2: Disappearing Hourglass

Ready for a little quilting magic? In Block 2 of Quilt Fairy Frolic, Angela starts with a classic hourglass block, then cuts, rotates, and rearranges the pieces to create a completely different design. It’s a fun technique that looks much more complicated than it really is. 

Along the way, you’ll work on accurate half-square triangles, nested seams, thoughtful pressing, and keeping your pieces organized as the block comes together. You’ll finish by adding the outer “crown” and flippy corners, plus you’ll create four bonus daughter blocks to save for later in the quilt.

Download the Pattern!

Just Catching Up? Start Here:

Fabric Selection GuideBlock 1: Appliqué Leaves

A Few Helpful Tools

  • Magic Wand - quilting supply from Quilted Joy

    Quilter’s Magic Wand

    Quickly mark accurate stitching lines for your half-square triangles.

  • Tucker Trimmer Quilt ruler by Deb Tucker

    Tucker Trimmer

    Trim your half-square triangles accurately to size before assembling the hourglass. 

  • Medium Wool Pressing Mat

    Wool Pressing Mat

    Helps your seams press crisp and flat as your block comes together. 

  • Cluck Cluck Sew Diagonal Seam Tape - image 2 - quilting supply from Quilted Joy

    ¼" Seam Tape

    Gives you a longer visual guide for keeping your piecing headed toward an accurate quarter-inch seam.

Skills You’ll Learn

  • How to make oversized half-square triangles
  • How to trim half-square triangles accurately
  • How to piece four units into an hourglass block
  • How to spin the center seam for a flatter block
  • How to cut and rotate an hourglass into a disappearing hourglass
  • How to keep your cut pieces organized before sewing
  • How to press seams in opposite directions so they nest
  • How to add the outer crown around the block
  • How to make flippy corners
  • How to save your corner cutoffs as bonus daughter blocks for later 

Angela’s goal is to show you how a few simple techniques can completely transform a block. This month is all about accuracy, organization, and discovering the little bit of magic that happens when you cut, rotate, and rearrange familiar units.

Don’t Toss Those Corners!

When you make the flippy corners, sew a second line ½" away from the diagonal seam before trimming. Cut between the two stitching lines and you’ll get your flippy corner plus a bonus half-square triangle. Save all four of these “daughter blocks.” Angela has plans for them later in Quilt Fairy Frolic!

Piecing on the Baby Lock Accomplish 2

Angela pieces Block 2 on the Baby Lock Accomplish 2, a powerful straight-stitch machine that’s right at home with precision piecing. Its large throat space gives you plenty of room to work, while the quarter-inch foot makes it easy to keep your seams consistent. 

The Accomplish 2 is also built to handle heavier projects like bags, denim, and canvas, but still gives you the clean, accurate straight stitch you want for quilt piecing. Its suction cups help keep the machine and extension table steady while you sew.

Want to explore everything the Baby Lock Accomplish 2 can do? Stop by Quilted Joy for a test drive or call us at (502) 718-7148 to learn more.

Learn More

Choose Your Quilt Fairy Frolic Colorway

Choose your favorite Quilt Fairy Frolic colorway and let the Quilt Fairies take care of the fabric selection for you.

Quilt Fairy Frolic Dusk & Roses Quilt Kit

Quilt Fairy Frolic Dusk & Roses Quilt Kit

$159.99
Quilt Fairy Frolic Berry Enchanted Batik quilt kit complete layout

Quilt Fairy Frolic Berry Enchanted Batik Quilt Kit

$159.99
Quilt Fairy Frolic Tropical Harmony Botanical Radiance bundle

Quilt Fairy Frolic Tropical Harmony Quilt Kit

$149.99
Shop All Quilt Fairy Frolic Kits

Using Fabric From Your Stash?

You can absolutely make Quilt Fairy Frolic with fabric you already have. Use our Before You Begin Fabric Guide to see the fabric requirements for the entire quilt and get tips for choosing fabrics that will work well together.

View the Before You Begin Fabric Guide

Show Us Your Quilt Fairy Frolic!

We can't wait to see your Quilt Fairy Frolic come to life! Once you've finished your blocks, snap a photo and share it with us in the Quilted Joy Clubhouse Facebook group. We love seeing the different fabrics, colors, and personalities everyone brings to their quilt.

Share Your Blocks in the Clubhouse
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