How to Cut Quilt Blocks in Half (Easy Tutorial)
One of the fun parts of making the Happy Camper quilt is getting to cut quilt blocks in half! In this blog post, I am going to show you exactly how to do that using fusible interfacing.
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Why Cut Quilt Blocks in Half
Quilt patterns that are set-on point require either setting triangles or blocks cut in half diagonally to finish the edges of the quilt. Happy Camper actually uses both!
Why Use Interfacing
When it comes to cutting blocks in half, you can certainly do it without any type of interfacing. However, when you cut a quilt block in half, you are cutting through seams and you will leave those seams susceptive to unraveling and the cut edges will be prone to stretching and warping. Applying fusible interfacing before cutting will help to prevent these issues.
The fusible interfacing I am using is a 1.5″ wide roll. It’s made by Make it Simpler and advertises multiple uses including preventing stretch on bias edges of quilt blocks and fusing together batting pieces.
How to Fuse Interfacing
To get started, cut a piece of interfacing roughly the length of the block that you will be cutting in half.
Next, flip the block over and fuse the interfacing to the back of the block, along the section that will be cut.
Make sure to follow the instructions that are included with the interfacing you are using. For this Fusible Interfacing from Make It Simpler, the instructions call for you to trim the interfacing to the desired length and then steam baste along the edge with the tip of the iron. Then, cover the area with a damp cloth and press with your iron for a full 10 seconds. Let cool and then check the bond of the interfacing. Repeat if necessary. Flip the block over and steam press again from the front of the block.
After you have the interfacing fused to the back of the block, trim the excess that may be hanging over the side of the block.
How to Cut the Quilt Block in Half
When you are ready to cut the block in half, I suggest using the longest ruler you can. I am using a 24″ ruler. I am cutting this quarter log cabin block in half diagonally, so I will be lining up the ruler on the outer corners. Take care to also line up the points within the block. This will help ensure that the two halves of the block are symmetrical.
When cutting, be sure to hold the ruler firmly to avoid slipping. The last thing we want is for our rotary cutter to slip while cutting our blocks in half.
Pin it for Later
Does this work if the quilt is already pieced and the instructions are to trim the triangles in half to square up the quilt?
Hi Elaine, I imagine the fusible interfacing would work great for that! I have used it to cut a quilt top in half.