- Draw a line from one corner to the opposite corner of each 3" x 3" yellowish-green square. Pair one of the squares with a blue square of the same size. Use the easy sandwich method to turn the pair into two half square triangle units that measure 2-1/8 x 2-1/8".
- Repeat to make a total of 12 half square triangle units.
- Arrange three of the half square triangle units into two vertical rows as shown top left. Place a triangle cut by dividing 3" blue squares diagonally at the top edge of the each short row.
- Sew the components of each row together. Press seams towards the blue fabric. Join the rows and press.
- Center and sew a yellow triangle to the angled edge of the Step 4 unit (trimming the triangle's tips can help you create a perfect match). Press seam allowance towards the yellow triangle unless it is sheer (top middle and right illustration).
- Refer to the bottom left illustration -- the Step 5 unit has been turned on its side, and a horizontal row of (three each) half square triangle units rest above and below it. Arrange the units as shown and sew units in each row together. Press seam allowances towards the yellowish-green fabrics.
- Sew the new 3-unit rows to the top and bottom of the partially completed basket block (bottom middle illustration). Press seam allowances towards the new rows.
- Refer to the bottom middle drawing again and create a vertical row along the right edge of your block. The row is made up of three half square triangle units topped by the 2-5/8" blue square. Press the top seam allowance towards the blue square, the others towards the yellowish-green fabric.
- Sew the row to the right edge of the basket block as shown.
When you're assembling quilt blocks with lots of half square triangle units, it's often important to use your own judgement about the best direction to press seam allowances. The 'best' directions often depend on how the fabrics mesh together. Use pins to match seams and secure rows.
