There are several variations of the Double Hourglass quilt block, depending on the source for the layout and design. In this article, I’ll show you how to make the Double Hourglass 1 Quilt Pattern that is popular with quilters today. This block is also referred to as the Double Spool quilt block. This quilt block is easiest to make if you have a special right triangle quilter’s ruler available. Each ruler works a little differently, but the basics of cutting and sewing the block are the same.

The Double Hourglass 1 quilt is called that due to the shapes formed by the two fabrics used in this quilt block. Here is layout for this version of the Double Hourglass 1 quilt block:

It’s fairly easy to put together, if you are comfortable working with fabric cut on the bias. All you need is a strip from each of your fabrics. Here is a fabric calculator for popular sizes (and the formula if you want a different size).

One (1) Quilt Block

How to Make the Double Hourglass Quilt Block 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

The Double Hourglass quilt block 1 is a popular version of this block, using two fabrics. It's an easy block, made from two strips of fabric and a special quilter's right triangle ruler.

Materials

1/8 yard each of two fabrics; pick fabrics with high value contrast
Thread

Tools

Sewing machine
Iron
Ironing board
Quilter's ruler
Quilter's right triangle ruler
Cutting mat
Rotary cutter

Instructions

Start by cutting your strips of fabric according to the fabric calculator above. For best results with this quilt block, pick fabrics with high value contrast.
Sew the strips together with 1/4" seam allowance. Stagger the start of the seam to reduce waste. Since you'll be cutting triangles from this strip, staggered strips give you the ability to get one more cut from your strip set. I just eyeball about where I'll be cutting the diagonal line and start sewing there to reduce what I need to cut off when I cut my triangles.

I use the 1/4" foot that comes with my machine. For a Bernina, it is foot #37 and #57.
Press the seam to your preference. Check out our article on pressing seams with quilting on Create Whimsy.
Using your quilter's right triangle ruler, follow the directions for your ruler, and line up to cut your four (4) triangles from the strip set. I'm using the Omnigrid right triangle ruler. With this ruler, the finished size of the block is noted next to a horizontal line. Since I'm making 9" finished block, I line the 9" line along the bottom edge of my strip set and cut both triangle sides. CAUTION: The sides of your triangles are now bias and can easily stretch. Be careful moving them around so they don't stretch.
Turn your ruler upside down and cut the second triangle. Continue until you have four (4) triangles to make the Double Spool quilt block.
Lay the four triangles out to form the Double Spool quilt block.
Sew each set of two triangles together, carefully matching the seam lines and being very careful not to stretch the bias edges. Press very gently to not stretch any of the bias edges.
Now you have the two halves of the block done. Press seams to your preference.
Sew the final seam for a finished Double Hourglass Quilt Block 1. Press seam and trim edges.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.

Double Hourglass 2 quilt block has two hourglasses that are diagonal on either side of a center square. A very different look, but still two hourglasses.

Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy. Also, check out our article that covers popular quilt patterns.