AnnieSue

I swear by bloc loc.

AliKat

I just remembred another technique. Does anyone remember it? You cut 2 strips of fabrics and sew both long edges then cut the right angles ... and ... you end up with perfect HST's?

gale

does that make the squares have bias edges? Those things are my nemesis. I swear no amount of starch can help me.

ManiacQuilter2

This doesn't need any special rulers. Just KEEP IT SIMPLE !! You don't need to be a rocket scientist to make HST !! I just saw a new ruler to help square it up with a slight ridge to put up against the seam allowance. What next will be invented !!

GailG

Yes, lots of ways and lots of "tools." Years ago I bought this clear tape that has markings with one directly down the center. This center mark is placed on the bed of the machine with the center mark right under the needle,. I extended the tape as far as I could tape it, even down the front of the machine. I use this marking to guide the point (corner) of the square piece of fabric through until the complete block is stitched right down the middle diagonally. This is probably clear as mud, but it's what I use for HSTs. It doesn't work for larger blocks, but I work up to 5 or 6 inch blocks. I wasn't able to locate the roll of tape but if I ever find it in my lion's den, I'll post it. I would think one could mark that line even with a piece of tape. As long as the eye has something to focus on.

SimpsonFrances

Cut strips a little wider (want 2 1/2 squares, cut strips 3" wide), cut into 3" squares, use product called Stitchin Lines from Marin & Colusa to sew and cut. Iron and use Best Press to make stiff. Cut down with Bloc-Loc ruler. Time consuming but perfect every time!

Edie

There is absolutely no difference in cutting a 3-7/8 or 3-1/2, you just have to get your cutting ruler and your mat in sync and it is a breeze. I love HST for quilting. It is exceedingly easy, makes fantastic designs for a quilt. As a matter of fact I am in the process of making three quilts right now and most of them are HST. That is my favorite square to work with. And then I have my Fons and Porter 1/4" diagonal line marking tool, where I use a disappearing ink pen and mark the square and sew down the lines and cut down the middle. It is a lot of fun. Don't let that little 7/8" bother you. Use the marks on a ruler and your mat as a guide , put the two together and you will never have a problem. It really is so darn easy, but until you get how easy it is, I can let you use my fridge magnet that says "Bang Head Here", which I use regularly. Then comes the dawn. Edie

sept97

missouri quilt shows a very easy way to make HST

sval

The Jenny Doan way will give you horrible on the bias triangles. I did this in a quilt and ended up with the wonkiest squares ever. It was easy, but not worth it.

sval

I watched the tutorials on the Bloc Loc site. It looks fabulous. Can you just get the biggest one and do all sizes or is it necessary to buy lots of different sizes? They're pretty pricey.
sval