Thread: HST blocks

What I do is cut my squares larger than what I need. I then draw a line down the center of one of the squares and then draw a line 1/4" on each side of the center line and sew on them. After they are sewn and cut apart, I press them open and then I will trim my HST to the size I need.

I use this handy little tool for HST. You can line it up diagonally and then draw a line on each side. Sew on the lines then cut down the center. It's called a Quick Qtr by Quilter's Rule. I also make my squares a little bit larger to start with, then square them up after piecing.

Originally Posted by charmpacksplus

I use this handy little tool for HST. You can line it up diagonally and then draw a line on each side. Sew on the lines then cut down the center. It's called a Quick Qtr by Quilter's Rule. I also make my squares a little bit larger to start with, then square them up after piecing.

I have one of these! I keep forgetting about it when I make my HST; duh!!! I remember that it cost less than $4 at my LQS. I'm gonna have to put it someplace that I will see it!

I too, make my squares larger than the pattern says, draw the line corner to corner, mark a 1/4 inch line on each side of the first line and sew on those lines, then cut on the middle line to make the 2 squares.

Or you can use some sort of triangle papers (Triangulations, Triangles on a Roll, Thangles). I found them helpful when I was first piecing and they are very accurate.

Originally Posted by ladyfan3

Hello group
I need help with half square triangles I know to cut the square the size you need and to draw a line on the material and put the two fabrics together and then sew 1/4 inch on each side but that is where I mess up
how to sew the 1/4 inch on each side of the line I sew crooked some time does any one have a easier method to sewing the 1/4 inch and some times the squares are not the same size and they are crooked I am a new quilter and I don't know if I like HST I have been trying to cut the blocks for the mini carpenter star i really want to do this one but my HST are a mess I cut 3 inch squares and 3 1/2 squares but they are not straight I guess I could cut them down to 2 inch squares and maybe the material was bias cut to
I hope there is a easier way to sew and cut the blocks thanks
I do have a 1/4 inch foot so how do I use that on the lines ?

I use this method if I just need a few HSTs. Just recently I needed lots of 2.5 inch HSTs so I cut a 2 inch strip of each fabric. Sewed a 1/4 inch seam on both sides making a tube then used my triangle ruler to cut my HSTs. I did need to trim a little to 2.5 inches.