Thread: HST or QST and bias edges

I won't use that method that leaves all the bias edges. I know I can starch them up but I hate babysitting them so I'd rather use a regular method.

I am not a fan of biased edges either, but seeing Jenny (MSQ) uses it for all of her HST, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to do the DHG, and I have to say it IS quick, but I had to take care with the edges. I did not starch, but did steam only the seams, being very careful NOT to extend the pressing to the edges. It does make doing a block very quick, and with patience, I think that I could get used to this method!

what if you started with a square that was cut on the bias (diagonal)?

Starch or not starch, bias is NOT a quilter's friend. I still will continue to do it the old fashion way that Kitsie outlined in her drawings. With stitching on the diagonal line, you don't have any bias edges.

Cutting the square on the diagonal after the triangles are sewn would work to keep the bias stable. But cutting them before sewing would not eliminate handling and sewing a bias edge.

I have found the best solution for 1/4 and 1/2 square triangles, yes this does work, print I bought a program where you can print out several different sizes of the quarter or half square triangles then place on 2 pieces of fabric & cut with rotary cutter and you have perfect 1/2 or 1/4 square triangles. I have never and I mean never been able to make them come out before and now they sew the correct size every time. Go to Quiltpro.com and check it out ,the program is Great! My mom and I discovered that newsprint paper also works the best for removing the paper after your stitching and it will go through either her printer as well as mine, also it's pretty cheap.

I am of the camp that has hard time making HSTs with bias outside edges. I have done the biased version stiff as a board but really hate having to work with them. When I see a pattern with the bias outside edges, I either use the "magic 8" (I think Eleanor Burns showed that technique many years ago "cause I have used it for a very long time) -- Kitsie has the techniques that work in her diagrams.

There is also a technique that allows you to make a lot at once (similar to Thangles but without the paper). I don't have the printed directions, but plot it on paper before I do it on cloth.