vivientan

I'm working on a quilt right now, which is made up of pinwheel blocks. However I notice that it's so difficult to get perfect pinwheels, with the four pointed ends at the same spot. I'm pretty sure that I've cut my fabrics correctly with an accurate 1/4 seam.

How can I improve this?

sewcrafty

Are you making the hst's a little larger and then cutting down? If so, you really need to make sure you line up your ruler right on. Those little buggers will wonk out on you if you cut the slightest off.

Here's a site the works pretty well.

http://www.blockcentral.com/a-halfsq...glepaper.shtml

eparys

I make the HSTs larger and cut them down. You need to be careful that the seams are at the corner of the HST. Most directions say add 7/8" but I add a full inch and trim square. I also make 8 at a time. If I want 2.5" blocks - I start with two 6" squares and go from there.

I use a 6X12 ruler with angles marked on it but the tucker trimmers are great for that as well - here is how they work ->

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw7qi3uHUZg

I also press all the seams in the same direction so the seams nest tog when assembling. Here is my most recent quilt that is still underway - lol lots of HSTs.

lucniak

I really like this one great job

LivelyLady

I used the technique of cutting a light 5" square and a dark 5"
scrap print and placing them right sides together. Then I sew a 1/4" all around the square. Next I make 2 diagonal cuts and then sew back together making sure I have butted the seams together.Works great for me.

NJ Quilter

I also cut larger - to the inch - and then trim. I use my regular ruler and use my 45 deg. angle to trim. I press my seams open to help everything lay flatter. Helps a lot when matching up lots of seams. At least for me.

kriscraft99

oh wow, eparys, your quilt is gorgeous!

has anyone here used the thangles method? I haven't tried it yet but I hear it makes perfect hst.

Zephyr

I do this also and it works unbelievably well.

eparys

I have - but even at that I want them a bit larger - Here is a link to free printable ones.

http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/Triangle...Triangles.html

There are several sizes

isnthatodd

I just saved the patterns from the first web site. I plan to use the 4 inch one to make the Granbury retreat Challenge Project Linus quilt. Thanks for posting it.