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I need help. I need to make 1/2 sq triangle to make the size of finished 3 1/2'' sq. I need the formula to what size strips to cut. With sewing down the center/corner to corner. And then sewing 1/4''on the opposite side of the center line. Don-isewman
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 12-23-2014 at 08:10 AM.
Hi Don. I would cut 4.5" squares, draw line diagonally, stitch on both sides, cut and press them (you will get two) then trim the 1/8" off to get a perfect HST. Try it on a scrap of fabric and see if that is the size you want. That will give you a 4" unfinished HST. You posted this is the right place.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
I like to use Thangles for HST's. They come out right every time. It's just my personal preference.
I believe the formula for figuring the size of HSTs is to take the size and add 7/8", so for 3-1/2" HSTs, you'd start with a 4-3/8" square. However, since cutting anything in 1/8" increments is a pain, I do the same thing Maniac does, make the squares 4-1/2" and then trim. Eleanor Burns has a Triangle Square Up Ruler that makes trimming easy, because you trim the triangle before you press it open, so you only have to make two cuts.
I usually give myself the full extra inch and then trim. I don't draw lines but rather I iron one square on the diagonal and use that for my middle and sew 1/4 inch from that. It seems to go faster for me than drawing either the diagonal or both 1/4 inch lines. And with the extra 1/8th inch, I have never had one be too small.
I use Triangulations, then the HST come out perfect, no squaring up, no trimming required...
That's what I do (the +7/8th thing) and it works well.
A quilt is like a good life. It's full of mistakes, but, in the end, it looks pretty good.
This is exactly how I make them. I love the Triangle Square Up Ruler from Eleanor Burns.Originally Posted by mckwilter
Blessed are the piece makers for their children shall inherit the quilts.
I agree, I always give myself that extra 1/8 inch for squaring, regardless of the method. I want to have enough to square up, which I always do.
....if you are going to make many, many look into either thangles or triangles on a roll....fast, accurate..downside is ripping papers...but saves time in a long run
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