Uneven Half-square triangles
 

I am having trouble getting my half square triangles to be sewn to a regular square; they don't match exactly so the points are off. I know that you cut the half squares 3/8" bigger. So I am making 2.5 regular square and the triangle square I cut 2 7/8. But when I go to match them up to sew, they don't match--the half-square triangle which is now a square is bigger??? What is the problem? Does anyone else have that problem? What must I do?

I go bigger and trim it down. so I would cut 3" squares, cut them into triangles - sew, press, then trim down to 2 1/2 using the diagonal on my ruler to make perfect points. Or... if I was doing 2 colors only I draw a line on the diagonal and sew 1/4" on either side of it then cut on the line, press and trim.

I made mine bigger then trimmed down but - wow - i still couldnt make them to save my life... :thumbdown:

Please check out this tutorial on making triangles easily.

I think you make them 7/8" bigger not 3/8". Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

You might want to invest in the Wonder Cut Ruler. It is the best investment Inhave ever made for doing HST and I have used several methods. Using the rulers guide for your finished HSTyou cut two Fabrics and sew them together along each side and the using the rulers guides you cut almost perfect HST's. I have not seen them in quilt stores. I got mine off the Internet.

Check out Triangulations.

Awesome tute. thank you so much.

Cut them 7/8" larger. Then make sure to line your center seam up with the 45 degree line on a ruler when you trim them to size. I've done them with only 1/2" larger, but it's too close for comfort. 1 inch is easy to measure and adds 1/8 of waste compared with the 7/8. Jan's printout is worth saving. Very nicely done, Jan.

when you trim be sure to lay the 45 degree line on your ruler down the seam line, trim two sides and turn and trim the other two sides. that should make a perfect hst for you each time.