Grace creates

I was making a maple leaf block table runner and cut most of the fabric. The finished size of the squares are 2 1/2 inches and the directions called for making the half square triangle's to be cut 3 1/4 and they came out to large. I did cut them down but really hate that chore. What size square should I have used to end up with a 2 1/2 inch block? Thank you, I'm just math tonight.

woody

The formula for half square triangles is to add 7/8" to the finished size. The finished size is the size of your half square triangle square once it is sewn into your quilt. Did your 1/2 square triangles end up at 3"? If so then that would be correct for your instructions.
I hope this helps

happyquiltmom

For a 2 1/2" finished block, add 7/8", which would be 3 3/8" squares. That's a little larger than the 3 1/4" you started out with, so I suspect that you want your FINISHED block to be 2"??? If this is the case, you want to cut your original squares 2 7/8". I also hate to trim my HST units, but I do for accuracy's sake. I always add an inch to the finished size and then trim down.

dunster

The sizes you've given don't seem consistent with any method of making HST's for a 2.5" finished block. However, if you're meant to be using the HST method where you make 4 at a time by sewing all around the edges of the squares and then slicing diagonally twice, then the 3.25" squares would result in four 2-inch finished blocks. Using the method where you make 2 HST's at a time, the 3.25" square is too small to make a finished 2.5" block and much too large for a finished 2" block. (It is just right to make a 2.25" finished block with just a little trimming.)

Yarn or Fabric

I don't follow cutting instructions for hst's any more. I do the 8 at a time. It is fast, accurate and no bias edges to fiddle with. Have you tried them that way?
For a 2 1/2" hst you start with 6" squares. Draw a line from corner to corner to make a big x in the block. Sew 1/4" away from the lines. Then you cut the squares in to 4 squares on the center lines then cut the drawn lines. Trim up and instant hst's. It's sweet

Quiltngolfer

Thanks, Deb. Do you know what size squares to start with for different sized finished squares?

Yarn or Fabric

Yes - it's finished size of desired square (2 1/2 in this case) x2 (=5) + 1" to get a total of 6"
So if you want your finished unit to be 4" you would 4x2+1= 9"
There is very little to trim down but I have always gotten exactly the size I needed by doing this. It is so much easier.

I will say for larger pieces pin it to keep the fabric from shifting I found that one out the hard way.

Donnamarie

How about investing in a $30 CD called Triangulations. Paper pieced patterns of all sizes come on the CD. Each HST or Flying Geese come out perfect every time with no waste. Worth the investment and I just use regular paper, no problems.

Grace creates

Deb your method worked like a charm, most appreciated. The past year and a half I have not done much in quilting and really having difficulty getting things going. To make matters worse I have been sewing this all weekend it is not done and should of been. However, I did sew my finger Ouch.