half sq triangles
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,022
It depends on how many of each type you need.
If I'm making a lot (more than 6-8 of any single combination), I draw a grid on my fabric and sew them all at once.
When I'm using scraps, I make them oversized on purpose and trim down. You want your finished size + 1" if you want just a sliver to trim. I usually make them 1.25" bigger since I'm going to trim anyway I want there to be enough to trim and if I'm off, enough fabric to still be usable even if the angle isn't exactly perfect.
So, if you want a 2" finished HST, I'd start with two squares each 3.25". Draw a line down the middle on the back side of the lighter fabric, and using your 1/4" quilting foot sew along either side of the line and then cut down the middle to make two usable HST units.
If I'm making a lot (more than 6-8 of any single combination), I draw a grid on my fabric and sew them all at once.
When I'm using scraps, I make them oversized on purpose and trim down. You want your finished size + 1" if you want just a sliver to trim. I usually make them 1.25" bigger since I'm going to trim anyway I want there to be enough to trim and if I'm off, enough fabric to still be usable even if the angle isn't exactly perfect.
So, if you want a 2" finished HST, I'd start with two squares each 3.25". Draw a line down the middle on the back side of the lighter fabric, and using your 1/4" quilting foot sew along either side of the line and then cut down the middle to make two usable HST units.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,022
Here's a ruler I adapted for a current project where I had a lot of HST to trim down. The tape is 1/4" seam tape and shows my desired final size. The diagonal line lines up on the HST. On the bottom of the ruler, I cut a clear finger sized bandage in half through the middle of the pad part and stuck those on either side of the seam allowance to allow for the teeter-totter effect of the seam.
So, yes, I have to trim but it is fast and easy and super accurate!
So, yes, I have to trim but it is fast and easy and super accurate!
#5
I prefer the 2 at a time, oversized square, diagonal line down the middle, sew 1/4 in each side and trim down to size for accuracy. I’m just not one that can sew perfect accurate pieces, or cut perfect accurate pieces, so I prefer to oversize and trim down as much as I can for all the units I make.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,452
I just made a quilt top from the Only One pattern and its all HSTs. I used a lot of starch and didn't have any problems at all with the bias stretching.
#7
I alway make mine with enough to square them up to the size I need. In most instance I will add 1/4". I would much rather to large than to small. I can always make them smaller but not larger and then I have them perfect.
#9
Thanks every one, I am using 10" squares and and i did not want to have the bias so I made eight hst triangles. That middle seem for four put together is a lot of work , I am pressing it open to avoid the bulk in the middle. I am making 82 pinwheel blocks. I will probably half to cut down to 8". I am with you girls that the next time I will make bigger because I have to cut down anyway. I was tring to make them perfect so I would not have to cut down but that is impossible.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,204
If they are two inch finished or smaller, I use the paper templates from QuiltingandWhatNot. Larger, I use the Easy Angle ruler. They're quick and easy with Easy Angle but somewhat wonky; but not too wonky to use. (I hate to trim down.)