Half Square Triangle Ruler
#11
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
One method I use to make 1/2 square triangles is to cut two squares large enough to make 4 sets of two 1/2 square triangles, put them face to face, and sew 1/4 inch seam around all 4 sides of the square. Then I very carefully cut an "X" through the center of the square. That produces 4 sets of already sewn together half square triangles.
Practice a few sets using this method with scraps to ensure you have the 1/4" seams are right and that your "X" is centered. As with all things quilting, precision is important.
I also have an accuquilt that I use to make 1/2 square triangles. It was purchased because cutting has become difficult for me. It's like a miracle. both for accuracy and for my arms and hands.
Practice a few sets using this method with scraps to ensure you have the 1/4" seams are right and that your "X" is centered. As with all things quilting, precision is important.
I also have an accuquilt that I use to make 1/2 square triangles. It was purchased because cutting has become difficult for me. It's like a miracle. both for accuracy and for my arms and hands.
#13
I use the Easy Angle ruler for hsts, ever since I learned about it from Bonnie Hunter (before she started making her own hybrid of it). It's the most accurate way, for me. I hate taking time trimming and my hsts don't ever need a trim when made with the Easy Angle. If you want 2.5" triangles, you cut a 2.5" strip. Then you place the ruler along the strip and cut, over and over down the strip. If you use a consistent 1/4" seam, they will be perfect.
The problem for me with sewing two squares around the edges and then cutting diagonally twice, or sewing diagonally across two squares and then cutting, is that it's very hard to get hsts that are consistantly accurate. If you miss that exact diagonal by even a crumb, your hsts are off.
Here's a great video by Bonnie, explaining how to use the Easy Angle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_AoJsGJbM
The problem for me with sewing two squares around the edges and then cutting diagonally twice, or sewing diagonally across two squares and then cutting, is that it's very hard to get hsts that are consistantly accurate. If you miss that exact diagonal by even a crumb, your hsts are off.
Here's a great video by Bonnie, explaining how to use the Easy Angle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_AoJsGJbM
#14
I tried the Quilt in a Day ruler where you can trim up before you open your HST but it kept slipping and caused me pain so I'm going to invest in a Bloc Loc ruler, they're expensive so I'm going to order the biggest one, it's 12". I've tried my regular ruler but it was very hard to get to stay as well.
#15
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: here
Posts: 722
I have the Block Loc and it's a pain for me to use. I messed up many HSTs trying to get it right. It looks so easy on the video but not so much at home for me. I know it's something I'm doing or not doing but I'm the only one in my sew group that has one so they aren't any help.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Snowy Minnesota
Posts: 1,378
I have always used the 8-at-a-time method. There are many sites for this, but here's one: http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/20...ght-at-a-time/
Works like a charm for me!
Works like a charm for me!
#18
I use the paper method for HSTs, or for larger sizes, the Easy Angle ruler. I can't tell you if it saves fabric. I do it because it is easier and quicker for me. And with the paper method, they are always perfect and no trimming.
http://www.quiltingandwhatnot.ca/Hal...-Triangle.html
http://www.quiltingandwhatnot.ca/Hal...-Triangle.html
#19
I have always used the 8-at-a-time method. There are many sites for this, but here's one: http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/20...ght-at-a-time/
Works like a charm for me!
Works like a charm for me!
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: in the sticks of PA
Posts: 2,312
I have the Fons and Porter ruler where you cut strips (ruler tells you the size) and yes there is very little waste, however it is a bias edge. Most of the time I am making so many HST that I just use the square method.
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