HSTs (half square triangles)
07-04-2019, 06:21 PM
#11
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,071
Originally Posted by JanieW
If you’re going to be making lots of hsts, this tool is worth it. There is no need to cut large and trim down. There is no waste. It’s good for other uses, too, as shown in the video. I love mine.
https://youtu.be/KKQ9VS8e0lI
https://youtu.be/KKQ9VS8e0lI
Thanks for sharing this link!
07-04-2019, 06:47 PM
#12
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,952
Originally Posted by juliasb
I just ordered this tool for $5.00. I have to wait a bit since it is coming for China. Free postage. I am always leery of ordering from over seas this way but since the cost was so low I took the plunge. Sounds like a nice notion to help with the hst's and other angles.
For a lot of hsts I use my Go die cut machine or Thangles if I don't have the right size die.
07-04-2019, 08:18 PM
#13
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,460
The strip method should not need any trimming.
For 2 ½" HSTs you won't need the strips to be 2 ½", I think 2 ¼" is wide enough.
Try a test piece (this is what I'll be doing later - testing widths I mean).
Just join two fabrics along both sides, place a normal square ruler so the 2 ½" marks are lined up on the seam line and cut on the blue lines marked. Turn ruler around and cut from the other side.
If you begin with a suitable width you can even cut off the dog ears as you go & no waste.
The edges will be on the bias, but try starching first to keep them firm.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]614522[/ATTACH]
For 2 ½" HSTs you won't need the strips to be 2 ½", I think 2 ¼" is wide enough.
Try a test piece (this is what I'll be doing later - testing widths I mean).
Just join two fabrics along both sides, place a normal square ruler so the 2 ½" marks are lined up on the seam line and cut on the blue lines marked. Turn ruler around and cut from the other side.
If you begin with a suitable width you can even cut off the dog ears as you go & no waste.
The edges will be on the bias, but try starching first to keep them firm.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]614522[/ATTACH]
07-05-2019, 02:21 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,184
I used to use Tiger Tape for HSTs before I found the Easy Angle ruler. You align the tape between the corners, sew on either side, remove the tape, and cut corner to corner. I now usually place two squares right sides together, cut them corner to corner, then sew them. It's the old fashioned way of making HSTs but works best for me, even with tiny pieces.
07-05-2019, 06:14 AM
#16
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
Wow! I did not realize how many ways there were to make HSTs and I think I want to try most of them to see how they come out for me. I've done the thangles thing and they do work pretty well. Of course, you have to take the paper off after the sewing. I'm not fond of that.
I don't have one of those rulers but I'd spend $15 for one that works. I'll see if I can't find one at my LQS yard sale next weekend.
I don't have a cutter and don't think I want to buy one of those. But one of the ideas you all have given me might just become my favorite. I'll let you all know.
I don't have one of those rulers but I'd spend $15 for one that works. I'll see if I can't find one at my LQS yard sale next weekend.
I don't have a cutter and don't think I want to buy one of those. But one of the ideas you all have given me might just become my favorite. I'll let you all know.
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 07-05-2019 at 07:26 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps
07-05-2019, 06:17 AM
#17
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,407
Originally Posted by Gay
The strip method should not need any trimming.
For 2 ½" HSTs you won't need the strips to be 2 ½", I think 2 ¼" is wide enough.
Try a test piece (this is what I'll be doing later - testing widths I mean).
Just join two fabrics along both sides, place a normal square ruler so the 2 ½" marks are lined up on the seam line and cut on the blue lines marked. Turn ruler around and cut from the other side.
If you begin with a suitable width you can even cut off the dog ears as you go & no waste.
The edges will be on the bias, but try starching first to keep them firm.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]614522[/ATTACH]
For 2 ½" HSTs you won't need the strips to be 2 ½", I think 2 ¼" is wide enough.
Try a test piece (this is what I'll be doing later - testing widths I mean).
Just join two fabrics along both sides, place a normal square ruler so the 2 ½" marks are lined up on the seam line and cut on the blue lines marked. Turn ruler around and cut from the other side.
If you begin with a suitable width you can even cut off the dog ears as you go & no waste.
The edges will be on the bias, but try starching first to keep them firm.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]614522[/ATTACH]
07-05-2019, 06:30 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Ridgefield WA
Posts: 7,765
I follow the rule of adding 1" for making 2 at a time. They come out beautifully. Need trimming of course. There is an easy pattern for making 8 at a time, too.
You mark a line diagonally and sew 2 seams at 1/4" each side of the line.
You mark a line diagonally and sew 2 seams at 1/4" each side of the line.
Last edited by Kitsie; 07-05-2019 at 06:33 AM.
07-05-2019, 07:24 AM
#19
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,952
I dug out my years old first hst ruler. I'd forgotten how great it was to make hsts. It's called Wonder Cut ruler. I think I bough it about 20 years ago? Wow I'm getting old. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKOTxsSmpZo
07-05-2019, 08:00 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Desert Hot Springs Ca
Posts: 2,633
Originally Posted by JanieW
If you’re going to be making lots of hsts, this tool is worth it. There is no need to cut large and trim down. There is no waste. It’s good for other uses, too, as shown in the video. I love mine.
https://youtu.be/KKQ9VS8e0lI
https://youtu.be/KKQ9VS8e0lI
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