isewman

I need help. I need to make 1/2 sq triangle to make the size of finished 3 1/2'' sq. I need the formula to what size strips to cut. With sewing down the center/corner to corner. And then sewing 1/4''on the opposite side of the center line. Don-isewman

ManiacQuilter2

Hi Don. I would cut 4.5" squares, draw line diagonally, stitch on both sides, cut and press them (you will get two) then trim the 1/8" off to get a perfect HST. Try it on a scrap of fabric and see if that is the size you want. That will give you a 4" unfinished HST. You posted this is the right place.

maryb119

I like to use Thangles for HST's. They come out right every time. It's just my personal preference.

mckwilter

I believe the formula for figuring the size of HSTs is to take the size and add 7/8", so for 3-1/2" HSTs, you'd start with a 4-3/8" square. However, since cutting anything in 1/8" increments is a pain, I do the same thing Maniac does, make the squares 4-1/2" and then trim. Eleanor Burns has a Triangle Square Up Ruler that makes trimming easy, because you trim the triangle before you press it open, so you only have to make two cuts.

luvspaper

I usually give myself the full extra inch and then trim. I don't draw lines but rather I iron one square on the diagonal and use that for my middle and sew 1/4 inch from that. It seems to go faster for me than drawing either the diagonal or both 1/4 inch lines. And with the extra 1/8th inch, I have never had one be too small.

SuzieQuilts

I agree, I always give myself that extra 1/8 inch for squaring, regardless of the method. I want to have enough to square up, which I always do.

Geri B

....if you are going to make many, many look into either thangles or triangles on a roll....fast, accurate..downside is ripping papers...but saves time in a long run

bneuen

Check our https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L43Uc9H_RUA

This is Missouri Star Quilt easy way to make triangles. Don't know the beginning size but it would be work experimenting with to use this method. good luck.

Linda1

I use the Missouri Star method. You get 8 hst out of 2 large squares. I don't know how to figure out the size of size of the big the squares

QuiltingHaven

Okay, Don-isewman, I just finished make 140 blocks which each required 4 triangle squares each being 3 1/2" when squared up. Here is how I did it. I cut two 8" squares and laid them on top of each other right sides together. Then i drew lines in the middle of each side to form the box, see my picture. Then I sewed 1/4 inch from each of the drawn lines on each side. I just started sewing around and I did put pins where the lines were to hold them in place. Cut down the middle of the block both ways and then cut on the middle line of each of the four blocks. Ended up with 8 blocks when I was done. I pressed them open, trimmed to 3 1/2" as necessary and the second picture showed just a small stack and the third picture shows all of them done and ready to start sewing. Hope this helps.