6 1/2 unfinished half square triangle blocks
 

I need clarification on a pattern I am starting. It says that the unfinished half square triangle blocks should be 6 1/2 inches. Can anyone tell me what size block I should cut? I have only made one other quilt with half square triangles, and it told me what size to cut my blocks.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. It is called Quick and Easy Carpenter Star.

Dina

Okay, I finally found the right place to google, and it said to add one inch to the desired finished size. So I will cut 7 inch squares, since I assume the actual finished half square triangle will be 6 inches. I sure hope this is right.

Dina

If you use the method where you sew two lines 1/4" from the center then the "official" recommendation is Finished Size of the HST + 7/8" I find that too tight and use Finished Size + 1" to square my HSTs.

So in your case, the finished size would be 6" + 1" = 7" You were correct.

It depends on which method your using? Are you getting one or two from the squares? I bought a hst tool last year and its fantastic. It's called the angler I think, but it's great!

Thanks! Yes, I use the method where I sew two seams 1/4 inch each from the center. Thanks, Martina.

Rachel, I saw that tool demonstrated at our last quilt meeting. Then my sister showed me one that she uses that is different. Perhaps I am ready for a tool, but I wish I had gotten a better look at the one from the guild. She held it up and showed us samples, but I didn't get my hands on it. I am a very visual person and need to hold an object in my hand before I really "get it."

Thanks again, to each of you.

Dina

You should cut your first squares at 7 & 1/2" square to make your unfinished HSTs at 6 & 1/2" (finished at 6").....but then you likely will need to trim them down to the exact 6 & 1/2" size. Everyone's 1/4" seam allowance is a bit different so this method of starting at 1 inch larger than you need is a good method of being sure you will end up with an accurate HST.

You don't "need " a tool to make HSTs; just don't forget the trimming!

Jan in VA

For a 6" finished block you want a 6-1/2" block. If you are drawing a diagonal line and sewing 1/4" on each side of the line, you want to add 7/8" to the block size (6-1/2 + 7/8) if your 1'4" seams are accurate. I find it better (not only for accuracy but mathematically) to add 1" and then trim to the desired size. That means for a 6-1/2" block you will cut 7-1/2" squares.

What about how you take a square of each color placed right sides together and sew 1/4 inch all around the outside of the the square and then cut down the middle corner to corner making and x? What size of square do you need to make the resulting 4 HSTs if you want a 10 1/2 inch or a 8 1/2 inch ? I saw this on YouTube but could figure out the size of the square. Thank you in and advance for the help.

You will need 2- 7 1/2 inch squares. Place them right sides together. Draw a diagonal line across the light square. Stitch 1/4 inch on each side of the line. Cut on drawn line. You will have 2 half square triangles. Square them up to 6 1/2 inches.

I think the "preferred" way to make HST is to add 7/8" to the FINISHED size of the block you want. So you want to start with 6 7/8" block. Sew line corner to corner, stitch 1/4" from center line, cut and wala! 2 HST blocks measuring 6 1/2" unfinished, 6" finished. I actually use a ruler by Cindy Casciato called "Migicle Triangle Method Tool". With this tool you cut fabric +1" instead of + 7/8", mark lines, sew and cut. Block is perfect every time since the tool allows for the 1/8" extra. Personally I do not like to over make block and then try to center and cut down.