I would like to make the Carpenter Star quilt and wold like to know what the best way to cut the half triangles? I saw a tut on sewing around square and cutting on the diag. and it makes 4 half triangles. Is there a method to make more at one time?

Sewing around the square does make easy HSTs, but the edges will be bias and very stretchy which will have problems of it's own. I prefer to mark a line diagonally on the square, sew 1/4 inch on each side, then cut edge to edge and have 4 straight edge HSTs. I also prefer to make mine a bit larger than needed and trim. That way I'm sure they are all the same size.

thank you. I was wondering if you could use the method that ends up with 8 half triangles out of one square? Can't remember what it is called.

There is a way to make a "grid" to mark on fabric that allows you to make multiple HST's at a time. I'll look for instructions and post later. :-)

OK, here is one:
http://www.qnntv.com/userdocs/qnn/Ar...VMG_block1.pdf

On blockcentral.com you can print a grid to make HST. You layer the grid over your two fabrics that are placed right sides together, sew around the dotted lines. then cut on the solid lines. Pull off the paper and press. Voila, perfect HST! There is one for 1 in, 2 in, 3in, and 4 in finished. They make 8 to 12 HST at a time. I was using this yesterday and made 120 HST in about 20 min.

check out this posting

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-37915-1.htm

Eleanor Burns method makes 8 at a time and not on the bias.
Jusr draw an X on a large square and sew down each side of lines. Cut in half both ways and then on lines.
For 2 1/2 in HST use 2 six in squares. Just add 2 in for each size up. 8 in for 3 1/2 etc.
You will need to square up but with just a very small amount of waste.
Her square up ruler saves so much time because you only make one cut.

I prefer the grid method for making HST. I make my grid squares a full inch bigger than my HST units and trim down rather than the 7/8 usually called for. This makes a LOT of HST in a short amount of time.

http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.co...triangles.html

the method to get the most cuts may not be the easiest method for making the triangles. So you need to decide which is more important.

Thanks, folks! I've bookmarked your replies! I know I'll be referring to this!