Could you tell me your favorite method of making a HST? I have seen a new (to Me) method where you sew strips of fabric into a tube///???? anyone do this?? then there's the cut two squares and sew and cut diagonally. I would never even consider cutting a triangles and trying to sew those bias seams together..Just looking for ideas before I copy Ranger's avatar quilt.

There is another method where you sew the 2 squares of fabric together around all 4 edges and then cut the sewn blocks into 1/2 squares. I know I just watched the video but can't remember where now :roll: :oops: Maybe the Missouri Quilt Co?

I prefer the method where you use the half-square triangle paper. I think it is called Triangles on a Roll. Anyway, I always have good luck with it. In fact, I am getting ready to start a queen-size quilt that is made up entirely of half-square triangles. I wouldn't try it any other way.

E. Burns had a show on doing them this way.

I like the sew 1/4 inch on each side of the diaganal line you draw from corner to corner. I'm not good with the math needed, but it works for me!

i usually just draw the line down the center..all of them,that i will be needing..while watching tv.
then i chain stitch them all one way, then cut them, and chain stitch the other side.
works for me.

i have used Thangles, and i love them too..very precise.

i post a link in the links sections for a different way to make them..have not tried it yet..no time right now..but it looks cool!

the thread shoudl be on the "recent topics" page

Me too. And from a Pam Bono book I learned to make a grid for a lot of HST's using the same two colors. You draw the 1/4 inch lines beside the diagonal lines and then when you sew you can use just two seams to end up with as many as 28 or more! If I can every find the book I can tell you how!

here is her website:
http://www.pambonodesigns.com/SuperS...ProductID=1424

you can also google "making HST's u-tube" and i will bet you come up with lots of different ways to make them!

her free instructions for making different HST,and other squares..

http://www.pambonodesigns.com/EDocs/...FREEHOWTOS.pdf

Here is Rhonda's tutorial:

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

I still have to try it. Looks easy.

For now, I still sew mine finished size + 1" sew 1/4" from the center line in two direction, trim in half and square off.

wow, thanks Amma!! I went to Missouri Quilt and learned the neat shortcut of holding the squares in half and pressing with iron each square on the diagonal..wow, that beats marking one of each pair with a ruler and a pen!! thanks for steering me to that video!!

Wow, lots of cool links here thanks everyone, we sure learn together

the method I use depends on how many of the same color combination I'm making. For just a few I do the two-square stitched twice process and for making a lot I use a computer program which allows me to print out paper with stitching lines for the number and size of finished square I want..I print up as many sheets of paper as I need to do the job. I've used Thangles (a different brand from Triangles on a Roll) and they work fine, but I prefer to print my own -

I do it the old fashioned way, I mark out the squares and draw the diagonal lines on the back of the light fabric, using up to 1/2 yard of both colors, sit down and sew the diagonals, cut on the squares, press trim and then I have about 70 or so all made up. Squaring is the worst for me, standing at that table makes my back stiff.

I saw that same video. it was Missouri Quilt Co. I went to their web page but couldnt find it on there. I would sure like to find the video again

:cry:

When I first saw the video, it was on here. someone had posted the website. it was a Youtube from MQC.

Another line down the middle and stitch 1/4" on either side, cut and press here.

I bought some Thangles on a Roll but haven't used them yet.

i do the two seams down the middle. Also, find that when I cut the initial squares a little larger and then recut to size that it goes better for me. It is difficult to get the exact 1/4" seam if the initial square is cut exact (4 7/8" for instance)

Great links. Thanks everyone. There are always alot of ways of doing everything its just the one you like best. :thumbup:

I am doing a pattern now that doesnt tell you what the final size should be just what to cut them, could you tell me what i should square up to if i cut them 3 and 1/4, thanks

I've started using Eleanor Burn's triangle square up tool. You end up with four HST or two QST using the intructions with this tool. They come out very well for me.

http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...lay.asp?i=1087

I got mine at JoAnns with a coupon.

I prefer El Burns method also. No bias edges to contend with. Plus you make 8 at a time.

I have used the Wonder Cut ruler for several years now and find it easy to use and accurate (you sew strips together and then cut according to a line marking). But, I recently used Thangles for a class and am growing to like them --- no bias edges to stretch out of shape! No marking, only one or two pins, then sew several at a time if needed. They are worth the money when accuracy counts.

I just saw a new technique (new to me anyway) that I'm going to try the next time I need HSTs. Cut two strips on the bias, sew down both sides, use a triangle ruler or small square ruler to cut them laying the center line on the seam line and cut first from one sewn edge and then flipping it over and cutting on the other side. I'm thinking the HST won't need trimming to size because you are basically doing that as you cut them from the strip. Sounds easy anyway!

This is exactly what the Wonder Cut ruler does. All the markings for cutting both the strips and the HSTs are on the ruler, so there is no math involved. The advantage over Thangles is that you can make up to (I think) a 6" HST this way with no papers to buy.

okay got it but what's the math ?? how big of a sqaure do you start with to make them the sizes you want when they are cut ? is there a scale you use ?

I just wanted that method on Quilt in a Day last week.

If all my HST are the same two fabrics I prefer the grid method. I learned it from the book Quilts, Quilts, Quilts. Works great and I have managed to do them so precisely this way that they required little or no squaring up.

Here is a link describing the method.

http://www.bellaonline.org/articles/art10208.asp

Yes, the Missouri Quilt Co. I tried it last night and loved it. I also use Thangles on a BOM with my LQS.

Me too. This method seems to work for me.

Hey, that is a great idea.

Well, I got that site for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agS8dPVYHsA

I sure will use it on this next quilt I already have designed in EQ5

Yes! I saw it yesterday and it blew me away!! Looking now for patterns that need HST to use it!

I really like the Thangles method and have used it for most HST pieces.

I like a simple process. I don't want to buy anything to make them. I cut strips and sew them together. Use any size template lay it on the seam on point and cut out your HST. Simple and accurate with no dogears.

I really liked this method as well, Kitsie! It made the quilt go so fast because I was able to turn out about 100 HST in about an hour or even less!

I just watched a video today by Ricky Timms and Alex Anderson on You Tube. He made HST with one seam. Looks pretty cool.

I used the Bilagio method.
1. cut your strips into the widths you want
2. sew strips together in color combo you want for the rows.
3. sew the 2 end strips together keeping your color combo
4. lay the circled strips on your cutting table and get as flat as possible
5. cut across your stitches the width you did with number 1.
6. cut the stitches on the square so the color block you want for the top of your quilt is layed out,
7. Do the same for the next blocks you want to be on top until you have all your "loops" taken apart.
8. Take scrap paper and pin the row number on the top block
9. iron all odd numbers so seam goes up
10. iron all even numbers so seam goes down. This permits you to "butt" up your seams and sew 2 strips together at a time until you have your top.
11. put sash strips around the top how you like and ta-da

*I found this cuts time in half to make 9 patch type quilts.

When you use the Missouri Quilt method by sewing around the edges of two squares, you end up with HST that are on the bias. If this is okay, it is fast.