half square triangle help
 

Hi, Im trying to figure out a pattern with half square triangles for basket. They call for 1 7/8 triangles sewn together, but when I do, they don't come out point to point. The pattern doesn't mention trimming them. Do they always have to be trimmed after sewing to get point to point or am I doing something wrong? Thanks !!! Bee

If you are using two squares cut at 1 7/8 inches to make two hst blocks, then you would have to trim each block down to 1 1/2 inches after sewing, and each block would finish at 1 inch when they are all put together.

I don't ever do 7/8. It's just too much work to measure that perfectly. I sew with 2 squares 1 inch larger than I want the finished HST to be. Sew 1/4 from the diagonal on each side. Cut apart to have 2 HST. Trim to perfection.

There are other ways that work well, too. I've had pretty good luck with the Easy Angle ruler, but still go back to the old favorite 2 square method.

I do it this way.

That's the way I do it too.

trimming correctly is important to maintain those seams on the diagonal into the corners as they should be.
always place your ruler with the 45 degree line on the seam. trim if necessary on two sides.then turn the hst again and place the line on seam again. trim if necessary. That should keep your seam lines where you need them. Good luck.

If you cut the squares at 1 7/8, then there is no allowance for trimming. After sewing the diagonal, cutting and pressing, you can check the patch for square, but cutting at this measurement assumes a perfect 1/4" seam, resulting in a 1 1/2" square before sewing, and a finished 1".
If your triangles are not coming out, you need to verify you are really sewing a 1/4" seam. Here is a good tutorial:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html

[QUOTE=Lisa_wanna_b_quilter;6737274]I don't ever do 7/8. It's just too much work to measure that perfectly. I sew with 2 squares 1 inch larger than I want the finished HST to be. Sew 1/4 from the diagonal on each side. Cut apart to have 2 HST. Trim to perfection.

Me, too.

This is the simplest and easiest way to make HST. You should have had a 1.5" unfinished square. If it is not that size, you will loose you points. Be sure to make sure your 1/4" seams are accurate. Post a photo if you can as it helps us point out how to fix it.. Hang in there. You will conquer this bump in the road. :)

bee3, could you clarify whether you are sewing two squares together 1/4" from the the diagonal to yield two hst squares, or sewing two triangles together to yield one square?