Half Square Triangles....Help Please
 

I don't have trouble making HSTs,but getting them in a block where the seams don't eat the points is a chore.
I usually make 4 at a time,but can make them by sewing triangles together.Press,check diagonal seam,then trim.
What am I missing? Would like to make a quilt using HSTs,but want to see the points.:D

Maybe your block design requires the infamous scant 1/4" seam. Also, make sure to press the HSTs well. If the seams get too bulky you could press them open. I hardly ever lose a point (drives me mad when I do).

Either your joining seam is larger than 1/4" or you are "trimming"them too small before you join them. Try doing the scant 1/4" seam that might help you

One trick I use is to sew from the BACK. That way, you'll see where your lines of stitching need to intersect, so you won't lose the point of your HST. Let me know if it works for you!

Jane

Personally I do not like the 4-at-time method; you end up with bias edges. I prefer to do the pencil line down the center and sewing 1/4 " seam on each side. I also cut my squares a little larger then square them up after sewing them together.

this is my thought on it also. but, like jane, i sew from the back to make sure i sew 1 thread outside of the intersection so the point just meets the fold.

I use the Nifty Notions half square and quarter square rulers by Kaye England. Just cut and sew triangles together. No need for pencil marks or those pesky 1/8 inch odd size squares. Then sew from the backside, as suggested here, when joining

Jane I do all my seams where there is a point to keep this way.it is amazing how off some would be if done from the other side. I also spray startch triangle shapes only to avoid movement when pressing.

I do not like the 4 at a time either. I always make my hst's with two over sized squares, diagonal drawn - two seams down the middle 1/4" from diagonal. I always press to the same side then then I then trim down to size using a ruler with a 45 degree angle line held on the seam.

Assembling the hsts / blocks so I do not loose the "points", I use a sharp pin stabbed vertically through the two spots I wish to match- holding that pin vertical, I then pin either side of it no more than 1/4" inch away (holding the fabric exactly where I want it to be - does this make any sense??). I use this method on Pinwheels as well to get a perfect center.

I do not often miss my points with this method. Good luck!!

I agree! This is how I do it!