half square triangles made with sewing 1/4 inch all around
 

I have a question about the half square triangles that are sewn with a quarter inch all around. Wouldn't the points be lost when sewing with the points all going toward the center. I'm not sure what you call that block. I haven't tried yet but that's what I visualize. Any of you that have done this I'm sure you'll have the right answer for me. Thank you so much for the kindness shown in this group.

You do not lose any points because the center of your sewn square becomes the corners of your 4 resulting HST. You just have to ensure you start with the correct size squares.

The technique is to take two squares, a light and dark, placed right sides together and sew 1/4 around the peremiter them cut diagonally both ways (cutting an "X" through the square). This results in four HST. The main disadvantage to this technique is you end up with all your edges being cut on the bias. Personally, I would never assemble HST in this manner, there are too many other shortcut techniques that produce HST where your straight edges are not on the bias.

it was pretty neat and quick when i made them but i agree the bias if not SOAKED in starch and ironed to much of a cardboard stretched alot for me.. .. but i made do ..

How do you know how big to cut the square? I'd like to make 6 1/2 inch unfinished half-square triangles.
Lyd

Try here for the size needed
http://www.msquilting.com/Half%20Squ...20Square_t.htm

Great information on that link -- thanks Woody!

This seems like a pretty slick way to make half squares, but oh my, I wouldn't want to deal with all those bias edges, that's for sure.....You're still cutting squares and sewing 4 seams, so it seams to me that the technique where you sew on either side of the diagonal line is just as easy.....

Cut the original squares 7". Mark a diagonal line on the back of one. Place them right sides together with the one you drew the line on, on top. Sew 1/4" away from each side of the line. Cut on the line. Press--don't iron. Trim down to 6.5" No bias to stretch this way but I still prefer to starch everything before I cut. Starching also makes cutting easier.

If you want to try the sew around the outside edge method--it I still 2 7" squares.