half square triangles
 

I see people sewing corner to corner and then cutting but I have also seen them sew two squares together all the way around and then cut corner to corner. I did it this way for the half square triangle chevron I just did. Does it make any difference how you make the triangles?
Thanks
Evelyn in Sequim WA

If you sew around the outside of the square, then cut corner to corner, the HSTs have bias sides. As long as you don't stretch them then you are all set. I have a preference for triangles cut with straight of grain edges, but many folks like the quicker method.

Your quilt looks great and whatever works for you as long as it doesn't get wonky. Just remember the bottom fabric gets a little more stretch.

The only suggestion I would have for you is to stitch around the outer edge to keep it from stretching while you quilt it.

Whatever works for you is the right way for you.
There are more ways than one to do something.

I don't do them the way you did because of bias edges. I prefer to cut my squares bigger, sew on each side of the center line, then trim them to the correct size.

Do the method that works for you:) There are so many ways to make these. Your quilt looks good to me.

Nope, it doesn't matter as long as you are happy with the results. I recently purchased the easy angle ruler and found that to be an amazing time-saver. No more trimming HSTs - YAY!

No, it really doesn't matter with your method. As long as they are accurate, that is all that matters. I won't do it with bias edges since unless you are skilled and have knowledge on how to deal with bias edges, you should just stay away from that technique.

That is a beautiful quilt....lots of colors.

I like to make my HSt's by sewing 2 triangles together, pressing and trimming. That is the easiest way to make sure they are all the exact same size. I'm not fast, but I am accurate.

You probably think Thangles are cheating, huh? They do come out the same size, and the paper reduces stretching of the bias seam being sewn.

If I did them by sewing all round and diagonal cuts I would starch the fabric well before any cutting and then a first gentle wash after the quilt is finished. I tried different ways still prefer cutting a square and marking a diagonal then sewing 1/4" each side of line. I find this gives me the most accurate half square triangles.

Yes, I would stitch around the outside, but if it is all bias, that stitching can be made on stretched fabric. I would cut a very narrow piece of thin fabric the correct length, pin it many times all along the edge and sew it on right at the edge. This can stay in the binding to keep your edges from stretching.

I made a twister quilt, which is all bias throughout, and had to count how many squares were on one edge. Each square was 4 inch finished, multiplied the number of squares by 4, so made the border that long plus 1/2 inch for end seams, and pinned at each intersection. If you don't want to do that, the next best way is with starch. And be careful.

I always found when working with bias edges to starch them well & there's less chance of them stretching out of shape. This works for me.

My thoughts, exactly.

I don't think it matters as long as they are accurate & it looks like you had no problems with yours. Great job!

I agree with callen. Especially when working with bias edges, starch is your best friend! Fabric that is starched, fairly heavily and handled gently won't stretch and is easy to sew.

You have a really pretty quilt there!

Love your quilt. It is awesome.

I tried to make the 'no waste' flying geese today, and just couldn't get it, so I just did the way the pattern said. cut the little pieces and piece the 'halves' together. worked okay. another time, I might work on the 'no waste' flying geese....