How to make these hst the easy way.
 

I just got a new block of the month for Christmas figs and am excited to try to make the first block. It calls for a ton of half square triangles made from 3 inch squares that are cut on the diagonal then sewed together individually. Isn’t there a way to make them 8 at a time? Does anyone know how to figure out what size squares to start with to end up with 2 1/2 “ hst?

here is one http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/20...ght-at-a-time/

Thank you!

That is how I make mine too except I start with a larger square (1/4” larger) on the chart. My formula for 8 at a time is size of one finished square + 1” x 2 = size of large square.

E.g. To end up with eight 2” HST:
2”+ 1” x 2 = 6” large square. Cut 2.

If you make them over size a tiny bit they can be trimmed to size w/ one cut.

This link explains it, but when you use the magic 8 method one side is perfect so I line that one perfect side against one outside edge of the square ruler and line the stitches to the diagonal line and only cut one edge to perfection. http://corianderquilts.com/2014/01/epic-hst-technique/

This is an interesting technique if you want to make many hst's with many fabrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc3ClOPu4_w

That is brilliant. I don't do much scrappy but such a great technique for those who do. All that needless pulling and stretching those bias pieces was giving me chest pains though.

Wow!! - This is a cool way of doing it! It has always annoyed me when I an trying to do random scrappy that some are always the same. Thank you so much for sharing the link.

Check out Deb Tucker's video on making 8 HSQ at a time with her Tucker Trimmer! Wonderfully instructive, and you can go pause then move on as you are making the units. www.debtuckerstudio180design.net