This is on my list to try - I did some tube quilting, same general idea, you get the bias edges, but they are not difficult for me to work around, starch and pins!

If you are using a few colors, have you tried Thangles?
it's paper strips that you put over your strips of fabric, sew on the lines & cut on the lines to seperate. Check LQS for them. There are several sizes to choose from.

I made a quilt using the quickie method using layer cakes. I starched all the squares first and had no problem with them. I also made 2 quilts for kids using the same method. I guess if you count the time you spend starching, you're not really saving any time, but if I am sewing biases I always starch anyway. If you sew accurate 1/4" seams and don't pull on the pieces there shouldn't be a lot of squaring up. But then again don't you have to square up most squares anyway, whether they are HSTs or not??!?!?

I use this method as well. I just have to remember to press down, don't slide the iron across the block... I have issues! LOL

I bought one of those little marking rulers that you put corner to corner, mark down the center line and mark the seam line on either side of it. I think it should work well for getting my seam lines straight. I'll have to measure to see if they're going to be more than 1/4" and adjust for that.

I agree with you - don't want bias edges to deal with if I don't have to.

Personally I love this technique especially for making quick pin wheels.

This is the technique you mean right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E

If bias edges are a concern, spray with starch and press.

Yes, that is the correct one with Jenny from Missouri Star Quilt Co. She also noted she has no problem with the edge being on the bias, however, if that was a concern, to use best press on the block and that prevents any stretching.

I love seeing all the different methods.

I'm bookmarking this one!

Thanks, I will have to print that out for future reference!

I find this to be the best method for me. Very accurate.

Lynn Roddy Brown has a method for making HSTs that is quick and easy. She uses the Quilt In A Day Triangle Square Up Ruler. I like that ruler because you square the block up before you press it open.

I also have the June Tailor Perfect QST and HST ruler. I like it for drawing and cutting the center line, but I don't use it for squareing them up.[/quote]

I use the QIAD Triangle Square Up ruler and you can make 8 HST at a time and you use the seam line to trim the HST before you press, it is perfect on every square because it is squared up before you open it out to press. No bias edges either.
OzarksGma

This is the method that started out this thread. I found I had to square all of them.

I never have a problem making them this way. The only thing I can figure is maybe it is the way you are pressing them open. You want to press not iron. Ironing them back & forth can distort them. Also, if you are not making all the seams, around the block, a true 1/4 inch may also cause this to happen. I have guide lines on my food that helps me make sure I keep them all true. If you don't have this on yours, maybe you could put tape on your face plate to help you keep all lined up.

I hated that method because all the sides ended up on the cross grain. I had a stretched mess and I used starch.

Thanks for sharing this...great method :thumbup:

But don't you usually square up any square you make, whether bias or not?

The approach was suggested as a time saver; it doesn't save time if you have to square off everything. And, no, hopefully, if I've measured and cut and sewn well, I shouldn't have to square up every block.