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Quote:

Originally Posted by true4uca (Post 5539462)

I use this method if I just need a few HSTs. Just recently I needed lots of 2.5 inch HSTs so I cut a 2 inch strip of each fabric. Sewed a 1/4 inch seam on both sides making a tube then used my triangle ruler to cut my HSTs. I did need to trim a little to 2.5 inches.

Was your straight of grain on the longest edge? Which is why I would not make HST's that way if I wanted the straight of grain to be on the short sides of the triangles.

traingle paper if you need alot of one set or thangles paper to do just a few at a time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn (Post 5538346)

What I do is cut my squares larger than what I need. I then draw a line down the center of one of the squares and then draw a line 1/4" on each side of the center line and sew on them. After they are sewn and cut apart, I press them open and then I will trim my HST to the size I need.

Ditto this...takes the stress out and allows for better accuracy.

I use this handy little tool for HST. You can line it up diagonally and then draw a line on each side. Sew on the lines then cut down the center. It's called a Quick Qtr by Quilter's Rule. I also make my squares a little bit larger to start with, then square them up after piecing.

I use my quarter inch foot and place the metal guide on the drawn line, sew and then do the other side. usually i sew just inside that, meaning i place the foot just "inside/off" the drawn line. then press and trim if necessary. if you trim always place your 45 degree line on your ruler on the seam you sewed.
http://trishstuart.com/pdf_files/HSTconstruction.pdf
http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...-triangle.html

I make a lot of HST from scraps and I love the little quarter inch ruler. Makes marking the sewing line go real fast. There are two lengths to choose from. I have both and love them.

They are 1/2" wide with a mark down the center length of the ruler. Just line this mark up on the diagonal corners of any size block and draw a light line on each side of the ruler. Sew on the lines and cut down the center.

I think they are from Fons and Porter and I love them!

peace

Hi I like to speed piece my hsq's. If I need 3.5" I cut my fabric 4.5" so if I need 2 my fabric would be 4.5" by 9". When I mark my pieces I use a half inch ruler. Place the center line corner to corner and only mark the 1/4 inch sewing lines. then cut down the center to separate them. then I will square them to the size I need. Wastes a little bit of fabric but......they're the right size when finished. I put all my tiny scraps in a bag that I'm saving for stuffing so even that fabric is not truly wasted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyfan3 (Post 5538284)

Hello group
I need help with half square triangles I know to cut the square the size you need and to draw a line on the material and put the two fabrics together and then sew 1/4 inch on each side but that is where I mess up
how to sew the 1/4 inch on each side of the line I sew crooked some time does any one have a easier method to sewing the 1/4 inch and some times the squares are not the same size and they are crooked I am a new quilter and I don't know if I like HST I have been trying to cut the blocks for the mini carpenter star i really want to do this one but my HST are a mess I cut 3 inch squares and 3 1/2 squares but they are not straight I guess I could cut them down to 2 inch squares and maybe the material was bias cut to
I hope there is a easier way to sew and cut the blocks thanks
I do have a 1/4 inch foot so how do I use that on the lines ?

First time I did HST I had that same probelm. I cut the squares the size I wanted plus 1/2 inch for 1/4 seam allowance on each side. HOWEVER...in the case of an HST..you have to cut them 1 inch larger than what you want as that line down the middle and 1/4 on each side takes up 1/2. then the other half inch is for the seams that attach the HST to the other blocks. I was only allowing for the 1/2 larger for the outer seams...I was not allowing for the 1/2 needed for the inner seam. I make blocks THREE TIMES before I finally figured this out! I had enough blocks for 3 lap quilts! But nothing matched up because of I didn't allow that extra 1/2 inch.

Then.. I learned squaring up is a must. I use QIAD's square up template.. and it works great. Now...my HST blocks almost always are 100% matching.

Another thing that I learned that helps ALOT is to press the seam after you sew it as that flattens the threads in the seam which stops any "give" and gives you a specific and straight, flat seam. If you dont do this... your seams will be bulky, which means different sizes!

Plus what I learned in these 3 laps I ended up with...anytime you want an HST..you have to cut the squares 1 inch larger than what you want. But.. I was putting HST's together with a half square.. and was not adding the extra 1/2 inch to the square to accommodate the middle seam.

If you need help with a perfect 1/4 seam.. get a seam guide that attaches to the plate of your sewing machine. Or..take a piece of fabric with a straight edge...measure with a pencil 1/4 in inward and draw a line. Place your needle on the line and take couple stitches... then use a 1 in POST-IT note pad and place that at the edge of the fabric (while still under needle) and that is now your seam guide!

I use the quarter foot....draw a line down the middle....then put your quarter foot bar on this line and sew on each side. That way you only need to draw one line - and you can stay in a straight line.

I love my Loc-Bloc, yes, it was pricey, but it works so well and you trim a stack of HST so fast.

see it here http://www.blocloc.com/blocloc.htm

It has a grove in the plastic that goes over the seam so the template doesnt rock or slip, the edge catches the line so it is right down the middle. You cut one side, slide to the other end, cut and you are done.