HST Math Question....
 

If the pattern says to cut the HST'S 4 7/8's, but I want to do them the 4 at a time method, what size do I cut the squares?

Also, if it says 2 7/8"s, what size do I cut the squares?

I've been staring at this tutorial for a very long time and I can't figure it out.

Thanks, Watson

It's easier for me to figure out different methods if I know what the finished size is -- would that be for finished 4" and 2" squares?

edit: Maybe the chart at the bottom of this site will help
http://www.inquiringquilter.com/easy...four-at-a-time

I don't know, IceBlossom. That's not mentioned in the pattern. Part of the problem.

Watson

Do you have a picture of the block or finished size or is it a mystery?

Ok, so the old math to figuring out a triangle is finished plus 7/8ths. That was my guess on why the blocks would finish at 4" and 2".

Are you making one or two sets out of that, that is are you sewing once along the diagonal, and cutting off a smaller bit, or are you cutting the squares in half, meaning you would sew two equal sets.

Is this a pattern where it is exact, or will you be cutting down? There are tiny differences between the reality sometimes when we are using the diagonal measurement or the horizontal measurement as our standard. So I would cut both oversized and trim down myself.

Unless you want bias edges on your HST units - I would avoid that method like the plague.

I would also cut oversized and trim down.

If the pattern says to cut 4 7/8" squares it will finish as 4" square
(with no margin of error).
When I make HST's I just round off to the next digit. In this case I
would cut 5" square. Sew 1/4" on each side of the diagonal, cut,
press and trim to 4.5" square. After sewing it should finish at 4" square.
If you want to make 8 HST's at a time then you just double the measurement.
Cut your square 10" square. There are charts that are more skimpy or more
generous. Try different ones and see what you like.
I agree with Bearisgray. Avoid those bias edges.
You can check here for a good tutorial and a chart.
If you only need 4 HST's then you do half of it. You will start
with a rectangle that's 5" x 10". But I would suggest you start
with 8 first to know how this works.
https://www.generations-quilt-patter....html#Download

I agree. The 4-at-a-time method where you sew all around the edges of the square results in lots of bias edges. And you still have to trim to get the size you want.

Easy Peezy - thank for the website to cut 8 HST at one time. Neat idea and new to me. I normally use my Eleanor Burns ruler for HST.

Although I don't like the 8 at a time system, I have the "theory" in my folders and it says to:

Start with two squares that are 1 3/4″ larger than the finished size times two.

I've never tried it, so can't say it works. If I wanted a 4 1/2" unfinished hst, I would cut squares at 5 1/2".

I have been using Brenda Hennings Triangulations 3.0 for a long time to print off paper piecing triangulations in the size that I need. Simple to use, and I don't have to figure out any math:)

I personally love the strip method Of HSTs. I have the Creative Grids 4 in 1 ruler. For 4.5 hst (finish at 4...which is what I think you have) cut strips at 4.5. Layer 2 pieces of fabric then up/down cut to make pairs. Then sew like leaders and enders.

I used this method on my churn dash ....and I didn't need to square! Takes off 1 of the dog ears too. I think I got 16 per strip with very little waste. Try with scrap first.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...tail&FORM=VIRE

I see many videos with formulas for figuring out how to make 8 at a time HST of any size. Hope this helps.

I would oversize and trim down for accuracy. I have found it so much easier to take off, since you can't add on, and this size is a bit unusual to start with. That little bit of difference could be hard to manage.

Just so I'm clear...if you cut two 4 7/8s pieces of fabric the resulting hst that you are holding in your hand is 4" ..correct?

And, if you cut two pieces of fabric 2 7/8s, the resulting hst that you are holding in your hand is 2"...correct?

I'm getting confused by the word "finished size".

Watson

Yes, Watson. Finished size is after sewing into your block.
If you cut two squares 4 7/8" and sew on the diagonal, etc. you will get two
4" finished HST's. But for better accuracy I would cut 5", sew and trim to 4.5".
4.5" is your unfinished HST. After you sew your HST in a block then it will be 4" finished.

Eleanor Burns taught a method years ago where you could get whatever number of HST that you needed. You just put your two fabrics together RST draw a line and start sewing at one end to the other on both sides of the line. It sure made the process easier and faster. I don’t even recall the number of HST that my quilt required. By the way I made them larger size and trimmed them down, but that’s the Eleanor way.

Watson, I don’t think anyone explicitly answered your question, so I will make a stab at it.

Cutting 4 7/8” squares and then either 1) cutting diagonally or 2) marking the diagonal line and sewing 1/4” on either side then cutting on the diagonal (same process in a different order) will put into your hand a HST measuring 4 1/2” unfinished size that will measure 4” when sewn into the quilt. Unfinished size means the size of the unit before being sewn into the quilt and finished size is the size of the unit after sewn into the squilt.

You want to use the 4 at a time method, here are your sizes for beginning squares:

• larger squares start with 7” squares and trim the units to 4.5”
• smaller squares start with 4.25” squares and trim the units to 2.5”

All of the outside edges will be on the bias, which is why so many people said they didn’t like this method.

If you want to use the 8 at a time method:

• larger squares start with 9.75” squares and trim the units to 4.5”
• smaller squares start with 6.75” squares and trim the units to 2.5”

Advantage is that the outer edges are on the straight grain of the fabric which minimizes stretch. Disadvantages are you need to mark the diagonals and you get 8 HST exactly alike, which might not work with the pattern you are making.

Thank you, Krisb...that's the answer I needed. A 4 1/2" HST.

Watson