HST or QST and bias edges
 

The November Craftsy workshop has us making half-square triangles, but the description and pics of how to make them make me think they're actually quarter-square triangles. What do you guys think...... we have to put 2 squares right sides together then sew all around the perimeter, then make 2 diagonal cuts to end up with what she calls "4 HSTs."

Apart from my questioning the name of these (HST or QST), is there any way to avoid all those bias edges that the above method would result in? I thought there was another method, but I'm drawing a complete blank--maybe I imagined it. :shock:

You can fuse an X of stabilizer across the square before cutting. The bias edges will not stretch at all.

Yes, that is a method of creating 4 HSTs from 2 squares. You have hit upon the issue: bias edges. Many people don't have an issue with this, but I'm not one of them! You can create the same HST, by looking at the FINISHED block (all sewn into the quilt) and figuring out the size of the HST in that block. Cut 2 squares 1" larger than the finished size. Draw a diagonal line, then sew 1/4" on either side of the line, then cut on the line. Open, press then trim down too the finished size +1/2" for seam allowance. This makes 2 HST, so you will need to cut twice as many squares as the pattern indicates because the craftsy method yields 4.

so lets say the HST in the finished block measures 5". Cut two 6" squares, sew, press then trim down to 5 1/2".

They're called HSTs because when the block is done, it's two triangles sewn into a square; ergo "half square triangles". Quarter-square triangles are when the triangles take up a quarter of the square of the finished block.

When making anything with triangles, I usually starch the snot out of the fabric before cutting it. That tames the bias.

The method you might be thinking of is to cut your original squares on the bias (so your squares are on point), but you still have to be careful when handling them and sewing around the perimeter. I find it's just easier to starch.

As Peckish said, starch it until it pretty much becomes card stock and the bias won't be a problem. You couldn't stretch the edges of my HST with a ratchet strap.

An alternate method is to mark and sew 1/4" each side of center diagonals. No bias involved. Most of us cut the squares just a little larger and trim each after separating them.

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Wow! Thanks, everyone. Starch (I use Best Press) seems like a great idea. Would I use it before stitching around the perimeter, or just some time before actually making my diagonal cuts? Or does it even matter?

Thanks again.

I won't use that method that leaves all the bias edges. I know I can starch them up but I hate babysitting them so I'd rather use a regular method.

I am not a fan of biased edges either, but seeing Jenny (MSQ) uses it for all of her HST, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to do the DHG, and I have to say it IS quick, but I had to take care with the edges. I did not starch, but did steam only the seams, being very careful NOT to extend the pressing to the edges. It does make doing a block very quick, and with patience, I think that I could get used to this method!

HAHAHA LISA Now that's a stiff HST ;)

CraftyRN, just wanted to mention that I am a big fan of Best Press and have used it exclusively since I started making quilts 6 years ago. But, recently, I was making blocks using 1 1/2 inch squares, resulting in a 3 1/2 inch blocks and I was really struggling with them. That small, the tiniest variation throws everything off and I needed to make lots of them! Finally decided to try "starching the snot out of them" as I have seen recommended here:) I used Faultless Heavy Spray starch and found the "stiff as card stock" result! and it works. Spayed the fabric before cutting and then sprayed again while pressing those cute little 1 1/2 squares. The resulting squares were so accurate, I loved it! I spray the fabric and then wait a few seconds for it to soak in before pressing. I have not tried the method for HST that you are learning but I think the "severe" starching will help anything.

Starch before you even cut into the fabric. Meaning, when it's still yardage. You don't have to starch the entire thing at once, just starch what you think you're going to use in the next week or so.

what if you started with a square that was cut on the bias (diagonal)?

Starch or not starch, bias is NOT a quilter's friend. I still will continue to do it the old fashion way that Kitsie outlined in her drawings. With stitching on the diagonal line, you don't have any bias edges.

Cutting the square on the diagonal is what I thought of, too. Seems to me that would be the easiest solution.

Cutting the square on the diagonal after the triangles are sewn would work to keep the bias stable. But cutting them before sewing would not eliminate handling and sewing a bias edge.

I use the magic 8 method and don't get as many bias edges. Still, starch is your friend!
http://chezstitches.blogspot.com/201...revisited.html

I have found the best solution for 1/4 and 1/2 square triangles, yes this does work, print I bought a program where you can print out several different sizes of the quarter or half square triangles then place on 2 pieces of fabric & cut with rotary cutter and you have perfect 1/2 or 1/4 square triangles. I have never and I mean never been able to make them come out before and now they sew the correct size every time. Go to Quiltpro.com and check it out ,the program is Great! My mom and I discovered that newsprint paper also works the best for removing the paper after your stitching and it will go through either her printer as well as mine, also it's pretty cheap.

I am of the camp that has hard time making HSTs with bias outside edges. I have done the biased version stiff as a board but really hate having to work with them. When I see a pattern with the bias outside edges, I either use the "magic 8" (I think Eleanor Burns showed that technique many years ago "cause I have used it for a very long time) -- Kitsie has the techniques that work in her diagrams.

There is also a technique that allows you to make a lot at once (similar to Thangles but without the paper). I don't have the printed directions, but plot it on paper before I do it on cloth.

I have finished making 6 of the 12 blocks of the November Craftsy quilt. I starched my fabric using 2/3 Sta Flo to 1/3 water. This made my fabric stiff. I have had no problem with the bias edges. I am enjoying making this quilt.