HST question
 

I know that if I want a 3 1/2 square I should cut it 7/8 more or round up to 1" more. However i made a test square and cut 2 4" squares and drew a line diagonal and sewed 1/4 from the line on each side of line and cut in the middle and pressed and I got a 3 and 5/8 sq. Is that to little to sq up. or should I go for the 4 in square to start with? Another thing I wand to know is there a quick way to make a 4 patch. I sewed two 2'' inch strips together and then sub cut in 2 " and sewed two back together to get a 3 1/2 sq 4 patch. Thanks for your help. When you read the book and sit down to make test blocks, it is entirely different. The book is telling me to do bias strips for the HST and I don't like the instructions so I am doing it the draw a line way.

Missouri quilt company on you tube..Jenny Doan...has Easy ways to do things

Hi, Sewing Suz....I'm also in Arizona. The only way I will make my HST is by using the Easy Angle ruler. You cut your strips the size that you want your HST to be. No guess work and they come out perfect. Sew....if I want a 3 12 inch HST, I cut a 3 1/2 inch strip and use the ruler and sew them together. Easy peasy!

3 5/8 is still larger than your needed size and can still square it up. Just take a little from one side, flip and square to size needed. If you are still testing, the rests of your blocks you can cut a little bigger to give you more wiggle room. And, I make 4P the same way but others might pipe in with a different technique.

I always substitute easier sewing techniques than offered in patterns. That's the quilter is us!

Cutting 4" square should be enough but it depends on how you sew
and what type of thread you use. If the thread is thick it will take
more space in the seam allowance. If you sew right on the line
or next to the line it makes a difference. The only way to find out
is to press and trim. If you find you can't trim to 3.5" square
then cut the square bigger or adjust your seam allowance a little.
You are right on track for the 4 patch. That's the way I know to
make quick 4 patches. If you have lots of 4 patches to make
in the same fabric, you just cut two long strips, sew then sub-cut.

If your result is 3 5/8, that is great because you have lots of room to square it up (down?) to 3 1/2. Just remember to PRESS not IRON when you are pressing them.

sounds like you have this figured out already. But I just a couple of weeks ago (where???) saw a tute that said to be sure to press open each seamed "corner" of those HST and then to open and make sure to use the iron point to press on the straight of grain. Said to Not use the side of the iron to open the seam and press (what I'd been doing) cause it's on the bias and can distort the seam with a curve instead. Makes perfect sense and works, too!

I use this technique. (graphic is my own) My trim is often just a few threads on each side, like 1/16 of an inch.

Jan in VA

Thank you, I have that ruler and watched video how to use it.

Thanks to all for your help!

Another AZ girl here. MSQC has a fun way to do 4 patches from strips.

Your extra 1/8” is due to you cutting your squares 1/8” larger, ( 3 7/8” vs 4”) and you sewed perfectly. Great job. Now, you can trim your squares to your 3 1/2”. Or you can cut your squares 3 7/8” and ( hope) to continue getting them all perfect.
I would continue with the bit of trim room.

The Eleanor Burns 1/2 square ruler makes this so easy, you use the oversize pieces, (I cut mine 1 inch bigger than the finished component) draw the diagonal, sew 1/4" on either side of the diagonal. Then, BEFORE you open those pieces, you cut it down with the ruler. It's perfect every time with no worries and it's quick. Wasted fabric is minimal.

r

i agree..EB methods/tools are so to the point....she is so willing to share her knowledge and her rulers are reasonably priced and if used correctly perfect results! Love her recent videos on YouTube

I cut my squares about 1/2 inch larger and sew 1/4 inch on both sides of the diagonal line just like you did but the problem may be with ironing. I find that I can't use steam and I can't push the iron across the square. It sounds like you could just trim your square to 3 1/2 and it will be fine. Good Luck

how to sew a 4 patch block two at a time
 

This is sew easy you have to try it. Very well explained!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alReWeIynGw

Thank you for this and I will try it.

Personally, I like Deb Tucker's methods and tools for making PERFECT HSTs................There are no bias edges to get stretched, and every block winds up being exactly the size you need. Check out her video for the Tucker Trimmer on her website............very informative...........Deb Tuckers Studio 180 Design.net