HST using a diagonal cut square
I am starting a pattern that is made up of HST's and the maker of the pattern uses a large square that you layer the two fabrics together, sew a 1/4" seam all the way around then cut diagonally from corner to corner to make 4 HST's. Of course, this is going to make them all bias edges.
What is the best way to handle these HST's without pulling them out of shape? I have starched the fabric, but what else can I do? Thanks, Watson |
Make them a different way so you don't end up with bias edges. Aside from that starching and handling carefully is all you can do. Personally I would figure out a different way of making them.
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Have you already cut the fabric?
If you have, starch is your friend. If not, you can cut 8 HST at a time without bias edges. http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/...are-triangles/ |
I just finished my first quilt with significant half square triangles (240 of them!), and I had no trouble with cutting squares slightly oversized, cutting down the middle, and carefully sewing the pieces on the cut diagonal. The fabric was well starched, and I handled the cut pieces very carefully. I pressed and then trimmed. I didn't cut more triangles than I could sew in one session to minimize the handling. It seems ridiculous for the pattern designer to give you all those bias edges!
Pam |
Press them open with care. Use the tip or edge of the iron on th seam only. So not iron the block out of shape
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HSTs are HSTs, regardless of the method used to make them. I recently invested in the Easy Angle ruler and found making HSTs faster, easier, more accurate, no marking, and no bias. I use the Companion Angle for Flying Geese too.
As for the method you described, starch and careful handling should be just fine. |
I use another method. This is one reason I didn't keep buying Block magazine. So many of the HST's in there are made this way and I don't want to babysit bias edges.
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El Burns uses large squares to make 8 HST at a time and not on the bias.
By drawing an x and sewing on both sides of the lines 1/4 in, then cutting the sq in half both ways then on the lines you get 8. 6 in sqs make 2 1/2 in. 8 in sqs make 3 1/2 in and 10 in makes 4 1/2 in. |
2 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Tothill
(Post 7576030)
Have you already cut the fabric?
If you have, starch is your friend. If not, you can cut 8 HST at a time without bias edges. http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/...are-triangles/ [ATTACH=CONFIG]552138[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]552139[/ATTACH] |
I just avoid bias edges whenever possible. I have seen too many warped blocks.
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