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.

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

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.

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.

I love this Magic 8 method too. If I have enough fabric, I add 1" instead of the 7/8" and then multiple by 2 to get the size of the squares to start with. I will have to trim down but they will be perfect. I gave this tip before but for new people to the QB, I press HSTs to dark side and then put blue painters tape on what will be the low side of my ruler, trim two sides of about 15 (before needing to change the tape), then rotate the HSTs and trim the other two sides.
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I just avoid bias edges whenever possible. I have seen too many warped blocks.

I used the Magic 8 method and the first few have turned out well. Onward and upward!

Thanks,
Watson

I don't know if anyone else mentioned it but MSQC has a tutorial on this.

Creative Grids has a new ruler for HST. 4 techniques..1 ruler
There is a video on You Tube.

sandy

Thanks for the info because it will come in very handy when I begin my next quilt.

From Fons & Porter's Quilting Quickly magazine: The size of your fabric squares is calculated as follows: double the size of your finished HST unit (2" unit = 4") add 1.75" (square size is 5.75" total) Two 5.75" squares RST, mark lines diagonally in both directions, stitch 1/4" on both sizes of lines. Cut through diagonal lines in both directions. Do not move pieces. Cut vertically and horizontally. You end up with 8 HST. I used this method and made 296 1-1/2" finished size HST for Bonnie Hunter's last mystery quilt.

Have you thought of Thangles If you press with the paper on, they are perfect every time.

Here is how I do it with out the bias edge. I like it much better than sewing around the edge and cutting. It is the same idea but turned and cut on the grain. When you cut these the bias edge is already sewn.
I always make mine a bit bigger and trim down.

peace

http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/01/ha...s-8-at-a-time/

I won't use the MSQC method of making HSTs--just not accurate enough for me. I can't tolerate those bias edges. I like to make the units a little bigger than needed and cut them down to perfect size. I will definitely be trying the trick of adding a little tape to the ruler to make it sit better on the side where the seam is pressed away. Thanks for that tip!

I too used the magic 8 method when making Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt. It's easy, fast and special ruler required.