Info needed for making @ 100+ HST
 

I have to make 100+ HST in lime and white. Pattern calls for cutting them 2 7/8 inches, sewing them and cutting them apart. I would rather cut 5" charm squares and sew around on the edges before cutting apart, but I don't know if I will end up with what I need, I think 5" will be OK. Because I don't have much extra fabric, I don't want to experiment to get the correct size. I am in my camper traveling so my various guides are not with me. Can anyone help me figure out the correct size ? This is for an outer border trim so the HST can be a little bigger. Thanks.

This web site gives you the math to figure out the size you need. If your pattern calls for cutting them at 2 7/8 inches (which most people would round up to 3") then you must need 2" finished size. http://melaniedramatic.com/half-squa...angles-part-2/

If I had to cut that many from the same fabrics I would buy some thangles. http://www.thangles.com/howtheywork.html

If using the same two colors you can make a grid for eg: 20 at a time.
Here is just one example posted on Google (type HST grid)
http://quiltsbyjen.ca/how-to-make-ha...s-with-a-grid/

I would either use the grid system the Kitsie mentions, or the 'magic 8' method:
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/...are-triangles/
I've tried both and have problems drawing the grid exactly. I do better with the 8 at a time method.

Learned alot... new to quilting... great site.. Melainedramatic...thank girls

For that many HST's, I'd use Thangles too. They are easy to use, fast and accurate. The only problem is they will cost you some $ but sometimes spending a little money makes a difference.

Tube method is my favorite for that many of the same colors, super easy. You don't need to buy the triangle ruler, but I did, and its invaluable to me.

Thangles or triangles on a role or triangulation software......more accurate

I was going to recommend thangles too! Very accurate and also does not waste fabric.

My favorite (and I had to make 780 recently for a quilt) is Lynn Wilder's method for making 8 at a time. One light square and one dark square. Size of square is size of finished HST (which from your measurement is 2") + 1" X 2. In your case start with 2 6" squares. Sew and cut and trim and you have perfect square that join precisely. I have trouble copying the link on my IPad to how to cut and my hint for using blue painters tape but if you click on my name and go to my recent started threads, you will find it. Easy method

I use this website, for the paper method, similar to triangulations:

http://www.quiltingandwhatnot.ca/Hal...-Triangle.html

If it helps and you have a printer I use Triangulations when making any triangles. It is a cd rom disk.

A friend just bought the accuquilt go, the electric one and is enjoying it tremendously. The price is way beyond my budget, darn. It at least makes the cutting of the HST's easier. Though not sure what the price of a die would be for the sizes you want. Then you would probably still need to square them up???
So, I use Thangles and love them.

As you are in your camper van I would use the quick 8. But you want to use your five inch squares which although they will make small squares less than 2" finished size. If you use your squares I suggest starching before any sewing or cutting to help to stabilise the diagonals.

I am in the process of making a controlled scrappy with nothing but HST, and I have used Thangles. Yes, with over 1,300 of them in the works, it cost a little bit, but wow, are they accurate and VERY easy to use. They come in so many sizes, you should be able to find what you are looking for.

They sure have made my work go faster. Good luck!

I love my triangulation software makes any size easy and no squaring up after.

Just be carefully because the method you described I think the edges will all be BIAS! If you are not a skilled quilter, you could easily get into trouble with having warped HSTs. You need a 6" square to get 8 HSTs. I think you will get a lot of waste if you try to use charm squares. I use Thangles too.

I have never used Thangles but guess I will have to try them. I did find on the web finally where if I used 5" squares I come up with 4 HST about 3.18 inches. Since it's the border, I can use that size. I am not a fan of sewing small squares or triangles together, I think I will get some Thangles. Thanks everyone for your help.

You should try this method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A91W0tUTFyg Take you about an hour or two for all your HST's

I use thangles or Triangle Paper.

I sometimes use paper to make test run blocks. so i don't waste my cloth. That might help you out

I prefer Triangles on a Roll. They come out perfectly every time. No waste of fabric. And quick.

I used triangulation CD and it saved my sanity making a sampler that required templates.........ugh. Once you buy the CD (about $40 I think) you can print all sizes in 1/16th" increments up to the size of a computer paper. Love the continuous line sewing too, as it saves time.

Have you considered investing in a Go or another type of quilt die cutter?

One of the best purchases I ever made was the software program Triangulations. Forevermore, I can cut HST in any size by just pushing a print button...it also includes patterns for flying geese and more. Here's a link...you'll never regret it! https://www.bearpawproductions.com/s...php?cat=1&ID=2

I agree. Had to make 180 HST and went with Triangle paper (think it was called Triangles on a roll-same idea as Thangles)
It was a life saver.

I made almost 300 HST with a finished size of 1-1/2"with the method I saw in Fons & Porters Quilting Quickly magazine. Cut 2 squares of fabric, one of each of the fabrics that will make up the HST. The size of the square is determined as follows: double the size of the finished HST and add 1.75" example: a 2" finished HST would require a 5.75" square. Draw diagonal lines in X formation. Sew 1/4" on both sides of lines. Cut apart blocks vertically on center of square followed by cutting horizontal through the center. Try and keep the blocks together and cut on diagonal lines. You have 8 HST. I figured out how to multiply the size of the square so I could make 32 at one sitting. I did size them all up so they were spot on and the dog ears were gone especially because they were so small.