Please Help Me
 

I need to make squares that are half square triangles that end up 3-1/2" unfinished.

When I add 7/8" to the squares before I sew them, they end up too big. I've tried cutting various sizes to get the 3-1/2" squares but just can't seem to come up with the right measurement. :rolleyes:

What am I doing wrong? What size should I be cutting my squares?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Sue

Personally, I prefer the square to be a little big so I can trim it to size, square it up, etc.

do you cut them 3 7/8 or are you adding the 7/8 to the 3 1/2? I usually add one inch to the 3 inch size and then trim for exact. some people have great luck doing the 7/8 inch bit though. but always add that to the "finished" size, not the unfinished size. and if you do trim always place the 45 degree line on the seam corner to corner, line up to size you want, like 3 1/2 and trim two sides. then turn the block, place ruler and trim the other two sides. try again, you seem to be doing fine.

Here is my tutorial on many different triangles, including the Half Square Triangles you need. It's in pdf. format so you will need adobe reader to open it. That is available free on the internet for download.

As a quick reference, make your base squares ONE INCH larger than the desired half square triangles, then trim them down for better accuracy after sewing them.

Jan in VA

I agree with the others. 7/8 is a pain. Add 1 inch to the finished size you want the squares to be. If you want 3 inch finished HST, start with two 4 inch squares. You will have a bit to square up, but that seems to work better for me.

Math and i are not friends so when I run into that problem I cut larger and trim down to the size I need. It is so much easier that way and saves me from a lot of frustration.

I also recommend starting out with 4 inches, then trim down. The fastest and most accurate way I have found to "square up" is to use the Quilt in A Day Triangle Square up Ruler. LOVE that tool.

Another one in the camp of cut big and trim down...particularly with HST's. Those bloody things never come out straight/true no matter how careful I am. But you do add the increase (regardless if you chose 7/8 or 1") to the FINISHED size (in your case - 3" + 7/8") and you will end up with 3.5" hst's.

I say just cut it down that way you dont have to stress about wonky blocks.

I don't care what I do, I never get an exact measurement. Apparently, I can't even sew a straight line! How crazy is that? I've made over 50 quilts and am still struggling with this. I've read a zillion articles, looked at a bazillion websites, and tried my best. So, don't feel alone with this problem. So far, my best new trick is to use Mary Ellen's (I use a tone of this stuff) and spray it on the fabric before cutting out the shapes, make them a little bigger and cut them down to size like others suggest, and spray it on after stitching the patches together. If I don't "cut big and trim down" the patches never measure what they should no matter how carefully I measure and sew. And even then, the blocks don't always come out right size. I've come to accept my flaws and not fret over things not being perfect.

I go the easy route I bought a ruler from Joann's think its called the angler. Anyway, there's no 7/8 you cut strips your finished hst size and cut with the ruler. Look on YouTube for the demo.
http://www.joann.com/wrights-easy-an...-2-/xprd74159/ here the link to the ruler

I also add 1 inch to my squares and trim the units down. I use the Creative Grids 12 1/2" square up ruler. It adds an extra step, but I think it's worth it to gain accuracy.

The basic rule is to add 7/8" to the size of the desired FINISHED block. Eg if you want 3" FINISHED block then cut your blocks to be used as triangles 3 7/8", 6" finished blocks cut fabric 6 7/8". Then draw a line down the diaginal of the block and sew 1/4" on either side of that line. Cut on the line and Voila 2 HST. After cutting the fabric you will get desired FINISHED block size + 1/2"

Thanks for sharing. Instead of adding the 7/8, I just go to a full inch. Like you said you can always trim when you square it up.

Cut 1" larger and trim to the size you need it to be.

Always round up to the next inch. If it says cut 3 7/8, cut 4.

I usually cut larger for 3 1/2" I cut my squares at 4" and sew a scant 1/4" and then trim down. HST's are not my frien either tgat is why I have 2 BOM that are over 3 years old both require like 200 or more of these things.There are a lot of people who use the strip tube method I guess Missouri Star Quilt Company has a tutorial on this method.

I too cut a tad bigger and then use my Bias Square up ruler for trimming after I have ironed the piece.

If I have a lot to do then I will use something like Thangles and do it PP. When I have over 30-40 to make this seems to be the easier method for me.

Jan, thanks so much for the tut!

You must be my long lost sister!! LOL!! I have the same things happen and starch has now become my best friend in the sewing room!

Make sure you have a 1/4 seam allowance that can make a big difference also. I'm a trimmer too but in case pieces are already cut!

i'm with the others... i use the trim down method

thanks for that tute, for some reason it 's the one I always forget...........do always add the 1 " for assurance and cut down, especially on the mini's

I add 1 inch to the finished dimension, and then cut down using the Tucker Trimmer ruler......I really like those - keeps me more accurate than others..... Just my 5 cents' worth...

Wow, that was wonderful. I printed it out for future reference. (The first row of your "mountains" has also been labeled as "pyramids".) This will be so helpful to keep in my records. PS. It took me a while to understand the 4-patch on point on page 5, but I finally got it.

What a helpful pdf! Thanks a bunch!
 

I so appreciate all you gals out there in in QB! I can't hardly wait to read all the advice that comes to me via e-mail. I'm learning so much and whoever thought about starting this site is amazing too.

When I use this method, I prefer to make them bigger and cut them down too. But, recently I purchased a CD called Triangulations (~$30). On the CD are paper patterns to make any size HST. Them come out perfect every time. I just use regular paper, the only downside is that you have to rip the paper out but I don't mind. They are perfect every time and no trimming necessary.

Yes, making them a little bigger and trimming works best for me too.

Jan.... You are my hero! Love the pdf

Me, too................bigger is better in this case.

Once again Jan you have given us a great tut! THANKS!
I am so glad to see you back on QB!
Lots of old quilt books have the multi-HST instructions and not to long ago I down loaded and printed paper pieced pages for making several sizes.. can't remember who put it on but it is great to have all sizes printed on paper..
I also have a Accuquilt die cutter.. It is much slower but very accurate if I get my sewing the 1/4 seams right:)

thanks Jan! this is a great help

I also cut and inch bigger instead of adding the 7/8th, as it gives me more room to square up.

I prefer to add an inch to the square, say 4 1/2" square, draw line corner to corner then stitch 1/4" both sides, cut on line, press, then square up to 3 1/2". I've been quilting for a long time and no matter how careful I am, I always need to square them up to 3 1/2" using the 45 degree angle on the ruler. My quilt blocks are so much more accurate using this method, although it involves a little extra work, but to me the results are well worth it.

Thank you Jan for taking the time to post your pdf. You make it look so easy.

Jan thanks for that reference. I am learning here too.

On this board a few days ago I have found another way to make HST's. Cut a rectangle as high as your unfinished HST and one inch wider. Mark from one corner 45 degrees to the bottom. Sew this line and you have your sewn HST when you open that up. Turn to the opposite corner and again mark the angle and sew it. That way you have only one dog-ear when you cut them apart. I was surprised to see that. I haven't measured, but I think it uses less fabric. There is still one inch of extra fabric, but only on one side. Has anyone else done this?

That tool is a favorite of mine too!

Thank-you so much Jan for sharing your very valuable pages. You've crammed so much information in there and made it very user friendly. I've pinned it front and centre on my bulletin board.