I looked through the tutorial section but couldn't find an answer. If it's there, I'm sorry.

My problem is a pattern I'm doing which calls for a ton of HST's. However, the pattern maker wants you to do it the hard way- sewing the triangles together instead of sewing squares and making them into HST's.

I'm not good at math, so my question is, if the pattern calls for a 3 7/8" square to be cut into a triangle and THEN sewed into a HST, how much do I need to add so I can do it the easy way.

Does this question make sense?

The same size, just draw a diagonal line down, sew 1/4 in on either side, cut and press. you will get a 3" square with the two HST making the square.

For me I find doing them the way you explained easier, but that is just me.

Thanks for the answer! I like to do them that way because I'm more accurate at it than sewing the triangles together.

I find the best way to do things is how it actually works out for you the best. there is so many ways to do everything, I am mostly self taught, I have done some reading and such.

I find my HSTs are more accurate if I "round up". I would cut 4" squares, put them right sides together, draw the center line and sew 1/4 inch away on each side of the line. I cut them apart, press, and then trim to the correct size (whatever they were supposed to finish at in the first place). I just finished four blocks with 72 HSTs per block (I'm cross-eyed!!) and doing them larger and trimming they all fit together perfectly. Sure there's a small amount of wasted fabric, but that's worth it to me if my HSTs are accurate. Did this make sense? I know what I do but sometimes can't explain it well-sorry if I confused you more.

That makes perfect sense! Thanks!

This is exactly how I do mine, and I HATE trimming them but they always turn out so nice.
I want to start on a quilt for my bed soon, it has 2704 1.5 inch HST in it! They all turn into 676 3 inch pinwheels. I get crossed eyed just thinking about it.

Oh my...I can't wait to see that quilt!!! :shock:

I'm in the rounding up and trimming down school of HST..sew on 4" blocks..cut down to 3" HST's

This is what I always do also! Besides, it's easier to cut out 4" squares (for me) than it is 3 7/8" -- (where did that 7/8" mark go??? :shock: ) :D

There is another way to do multiple hst at one time- I don't remember what site I got this off of, hope this helps

Two Large Rectangles = Multiple Triangles

Using this method, you will cut large, but manageable rectangles, mark sewing and cutting lines, sew them, and then cut the triangles. The preparation/marking time is less than if you were marking each square separately. The sewing time also is less since there is only one unit of fabric to handle instead of individual triangles.
Step 1 – Determine how large to cut the rectangle pieces of fabric. To determine the cut size, take the finished size and add ⅞” to both sides. For example, if you are using 2” squares (finished size), the cut size will be 2⅞” square.
Figure out how many of these squares you would like to have on your fabric. Using the above example, 6 squares across would require a 17¼” length, and 4 squares down would require a 11¼” width of fabric. This configuration would result in 24 squares of half-square triangles. You may wish to add extra on each of the sides.
Step 2 – On the wrong side of the lighter fabric, draw the cutting lines of your squares. Using the same example, mark 24 squares that measure 2⅞ ” each. Then draw a diagonal line through the center of each square. This, too, is a cutting line.
Step 3 – Place the fabric right sides together (one marked and the other one not marked). Sew each of the squares two times, ¼” on each side of the diagonal line through the center of the square.
Step 4 – Press the sewn rectangle to set the stitching. Cut on the drawn lines to make your triangles.
First, cut the lines to make strips.
Once you have strips, cut them apart into squares.

I cheat a bit and use The Strip Tube Ruler..cause I HST and I don't get along very well... :oops:

My brain does not do 8ths. I round up, sew and trim. It takes me longer than most people, but it's the only way I get it right.

Look at the bottom of the page here
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art10208.asp
for grids you can print out when you need lots of them the same size


I have some others bookmarked, just can't find them now.

I also get much better results when I trim down the squares. I have discovered the cutting mat that rotates which makes that step faster.

I'm also of the round up and trim down persuasion. I am working on Friendship Stars for two of the nieces and found that I could get better finished squares by doing it this way. I figured I was just an amateur hack, but I'm glad to see that some of you more experienced quilters do it this way too. I briefly considered that I was wasting fabric, but I figured the price was worth getting accurate blocks. The first couple that I did were nightmares b/c the sizes weren't exactly right, but the stars look great now. Maybe someday I'll get more accurate, but for now I'm perfectly fine doing it this way.

Darren

El Burns has the best method for oversized then trimmed.
She uses large squares that make 8 HST at one time.
To trim to size takes one cut with her square up ruler.
It is so easy and fast and the ruler comes with a chart for all sizes.

I always add the extra 1/8" to make sure I don't have my HST too small. So a 4" square,mark the middle and sew 1/4" down both sides-cut apart on the marked line.

If I were making that many small hst I would use thangles-just make sure you get the right size ones for the FINISHED size you need.

Hi, when I made any HST's I always round up to the next number, in this case I'd cut 4" squares. Mark diagional, sew on either side of the line with a skinny 1/4", cut, press and then square up to size, in this case it would be 3 1/2". This way you are sure you HST is going to be the right size and the rest of the block will go together so much easier. You do the same thing with QST, round it up so when you get it made you can square it up to the correct size. :D Hope this helps and happy quilting. Jan

I like to make 8 HST at a time. The only drawback to this method is that they will all be identical. Here is my formula:

Half Square Triangles cutting 8 at a time
Use two same-size squares to make multiple triangle-squares.)

To determine what size squares you need to cut, multiply the desired finished size of the triangle-square by two, then add 1 ¾ “. For example, for a finished triangle-square that is 2 ½”square, use 6 ¾” 2 X 2 ½ (finished size) = 5”
5” + 1 ¾” = 6 ¾” square
Bisect the square in half in both directions with a pencil and a ruler and then draw the diagonals. Sew 1/4 inch on either side of the diagonal lines and cut apart on the vertical and horizontal lines. You will have 8 half square triangles.

I cheat! I bought the Triangulations software and LOVE IT! :)

i am with JanRN, 4" blocks is so much simpler.
Or you could always use "thangles".
.. and there are free print outs you can get on line too. I am not sure if i can post links..i will wait for an answer before i post them...

Yes..you can post links...and we look forward to checking it out! :lol:

I also use a rotating mat when cutting and marking smaller pieces....I made my own ! Just buy a lazy susan ( mine is wood--got it at a Big Lots store for $7) and attach a small cutting mat to the top...much less expensive than buying the "REAL" thing!

This is all really great advice, I'm so glad I found this board! thanks everyone!

Hey, what about the paper where you can cut rectangles and make a lot at once? You can by the rolled paper or got to Brenda Henning's site and buy her CD and have all the HST you want at your finger tips you just print it out on your printer. If I had a lot to make I'd never make one square at a time. I'd use the paper like above on a roll or Brenda hennings's. If I just have a few I round up..never do I cut 7/8 of anyting.
J

Many of the gals talked about measuring 'up' and trimming.
Take an old pillow case, insert elastic or drawstring and gather all these small trimmings for a washable pet pillow.
I made two for my girlfriends dogs and she and the dogs love them.
They can be machine washed and fluffed in the dryer. Great, if unusual gift.

Paper Piecing templates,Flying geese and HST's too:
http://www.quilterscache.com/B/Blank...latesPage.html

Finishes at 1"
http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-1inch.pdf

Finishes at 2"
http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-2inch.pdf

Finishes at 3"
http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-3inch.pdf

Finishes at 4"
http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-4inch.pdf

Tutorial from "quilting with a Passion"
http://quiltingpassion.com/tutorials/HST/hst.html

No waste Method for making flying geese:
http://www.patchpieces.com/FlyingGeese.pdf

Triangulations from Bear Paw Productions:
http://www.bearpawproductions.com/Go...ble_Runner.pdf

As With all links, pdf files,your should save them in a file,in case the link gets broken. Enjoy![b]

For 8 HST that are slightly oversized.
For 2 1/2 in use 6 inch squares. For 3 1/2 in use 8 inch squares. For 4 1/2 inch use 10 inch squares. You just add 2 inchs for each size up.
The square up ruler has all the sizes for HST and quarter triangles.
It is simple to cut smaller amts also. Just use a 3 x 6 strip to make 4 HST that are 2 1/2 inchs. You just draw a v shape on the strip.
The square up ruler sure saves time too. You put the line for the size you are making on the stitch line and make one cut. Then you press open.

does anyone use THANGLES?

i made a whole quilt, 2 of them actually, with thangles..
Pattern called "Milky Way"

here is a picture of one, all done in Batiks:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

Thats a beautiful quilt...you showed it on here before didn't you? I seem to remember seeing it somewhere...I love it.

I have a program called "Triangulations" written by Brends Henning; Bear Paw Productions, www.bearpawproductions.com

It is great for making different size triangles. It is done by printing the triangle design on thin paper then putting two pieces of material on top of one another then the paper, then you sew on the sewing lines, then cut on the cutting lines. You then have triangles with two different material. Depending on the size of the triangles, I have made 8 at a time.

Barbara

I like the method of using the squares. Only, I like to cut 1 inch larger, rather than 7/8 in. My reason is if I don't have a true 1/4 in. seam, I still have enough to true it up and trim. I'd rather have too much than too little and having to rip the seam out. Life is too short. :wink:

I use the Fons and Porter HST "ruler". I love making those little buggers. Draw on the edges of the ruler diagonally, sew on the lines, cut down the middle and sew - then relax by cutting the dog ears. F&P "rulers" come two to a package. You can get them at JoAnn's for 40% off if you have a coupon. Happy Quilting - I am starting right now! :-) Edie

Boo!

Welcome Needles. We're glad you've joined us.

that sounds like THANGLES

I think I will have to start rounding up. I just my fall blocks for the exchange and those HST and I did not get along. I ended up having the tear all 48 of them apart and resew them and they still did not all measure up to 5 and a half inches like they were supposed to! I almost threw the whole thing int eh garbage I was so frustrated!

I love the HST's. I found from the MOther (also a quilter) that sometimes you just have to eeaasse them in. Works for me. I just finished a quilt with a whole slew of HSTs. I asked JoAnn FAb about the Thangles. They didn't know that much about them. I just got to thinking, rather than spending the money on those thangs, why not just use a Fons and Porter 1/4" ruler. I can whip them out like nothing. Edie

PS - I just scrolled down a bit and I think I said this whole thing before. You get that way after a while! :?