Hi all, I am just sick. I am making a quilt with half square triangles and after I cut all the squares into triangles then I ready about the easy way to do half square triangles. So I have 64 squares to make and I'm afraid I will ruin everthing trying to sew these together (the bias thing and trying to keep the 1/4 all the way to the end off the point. Is all hope lost or can I get through this with the triangles I have? Thanks much! Kim

Of course you can do it with the triangles you have, and you will become a better quilter with all that practice.

You can do it....try a few and see how it works. I never to easy half square triangles. Just go easy with the bias edge...don't stretch and do push it through. Sometimes I use my walking foot for these, but then I don't have the 1/4 guide.

Oh, I am so relieved...I can't tell you how happy I am to get your message...! Will report back tomorrow on my progress. You are a lifesaver!

Thank you so much - I am feeling much better know that I'll be able to use the ones I cut. I'll let you know how it goes!! Kim

I'm sure you can do it. Don't be afraid just jump in and start. I'm sure you will do great.

Be careful not to distort the bias side and just sew the triangles together. Once you go through that exercise you will REALLY appreciate the other method.

Kim -

My advice on HST - starch them into submission! And press, don't iron. I've been working on Friendship Stars and someone (I think from this board) recommended starching heavily. That makes a huge difference and the squares come out much better. Be sure to post a picture of your finished product.

Darren

Great idea...otherwise I'm not sure how I would not stretch the bias. Thanks! I will post the quilt when I get done. I am so grateful for this forum!

I will do the "easy" way next time...seems very efficient and much more fun!

Yep, you can do this. My recommendation is to starch the heck out of the fabric and be very careful when ironing it. Remember, you need to press and not iron. Ironing is scrubbing the iron back and forth across the fabric, which can really distort any bias edges. The starch will help keep the triangles in their proper shape. Also, when sewing them together, don't rush. The faster you sew the easier it is for the bias to stretch. Just keep at a fairly slow but steady pace and it should come out all right.

Starch! Lots of lovely starch will help keep the blocks from stretching.

Oh thanks so much! I am now looking forward to jumping in tomorrow!

You can do it. After finishing all those you will be a pro.

My very first quilt was all half square triangles and I sewed them all together. I think it is still the best quilt I have made. (My avatar pic) I just wish I had made it a little larger, It just fits the top of a full size bed with maybe a 4 inch overhang. It really isn't hard. I chain pieced, pressed and snipped the threads between after pressing.

I now make perfect HST every time and it is so easy.
Quilt in a Day has a triangle square up ruler that you only need to make one cut to square up your triangles. It is the best investment I have made.
I have tried many different methods and have a drawer full of them and none work as well as El Burns method.
Try her website for instructions.
http://quiltinaday.com

Have you ever considered a Wonder Cut ruler? No measuring; just cut on the lines they tell you. And, only two seams to sew, both on the straight of grain, so no bias edges to deal with. It was about $14 when I bought it (on line) -- I am no longer afraid of doing HSTs. Also does a nice job on QSTs, too.

You may like using Thangles to make HSTs. I like them when making small HSTs. There are so many ways to make them and different rulers and guides to use. One tip when using the draw a line from corner to corner square method, it's faster to fold and press the square and use the pressed line as the guide.

Go slow. Two at a time, thats all. Think small and the big thing gets less scary. You will do just fine.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I tried one starched a few minutes ago and it worked out fine!

Yay!! You go girl! :thumbup:

Good going! You're on your way!

Visualize yourself admiring your finished quilt.

Darren

OF COURSE YOU CAN....and all the practice will make you a better quilter! Just take your time when sewing (if your machine has a speed guage, lower the speed to at least 50% of maximum) and starch the living daylights out of the fabric, pressing, not ironing. I save my Joann's 40 & 40% off coupons and order the MaryEllen's Best Press from the on-line store (a gallon jug for about $25 at discounted price), and this stuff is wonderful!

Go slow, take your time, don't pull on bias. Also remember, bias edges can be very forgiving - you can stretch a little or ease in a little if you are off slightly.......

Just enjoy and post pics of your progress.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with the HST questions...I am happy to say my 64 HST blocks are done and with maybe one exception they are 6.5 inches like they should be. Starch is truly my friend!!! I will post a picture but my camera is currently on the fritz...so even though I am sad the Packers lost in OT at least I got alot done on my quilt...yay

I am so glad this story had a happy ending! The support shown on this board is wonderful!

I have heard of ironing them to freezer paper or using masking tape on the seam until it is sewn. Although I am not experienced enough to have tried either one. I sew them as squares them cut them apart

I think pressing is important with bias edges especially.
I took a 60" ruler and centered it on my pressing board, marking it with a fine sharpie, black.
I lay the stitch line right on the black line, press, open and press. It keeps your block square. Works well with a string of sewn blocks, then just clip apart.
Joyce in MI.

I am so happy to hear that this turned out well for you:D:D:D
Starch is my BFF too :wink: