Uneven Half-square triangles
 

I am having trouble getting my half square triangles to be sewn to a regular square; they don't match exactly so the points are off. I know that you cut the half squares 3/8" bigger. So I am making 2.5 regular square and the triangle square I cut 2 7/8. But when I go to match them up to sew, they don't match--the half-square triangle which is now a square is bigger??? What is the problem? Does anyone else have that problem? What must I do?

I go bigger and trim it down. so I would cut 3" squares, cut them into triangles - sew, press, then trim down to 2 1/2 using the diagonal on my ruler to make perfect points. Or... if I was doing 2 colors only I draw a line on the diagonal and sew 1/4" on either side of it then cut on the line, press and trim.

I made mine bigger then trimmed down but - wow - i still couldnt make them to save my life... :thumbdown:

Please check out this tutorial on making triangles easily.

I think you make them 7/8" bigger not 3/8". Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

You might want to invest in the Wonder Cut Ruler. It is the best investment Inhave ever made for doing HST and I have used several methods. Using the rulers guide for your finished HSTyou cut two Fabrics and sew them together along each side and the using the rulers guides you cut almost perfect HST's. I have not seen them in quilt stores. I got mine off the Internet.

Check out Triangulations.

Awesome tute. thank you so much.

Cut them 7/8" larger. Then make sure to line your center seam up with the 45 degree line on a ruler when you trim them to size. I've done them with only 1/2" larger, but it's too close for comfort. 1 inch is easy to measure and adds 1/8 of waste compared with the 7/8. Jan's printout is worth saving. Very nicely done, Jan.

when you trim be sure to lay the 45 degree line on your ruler down the seam line, trim two sides and turn and trim the other two sides. that should make a perfect hst for you each time.

I always make them a little bigger then square them up with a bloc loc ruler. Perfect half-square triangles!!!!!

I have never sucessfully made one! I've tried until I've wanted either scream and/or cry!!! Sorry I can't be of any assistance here! :(

Thanks Jan! Hopefully this will help me... lol

...and be sure and check your seam allowance. I believe it is most important to use the scant 1/4" seam allowance.

@ Jan: That was a great tuorial! Thank you!!

I also make mine larger, like if it says to make the squares 3 7/8", I will make mine at least 4", and often even a little larger than that. I then go on and make my hst, and then trim it to the right size. I know this wastes a little bit of fabric, but it is well worth it to me to get the hst consistently the right size...otherwise I have to try and iron them even, or go back and take them out and try and re-sew them...I actually have done the latter, before I decided much better for me to start with my squares larger.
Good luck to you,
Kif

I make my initial squares one inch larger than the "finished" unit size I want. This gives me 1/8" to cut away. If you still have trouble, add 1 1/4" instead. Press carefully with sizing or starch, then as NativeTexan says, use your 45* mark on your ruler. I do it exactly as she says and get perfect HSTs every time. Once you have mastered the knack, huge numbers of tricky blocks and patterns are suddenly easy. This skill is one of the important basics in lots of quilting and gives one greast joy once mastered.

I try to avoid them, they make me cry!

Yep, I make mine slightly larger. Then I use my Bias Square Up Ruler to trim the HST down to size. I've never had a problem matching.

The ruler is by That Patchwork Place/Martingale.

ali

I also think that they need to be cut 7/8 of an inch larger, not 3/8. I am sure that the difference in that measurement is your problem.

I make them larger and use the Quilt In A Day triangle square up ruler that you only have to make one cut to square up.
It is the best investment for a ruler I have made.

All the reading I've done for HST, say to add 7/8 of an inch to whatever size of HST you want, I just make it an inch bigger and then square it off, so I've never had a problem. I don't know if you're cutting the triangles first or not, but I don't. If I want a 2.5" HST, I cut 2, 3.5" squares, layered, draw 2 lines diagonally, 1/4" from the direct diagonal line, sew on the 2 lines, cut on the direct diagonal line. This way, you're not sewing a cut bias edge. I hope I explained this so you can understand it.

@ Jan in VA. That is a great tutorial on Triangles. I love the things you show with borders. Thanks so much for sharing!

Try this:

https://picasaweb.google.com/samanka...rqtbep97a9pwE#

Use the tut here or one of the many others available on the web. Just do a search for half square triangles. If one explanation does not work for you, another will. I use my June Taylor Shape cut, but any ruler with a clear 45 degree line marked will do. Master this skill and you will be very glad you did. I taught a class at my LQS about a year and a half ago. Everyone got it without tearing out their hair. It is really just a matter of going step by step. I am grateful to the lady who taught me.

I use Thangles papers to make my 1/2 square triangles and they are great! You can make several at a time. So easy!

Great tut! Thanks for sharing.

this is my method for making half squares makes 8 at a time and does work for me if I want a 3 inch square 3 x3 =
6 add one inch so cut two 7 inch squares draw an X sew on both sides of all lines cut ceoss wise twice then between the lines you will have 8 half square triangles press and trim to 3 inches always perfect size

Thanks Jan for providing the instructions for Making Blocks with Triangles. I have added your instructions to my go to place when I need clear, concise instructions for a quiting technique.

Thank you Jan for the tutorial.

Sometimes they match, sometimes they don't. Making bigger ones seems to help, but if I've really gone off track, I'll just add sashing or exaggerate the whole mess and call it "arty".

Thanks for the info-I am making some, and need additional advice please. When chain piecing these, my needle "catches" at the beginning of the tip and bunches and jams my machine. Then I have to take out, use my seam ripper, and start over--slows the process greatly--any advice on how to avoid this? Thanks for the question, and all the answers. This came at a great time for me!

I bought the Marti Mitchell perfect patchwork templates, they work pretty good.

Try the magic triangle method from this month's Craftsy's BOM. It is a method Amy Gibson is showing on that sites video for the February blocks. I tried it, loved it and I made 4 half square riangles in 90seconds. Site is Craftsy.com

Thank you Jan, I printed and will put in a frame and hang on my wall, nice tips.

I agree with shnnn from Nevada all the way, and my points are perfect--when you sew the two triangles to each other to make the square, are you nesting the seams, and having the open edge facing into the presser foot?

When directions call for HST's and cutting 7/8" bigger, I make it an even inch, put two squares together, draw a line down the center, sew a scant 1/4" on either side of the line, but apart and then square up to make the correct size block. I tend to cut larger squares, since you can cut off excess, but you can't put it back on. I think there was a tutorial by the Missouri Quilt Company, but I dont' have their link.

Great advice! Thanks!

I made mine bigger then trimmed them down and they came out perfect, also make sure you have them stacked correctly before you sew them together...

A couple of things will help this problem.
~~First, make sure your needle isn't old and dull.
~~Next, have you tried the "leader/ender" method of beginning and ending your sewing....chain piecing also helps with this.
~~Next....switch your needle plate to the one with the little hole rather than using a zig zag plate. The tiny hole really helps keep your machine from eating your fabric.