EasyPeezy

I can't edit my post without getting everything underlined. Anyway, just wanted
to say that with this method of speed piecing there is no extra allowance.
I prefer the method where you cut big squares then trim. You can even
sew 8 at a time. I guess it would also qualify as speed piecing.

ktbb

you can also purchase paper on the roll to help, or get a cd which allows you to print out a full page templates for making various sizes of HSTs. I use the "printout" cd since it allows me to print out as many pages as I need and gives me a full range of sizes to pick from. Brenda Henning does the cd that I use. In this kind, you cut two rectangles of fabric about 8.5 x 11 inches, lay them right sides together then stitch in one continuous seam over the whole page on the line indicated. Cut on the cutting line and you get a bunch of HSTs of the same two fabrics.

bearisgray

Perhaps grid piecing/sewing of triangles?
Here is a site that might give you some clues.

http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.co...triangles.html

Girlfriend

I think Belfrybat is talking about Sharon Schamber's way of making HST's:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL41EF4B468C4B4910

I have spent HOURS trying to make her method work, and could never "cut" them evenly. Everything up to the cutting part made sense to me, which is why I tried it. I don't know where I went wrong, but went back to drawing a line down the center of 2 squares right sides together and sewing on each side of the line, then cutting. I get the best HST's this way.

I am so curious to find out if this is the method you were referring to.

mycatsmom

I needed to make hundreds of HST for a quilt. I used the grid method. I bought disposable cutting boards, ( thin but sturdy plastic) and my DH made a template to use for this. It had the grid drawn on it with small notches where the corners intersected and small holes where they intersected in the center of the grid. I could put this grid on the lighter fabric and mark all of the intersections. I then removed the grid and using a straight edge drew in the remaining lines. Here is a link to the grid method. http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.co...triangles.html

Rose Marie

I have Thangles and some light weight fabric with the grid printed on it for all sizes.
But I still prefer to make them larger and sq up with the Quilt In A Day triangle square up ruler that you only make one cut to square up.
Also make them 8 at a time with a simple formula: 6 in squares make 2 1/2 in hst, then add 2 in to squares for each size up 8 in squares make 3 1/2 in hst. Draw an x then sew on both sides of line one forth in. Cut in half both ways them on lines to make 8 hst.

MargeD

When doing HSTs I always add an inch instead of 7/8 - then if my 1/4" isn't exact, I can trim them down to the right size, it sure has helped me have more accurate blocks. Even Eleanor Burns adds a bit extra and trims down and you're not wasting a whole lot of fabric. I'm not sure but check MSQC, I think Jenny has an easy way to make HSTs by placing 2 fabrics together RST sewing 1/4" all the way around, cutting across in each direction and there you go. It might be worth looking at some of her tutorials for easier ways to cut fabrics for quilts.

athenascooter

look at Missouri quilt for their tutorials. She just irons the fold and you sew on the side of it, Easier than to have to draw lines,

kay carlson

IMHO when one sews all four sides of the square as Jenny Doan does on the MSQC tutorial, the resulting cut leaves you with the four outside edges of the HST on the bias. I would prefer to use another technique to have those four outside edges on the straight of grain.

However, if you "stabilize" your starting squares in advance with fabric finish or spray starch her technique would be fine for a few HSTs.

When I pretend I am visiting with Mary Ellen Hopkins and doing mindless sewing to relax, I'll always work on the straight of grain. Many of my scrap quilts are designed when the plastic box is full of misc. HSTs calling my name.

Sew along piecefully :-)

Quilts&Angie

Ran across this method the other day. Plan to give it a try on my next quilt which requires a lot of HSTs.

http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/01/ha...s-8-at-a-time/