Squaring Up Half Square Triangles - Question
#1
Squaring Up Half Square Triangles - Question
Well, I'm off today because it was registration day for my son at his high school. I had planned to take him to do that and then go school shopping with him, but his friends who he hasn't seen all summer decided to come over-- which I'm thrilled about for two reasons-- first, he hasn't seen hardly anyone this summer, and second, it meant I got to sew! Yippee!!
So I've started on my Halloween quilt. I had ordered a layer cake from Moda and it came today (perfect timing!!). I cut it into 5 inch squares to sew into HST's. I've chain pieced most of them and have started to notice that some squares are a slight bit wonky. I'm wondering if I should square them up, and if so, what's the best way to do that with HST's?
So I've started on my Halloween quilt. I had ordered a layer cake from Moda and it came today (perfect timing!!). I cut it into 5 inch squares to sew into HST's. I've chain pieced most of them and have started to notice that some squares are a slight bit wonky. I'm wondering if I should square them up, and if so, what's the best way to do that with HST's?
#3
I always have to square up my HST. I do as Mike'sgirl said but just purchased a Loc Bloc ruler to do it and I like it very much, but it sure does seem expensive.
You'll appreciate the effort later when you go to put them together.
You'll appreciate the effort later when you go to put them together.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
In my classes I request the Bias 8 Square ruler from Martingale. I believe it to be the best square up ruler on the market and it is still the only one marked with SOLID 1/8" lines in two directions....and this allows you to sliver off the tiniest bit on all sides of a block or block section.
Here is how I use it.
Jan in VA
Here is how I use it.
Jan in VA
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I, too, always need to square up HST's. Primarily I suppose because I up-size them by the 1/8" (cut at the 1" mark vs the 7/8" mark). I use a different ruler but do as Jan in VA does. One of the main reasons I bought a rotating cutting mat. Makes the tedious job a tad easier. Gotta love 50% off coupons at JoAnns!
#8
Yes, I started with 5 inches thinking that if I screwed it up, I could trim them. I think I might order that ruler Jan in VA recommended. Wish I had a rotating mat!! But I have a small table I can walk around, so that will suffice. :-)
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I am looking for the fiskar 8" rotating mat..have the other two green ones, but this one looks "handier". I may try michaels or hobby lobby I really hate to order online, but may have to
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
Instead of investing in a rotating mat, just get a smaller mat that can rest on your main mat. You can still easily spin it, and it'll cost a lot less than a rotating mat. Wish I had figured that out before I bought one!
I square up the way Jan described. I don't have that exact ruler but I have one that is similar. I have some bloc loc rulers too but only in small sizes so they don't get used very often.
I square up the way Jan described. I don't have that exact ruler but I have one that is similar. I have some bloc loc rulers too but only in small sizes so they don't get used very often.
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