Half Square Triangles
 

OK, I know this is a stupid question so please forgive me for my ignorance and inexperience in drafting my own patterns. Here it is: If you are stating with a square piece of fabric to make the triangles, do you always add 1/2" to the height and width of your desired finished size for your cutting size? See, it even SOUNDS stupid when I type it!!! Thanks for your help. I swear I frazzled by brain and cut upteen gazillion TOO SMALL!!!!! Hopefully Bonnie Hunter has a pattern calling for upteen gazillion half square triangles!!!

The math for half square triangles is to add 7/8" to the finished size. So if you want a 3" finished half-square triangle, you would cut your square 3-7/8".

I usually add 1" (cutting the square 4" in the above example), stitch, press and then sliver trim both units to a perfect 3-1/2" unfinished half-square triangle. The 3-1/2" unfinished size will measure 3" once sewn into the quilt.

Thanks so much! Now, to get busy cutting my NEW squares!!!

Can you just make a smaller quilt? Or does size matter?

I usually just round up to an inch, press them then trim the 1/8" off. Think, at least, that you make TWO from every square.

I always add 1" and then trim. I get a must truer square that way. Make sure when you trim your square you keep the 45 degree mark on your ruler along the seam line of your square. Press, trim two sides, turn and trim the other two sides unless you have the Quilt in a Day ruler which you trim before you press and only two sides.

If you use the tri rec rulers you only need to add 1/2 to the finished size...Bonnie Hunter has videos on this...on her website..

Lots of great information...thanks so much!

Bonnie Hunter uses a something angle ruler - I'll think of the name driving to work. If making 2 1/2 hst you cut 2 1/2 " strips - easy peasy - the one edge is already cut off. I also love triangulations for same fabric hst as you make them from a cut sheet of fabric and make many at one time - love my triangulations.

Leah Day has just done a very good tutorial on making half square triangles. I've been making them for 10 years or so, and I learned (was reminded of?) a couple of good tips.

http://www.freemotionquilting.blogsp...ilt-block.html