Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • half square triangles >
  • half square triangles

  • half square triangles

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 06-16-2011, 03:01 AM
      #11  
    Super Member
     
    sewcrafty's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2010
    Location: New Hampshire
    Posts: 3,877
    Default

    Originally Posted by lynntelson
    Help! I followed the directions for half square triangles ie. adding 7/8 " to end square size.
    I needed to end up with 2 1/2 " square. Cut 2 squares at 3 3/8 ". Sewed and cut, ironed. Square ended up 3". What did I do wrong.
    If you need to end up with a finished 2 1/2 square then before sewing it would be 3". If you wanted a 2" finished square then you would cut at 2 7/8".
    sewcrafty is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 03:17 AM
      #12  
    Senior Member
     
    laurlync's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2010
    Location: Atlanta, Texas
    Posts: 623
    Default

    Originally Posted by lynntelson
    Needed 2 1/2 " finished square prior to sewing block pieces together.
    The term "finished" refers to the size of the HST after it is sewn into the quilt. The term "unfinished" refers to the size of the HST (or other block) before sewing into the quilt. It sounds like you are looking for a 2 1/2" unfinished HST which will finish at 2" after sewn into your quilt. If so, you will need to start with 2 7/8" squares to make the HST.

    The terms can be a bit confusing since when you finish making your block, it comes out to an "unfinished" size until you put it in a quilt which takes the 1/4" seam allowance off on all four sides.

    Hope this helps.
    laurlync is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 06:24 AM
      #13  
    Junior Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: Cadiz, KY
    Posts: 196
    Default

    Originally Posted by patchsamkim
    Whatever you want your FINISHED size to be, add 7/8" to that measurement...example..if you want your squares to be 2" finished, cut size would be 2-7/8"...after sewing the triangles, the unit will measure 2-1/2", but after sewn into block, then it will be 2". Hope that helps.
    You gave a great simple explanation!! That's it in a nutshell!!
    sewbelle52 is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 06:27 AM
      #14  
    Senior Member
     
    lllog's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Nov 2010
    Location: Camdenton MO
    Posts: 453
    Default

    Often new quilters confuse finished size with block size. If I'm doing a 2 1/2" square I start with 3".

    Lanny
    lllog is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 06:48 AM
      #15  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: rural SE Georgia
    Posts: 1,003
    Default

    I always add a full inch to the finished size I am looking too. 2&1/2 finished, use (2) 3&1/2 inch. It's easier to trim than to come up short, even a small amount matters in accurate piecing.
    laceybritt is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 06:52 AM
      #16  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Feb 2009
    Location: Northern Michigan
    Posts: 12,861
    Default

    if you want them to finish at 2", be 2 1/2" as individuals you add the 7/8" to the 2"- not the 2 1/2" size (you add to the finished size- which would be 2"-not 2 1/2" the 2 1/2" is the unfinished size you want.
    the way you did it is correct for making 2 1/2" finished blocks...unfinished 3" --- 1/2" seam allowance
    ckcowl is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 06:53 AM
      #17  
    Member
     
    vagabondmom's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2011
    Location: currently near Eugene. Oregon
    Posts: 93
    Default

    Or you could use the Strip Tube ruler and method by Cozy Quilt. If you want more information, PM me.
    vagabondmom is offline  
    Old 06-16-2011, 07:40 AM
      #18  
    Power Poster
     
    Annaquilts's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: SoCal
    Posts: 11,917
    Default

    Nothing you did it correct and they are correct. Now when you sew those together in the quilt they will be 2 1/2 half square triangles finnished size. You just did not use them yet in the quilt top. when you piece you will loose 1/4 inch on each side. So the 3 inch will go to 2 1/2 inch.
    Annaquilts is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    Glenda m
    Pictures
    10
    04-14-2015 01:06 PM
    Glenda m
    Pictures
    45
    10-10-2014 11:52 AM
    sondray
    Links and Resources
    0
    07-11-2009 04:57 PM
    sondray
    Links and Resources
    0
    04-16-2009 05:01 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter