You can use scraps or a strip. The thing I like about using scraps or what I call swatches is that the size is small and you don't have to contend with the tail that gets in your way. when I cut strips I am constantly having to move the rest of the strips out of the way as I turn the mat and cut. But I showed the strip method so those who are concerned about waste would see a cleaner less waste way to do them with the cut down. I like the swatches or scraps myself. But then I have done most of my work in scrappy and the strips don't work for that. I try to not repeat a fabric.

actually I have a magic genie who's name is Dorothy and she makes most of my blocks for me. Then I get to sit down and play! She cuts strips and then cuts the strips into sections and piles up 30 sections of one fabric and then moves on to the next fabric and does the same. She then sets up stacks and sews two sections together usually a light and a dark and then she flag sews. She does hundreds of them at one time. She sews the twos together in long strings of flags and then sets them aside til she is all done and then goes back and cuts them all apart. If she is doing a Bosten then she goes on to add the third swatch. Then she irons all of it. Then she goes back and cuts out all of them. She is very assembly line oriented! LOL She uses the leftovers to pull apart and resew together and cuts out the next size smaller from it. We go down to a 1" size block so we don't waste anything.

Always pass on the info you have 'cause it really helps the rest of us. Thanks so much for this tute.
Bev

You're welcome Bev!

thank you. I think this is a good explanation.

I have yet to make a block with hst that didn't lose points. This information will help lots. Thanks.

LOl Rhonda...I just love every one of your tricks and tips...Especially "Dorothy"... Is she for sale??/ I could really use her........Lucky you.....

Thanks this tip is worth saving and will make better looking blocks

I just bought a "Micro Stitch". It makes the smallest tack and has the smallest needle available. I could use that instead of sewing the ends, right? It seems like it would work. If you don't know what it is, look it up on Google. I love it. I use it for so many things. You can just pull them out or clip them off. I think they are smaller than what I can stitch. I needed your tute so much. A while back I asked how it was that I keep losing my points and you answered my question. Thanks for all the work you put into showing everyone. My favorite tip! Jeanne

Thank you very much. I always have trouble with points!

You're welcome everyone. I hope the tips do help you all. Taking the time to do a small tack or however you want to do it helps with the frustration down the road. A stitch in time so to speak! LOL

Jeane as long as your micro stitch allows the fabric to not move when it stitches you should be good to go with it! Sounds like a time saver for sure! I would be sure tho that the fabric is in place correctly after it stitches. It is easy to tack something and then go back and find it didn't stay in place while you were tacking so the whole block will be off. I hope it works well for you!!

Rhonda, I need your patches r e-mail address. Thanks. Love & Prayers Sheila Elaine

Rhonda, thank you for ALL of your tutorials. They help me so much. You are so kind to go out of your way to spend so much time to teach us all of your tricks and methods. Especially THIS one! I think the tacking is what I need to do mostly. I also like the cutting down. I do have problems losing points sometimes and I hate putting those into my quilts, but sometimes I run out of fabric and have no choice. But I think if I use your method, I'll be okay. Thanks again, Jeanne

You are more than welcome. I hope it helps!! Just taking the time to make accurate cuts and measuring as you go helps to keep things where they should be which results in points not going into the seam allowance and therefore not cutting them off.

Hi Rhonda,

I'm still not getting this part. Wouldn't you need to make sure there's a 1/4" seam allowance between the point and the edge of the quilt block? Why would you need a 1 1/2" seam allowance?

Thanks for any help,

Lynda

all I can say is it is an error I missed. When using the strip method it is wisest to have 1/2" to 3/4" between the edge of the strip and the point of the block you are cutting out. I suppose I was thinking of that when I wrote it. But you are right it should read 1/4" Not 1 1/2" between the point of the block and the edge of your seam.

Thanks for the fast response and for the great tutorial! I thought I might be going around the bend. Your methods are really interesting and make me wonder if there are not other uses for them. For example, it would be interesting to make a stripset with four strips and cut a square that would include all four strips. I might have to try that this weekend. Lots of possibilities!

Thanks again!

Lynda check this out
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...d-t128201.html

If you haven't seen the rest of my tutorials here is a list

Workshops and Classes
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tags/wo...d+classes.html

Blocks of the Week by Rhonda
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tags/bl...by+rhonda.html

Block Shortcuts by Rhonda
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tags/bl...by+rhonda.html

Has anyone tried this method: put 2 squares right sides together. Pin. Sew a 1/4 inch seam on all four sides
make 2 cuts on the diagonal like a big "X" and you have 4 HST when you're done.

Another fabulous tutorial! Thank you!

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy using it!

Lol....It has been a while and I am reading this thread again and laughing at myself...HST...( well...I was very new then...) Thank you so much for answering my question......