Jan in VA

OR, you could have eliminated cutting all those individual squares and just done it this way:
Both instructions are virtually the same, just written and graphics drawn at different times.
Leave about half an inch all around the grid to allow for slippage and to allow you to sew the whole thing without lifting the needle at the turns, cutting the thread, and starting again....IF you've drawn the grid more like example 2.

Jan in VA

Peckish

The problem with cutting the squares into triangles first, then sewing them together, is now you're sewing on bias edges, and that can be tricky and aggravating. I would sew the squares first, then cut.

Maureen NJ

I know you've got your HSTs cut already but I also like Lynn Wilder's method of 8 at a time. I did that with a Ladiesof the Lake quilt top I completed (still have to quilt). There were 700+ 2" HSTs and larger HSTs. Oversized, pressed well(very important), then trimmed to 2 1/2". Went together beautifully. I not have to pin for piecing together as the HSTs were perfect. Easy although time consuming. I'll try to link you to my tip with blue painters tape. Worked great. Also photo of quilt top as I was working on it.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]542730[/ATTACH]

Maureen NJ

[h=2]Tips for HSTs[/h]

Maureen NJ

Ok. I don't know why I have such trouble copying and pasting on my IPad to here. Put in Tips for HSTs in advanced search. It reallykeeps ruler from sliding and makes it so much easier to trim the HSTs.

Maureen NJ

OH, and I forgot to add, I agree with the others. Do not cut on the diagonal first. Difficult sewing with bias edge. Also, with square you have something to hold on to with both hands and with triangle you can only guide it with one hand.

misspriss

By cutting first, you are still sewing twice. It is easier to put two squares together and sew down either side of the line than to wrestle the bias cut and the possibility of the stretch.

Geri B

Are all of your HSTs the same color combos, or are you doing scrappy? When I first started quilting the only "ways" were draw lines on fab, or use easy angle, like Bonnie hunter does. Now, pick your way......there is also triangles on a roll or thangles .......along with "start with square, draw lines....." They all work, if you are consistent in your piecing. You state you are trying to find the " quickest" way because you have 1000+ other things to do -- this, in my opinion, is something we don't do speedily...it is something we do to unwind, enjoy, feel a sense of accomplishment....., not just whizz thru to get to the next thing in line. So, sit back, take a deep breath, try each technique and see which will work best in this particular case and relish in the process!

Melanie Rudy

Here is another painter's tape method. This one is a bit different than the other one that is posted, with 1/4" lines marked on the tape. I love this<3 http://www.aprilrosenthal.com/2013/1...ngle-hst-hack/

ManiacQuilter2

You can mark with painter's tape and draw a line as a guide 1/4" right of center so you keep you drawn line lined up. This is what I use for marking my HSTs:
http://www.amazon.com/Fons-Porter-Qu.../dp/B000YZ5UW4