Good Morning, Quilters!
Yesterday we started our Spring Quilt-a-Long. The tutorials will usually be every Tuesday. This week your assignment is:
Choose a color scheme.
Prepare the fabrics.
Consider design changes-to make it longer, larger, etc…
And to make the Half Square Triangles.
For the quilt above, you will need 40–2 inch (finished) half square triangles.
MANY WAYS TO MAKE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES
There are many ways to make Half Square Triangles (HST). Use YOUR favorite method.
I will share two of my favorite ways. (One today, One tomorrow.)
HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES–METHOD ONE
This method works well when:
- You only need a few triangles.
- You are using small scraps to create the triangles.
- You want a very scrappy look.
THE FORMULA
Add 7/8 inch to the finished size of the HST block.
For example, in this quilt, we want 2 inch finished HST.
2 + 7/8
Cut 2-7/8 squares of fabric–one light, one print.
MARK THE LIGHT FABRIC
Layer the two squares together–and press them together–they hold better that way.
Draw a straight line from tip to tip–on the diagonal. (Use very fine grit sandpaper underneath–to keep the fabrics from slipping.) This is the CUTTING LINE!
Use a plain ruler and a sharp pencil.
Line the presser foot up so that you stitch 1/4 inch away from this line.
ANOTHER OPTION:
I often use the Quilter’s Quick Quarter HERE which is
very similar to the Fons and Porter Quarter Inch Seam Markers HERE
Use the Quarter Inch Rulers to MARK THE STITCHING LINES
Lower the stitch length and stitch both sides:
Use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the center line.
Trim the pointy corners off.
Press the seams toward the darker fabric.
The HST should be 2-1/2 inches…This is the unfinished size!
TOMORROW
As quick as a bunny we will stitch eight HST with just two six inch squares!
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What about YOU?
What’s your favorite HST method?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
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16 comments
Annika
My favorite method to make HST’s is with Inklingo. No measuring or trimming to size necessary, and no taking extra care of stretchy bias edges.
Christine B.
Thank you Lori…. will have to get started!
quilter1522
Thanks for a fun new quilt-along, Lori! I have a stack of HST from a previous project that I can trim down to size, or maybe I’ll make some new ones in a different color scheme. So many decisions! Looking forward to some fun FMQ ahead!
Linda
For some reason, I don’t particularly like making HSTs. So, I try to find every opportunity to make them “by default.” For example, when I make snowball blocks, I draw a second stitching line, 1/2 inch outside the main seam line, and sew the second line before cutting. Somehow, this seems like less effort, and has resulted in my having a ready stash of HSTs on hand at all times.
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Great idea! Thank you!
Marta
Coincidence..I was just finishing sewing the patches of a 40″ x 40″ donation kids quilt in order to use up extra half square triangle units.will join along the way…
Jean
I use your second method. Although I cut my original size larger and then trim to size. Another step but it works for me.
Carol Whaley
I also do this. That way the pieces are perfect.
Linda
I do the same thing. Despite using every tool available and a 1/4 inch guide presser foot, the perfect 1/4 inch seam eludes me at times. Cutting a 3 in square, then trimming the HSTs insures the perfect 2-1/2 square for a finished 2-inch square.
Marta
If anyone needs another hint to try….trial and error I learned to use my frixion pen to advantage..For example, on a 4 1/2 inch fabric square, I use a 4 inch square template (of acrylic or rigid plastic or stiff cardboard) and draw sewing lines around the edge of the 4 inch square onto the 4 1/2 inch fabric. I take the time to do this on each square or triangle I need to produce a scant 1/4 inch seam. Some folks have teased me about doing that but my seams come out great and corner points match up well. Ironing the seams melts the frixion ink away. For me it is well worth the time and is easy activity while watching TV.
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That is a good way too! Start with 3 inch squares–easier to cut. Then trim. Probably the most accurate way!
Carolyn Langley
I’m lucky to have a die to cut them, so now to find the fun fabrics..
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You are lucky!!
Carolyn Langley
Heading to my sewing corner to get my h.s.t. Ready…this is my first time trying one of your tutorials, (can’t wait to see how I do) …this should be fun.
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It will be fun!! Choose fun fabrics!
Carolyn Wainscott
very informative, shared on my page-thank you for such clear, concise photos
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