Stitching the Half Square Triangles-Part 1

May 3, 2017
Border and HST Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

Border and HST Quilt-a-Long, Lori Kennedy

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.

 

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

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.

 

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

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

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

Lower the stitch length and stitch both sides:

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

Use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the center line.

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

Trim the pointy corners off.

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

Press the seams toward the darker fabric.

The HST should be 2-1/2 inches…This is the unfinished size!

Half Square Triangles, Lori Kennedy

TOMORROW

As quick as a bunny we will stitch eight HST with just two six inch squares!

FREE SHIPPING ENDS TONIGHT!

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Get YOUR personalized copy (or one for a friend) today!  Free Shipping (US Only) 

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!

PPS…This blog post contains affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase, at NO ADDITIONAL COST to you, I may receive a little “pin” money!.  Thank you for supporting The Inbox Jaunt this way!

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