2 1/2 finish size half square triangle's
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Hampstead N.C.
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2 1/2 finish size half square triangle's
I was making a maple leaf block table runner and cut most of the fabric. The finished size of the squares are 2 1/2 inches and the directions called for making the half square triangle's to be cut 3 1/4 and they came out to large. I did cut them down but really hate that chore. What size square should I have used to end up with a 2 1/2 inch block? Thank you, I'm just math tonight.
#2
The formula for half square triangles is to add 7/8" to the finished size. The finished size is the size of your half square triangle square once it is sewn into your quilt. Did your 1/2 square triangles end up at 3"? If so then that would be correct for your instructions.
I hope this helps
I hope this helps
#3
For a 2 1/2" finished block, add 7/8", which would be 3 3/8" squares. That's a little larger than the 3 1/4" you started out with, so I suspect that you want your FINISHED block to be 2"??? If this is the case, you want to cut your original squares 2 7/8". I also hate to trim my HST units, but I do for accuracy's sake. I always add an inch to the finished size and then trim down.
#4
The sizes you've given don't seem consistent with any method of making HST's for a 2.5" finished block. However, if you're meant to be using the HST method where you make 4 at a time by sewing all around the edges of the squares and then slicing diagonally twice, then the 3.25" squares would result in four 2-inch finished blocks. Using the method where you make 2 HST's at a time, the 3.25" square is too small to make a finished 2.5" block and much too large for a finished 2" block. (It is just right to make a 2.25" finished block with just a little trimming.)
#5
I don't follow cutting instructions for hst's any more. I do the 8 at a time. It is fast, accurate and no bias edges to fiddle with. Have you tried them that way?
For a 2 1/2" hst you start with 6" squares. Draw a line from corner to corner to make a big x in the block. Sew 1/4" away from the lines. Then you cut the squares in to 4 squares on the center lines then cut the drawn lines. Trim up and instant hst's. It's sweet
For a 2 1/2" hst you start with 6" squares. Draw a line from corner to corner to make a big x in the block. Sew 1/4" away from the lines. Then you cut the squares in to 4 squares on the center lines then cut the drawn lines. Trim up and instant hst's. It's sweet
#7
Yes - it's finished size of desired square (2 1/2 in this case) x2 (=5) + 1" to get a total of 6"
So if you want your finished unit to be 4" you would 4x2+1= 9"
There is very little to trim down but I have always gotten exactly the size I needed by doing this. It is so much easier.
I will say for larger pieces pin it to keep the fabric from shifting I found that one out the hard way.
So if you want your finished unit to be 4" you would 4x2+1= 9"
There is very little to trim down but I have always gotten exactly the size I needed by doing this. It is so much easier.
I will say for larger pieces pin it to keep the fabric from shifting I found that one out the hard way.
#8
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Woburn, MA
Posts: 711
How about investing in a $30 CD called Triangulations. Paper pieced patterns of all sizes come on the CD. Each HST or Flying Geese come out perfect every time with no waste. Worth the investment and I just use regular paper, no problems.
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Hampstead N.C.
Posts: 1,870
Deb your method worked like a charm, most appreciated. The past year and a half I have not done much in quilting and really having difficulty getting things going. To make matters worse I have been sewing this all weekend it is not done and should of been. However, I did sew my finger Ouch.
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04-05-2011 03:05 PM