best way to make HST?
07-28-2011, 09:44 AM
#31
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boonville, Missouri
Posts: 186
For yrs I would either use foundation papers such as Thangles or the method where you would draw a diagonal line and sew 1/4" on each side. However, I found that method quite often was not very accurate even when I would round up to the nearest whole inch. Then several months ago I decided to just cut the squares to the actual size (i.e, 2-7/8th inches), cut it in half on the diagonal, lay the 2 triangles RST and sew. Viola, accurate hsts every time! I realized that the problem before was if you do not use a very skinny line when drawing the diagonal, you will not be accurate. Plus this way is faster as you skip the step of either drawing the line or dealing with pinning the fabric to the paper. So long as you don't "manhandle" the bias edge when laying the 2 triangles together you will be just fine. You can also layer the 2 fabrics together before you cut the square, but you will probably still have to line the triangles up a bit before sewing.
07-28-2011, 11:46 AM
#32
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 7
I use my triangulations CD, print & then spritz a little quilt basting spray to attach it to the fabric, works well and I use up my recycled paper. My friend just used this method to make 242 2" HSTs for her quilt...she is a new quilter and her blocks looked great. I am wondering about what someone said about setting the template on a bias cut and the resulting HSTs not having any bias edges since they have to be handled when piecing with the HSTs. Interesting discussion.
07-28-2011, 01:44 PM
#33
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: South Gloucestershire, England
Posts: 61
Originally Posted by Holice
I am doing this now and find the two squares, line down the middle etc the easiest way. My finished size of the block is 3.5" so I got the 3.5" Omnigrid ruler and recut.
I started with a 4" sqwuare and while it worked to recut, I then started doing 4 1/4" squares ad it was easier with a bit more fabric to trim. I also found in the piece I am doing that my accuracy is better to press all seams open. At first I presed the HST to the side ad it gave too much bulk at the ends so then started pressing open and much less stress. In the block I have 12 HST and 4 plain squares and time is important and ease of assuring accuracy.
I started with a 4" sqwuare and while it worked to recut, I then started doing 4 1/4" squares ad it was easier with a bit more fabric to trim. I also found in the piece I am doing that my accuracy is better to press all seams open. At first I presed the HST to the side ad it gave too much bulk at the ends so then started pressing open and much less stress. In the block I have 12 HST and 4 plain squares and time is important and ease of assuring accuracy.
07-28-2011, 04:54 PM
#34
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Posts: 1,225
I sort of do the Eleanor Burns thing. I cut two strips that are 1 inch wider than the finished siz I am looking for. I then draw lines to make squares, but I don't cut them. I then draw zig zag lines up and down the diagonals. I sew 1/4 inch on either side of the zig zag lines. I then cut out the squares and between the sewn lines
07-28-2011, 05:33 PM
#35
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Monmouth, Oregon
Posts: 5,884
I always make mine bigger than needed so I can square them up. It is another step but then I know they are all the exact same size.
:-D :-D :-D
Originally Posted by QuiltE
Cut two squares and put them right sides together.
Draw diagonal between the two corners.
Stitch 1/4" on each side of the line.
Cut down the pencil line.
Voila!! Two HSTs, no bias edges!!!!
I always make mine a little larger and then trip to size using the sewn seam to square up with. That way they are precise .... and give me the accuracy when joining them into blocks!!
If you need multiples ..... just draw the required number of squares on a larger piece of fabric. Add the diagonals. Stitch and then cut on the grid lines as well as the diagonals. Then square and trim.
Easy peasy for a multitude of HSTs in no time!
Draw diagonal between the two corners.
Stitch 1/4" on each side of the line.
Cut down the pencil line.
Voila!! Two HSTs, no bias edges!!!!
I always make mine a little larger and then trip to size using the sewn seam to square up with. That way they are precise .... and give me the accuracy when joining them into blocks!!
If you need multiples ..... just draw the required number of squares on a larger piece of fabric. Add the diagonals. Stitch and then cut on the grid lines as well as the diagonals. Then square and trim.
Easy peasy for a multitude of HSTs in no time!
07-28-2011, 07:52 PM
#37
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Location: in front of this dang computer instead of my Bernina!(Naples, Florida)
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Originally Posted by Windsong
Missi, that is a beautiful quilt and alot of hst. Looks like a lot of work.
07-28-2011, 07:56 PM
#38
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Aaagh, I was right, it's worms everywhere!! Thanks everybody, for all the wonderful suggestions and links. But I have to say, I think I'm even worse off now... I don't know where to start!
I think I'll start by going to bed... tomorrow maybe I'll try out a few methods to see what I like.
And if I ever even think about a pattern with more than 50 HST, somebody shoot me. Please. :lol:
I think I'll start by going to bed... tomorrow maybe I'll try out a few methods to see what I like.
And if I ever even think about a pattern with more than 50 HST, somebody shoot me. Please. :lol:
07-29-2011, 06:34 PM
#40
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Camden, Arkansas
Posts: 228
Im having trouble with this extra 7/8 added to finished size square. I dreaded any patterns that require this when cutting pieces. I guess Im ruler illiterate..I just cant get it. practice makes perfect though...lol
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