barnbum

I'm making The Garden Block from quilter's cache. For the smaller HST the directions say to draw the line down the center of the stacked pair, sew on each side, and cut down the middle. (I draw the sewing lines). For the 4.5 HST the directions say to cut the 4 and 7/8 squares on the diagonal, then sew the triangles together.

I'm confused. Is there a reason for the different way to treat each one? I followed the directions exactly the first time around, but now I'm looking for short cuts.

Country Quilter

I never make triangles for HST's ...I always use the method of cutting squares one inch bigger, draw the lines, stitch down each side, cut them, press and then trim them to the required size. I don't know why they would have you work them using two different methods....kind of weird! LOL

Moonpi

Country Quilter and I use the same method. It is so much easier to sew, and then cut. Using a full inch instead of 7/8" gives you a teeny bit of wiggle room, which I generally need.

barnbum

Moon and Country--So if it calls for 4 7/8" squares, you go for 5" or bigger? When you trim them do you need to cut off all 4 sides in order for it to be the correct proportion??

I'm definitely going to draw the lines on all these--and I made them a tiny bit bigger. With my 1/4" seam--I need wiggle room. :roll: I use a magnet, which has to be removed for things like HST, and it makes me crazy to not be able to be more consistent.

Minda

Karla, I make my HST squares the same as Country Quilter. The only time I cut on the diagonal is when I am sewing the triangle to a separate part of the block. (Like the corner triangles on the Morning Star 2 block on Quilters Cache.) I always look ahead on the pattern to see how the HST is going to be used in the block. Hope that wasn't too confusing. :D

beachlady

I've only done a few HST's and I make them 1" bigger too. I searched until I found directions I liked and thought I could do!!! I also need that wiggle room.

barnbum

Minda--I understand exactly what you mean. :D

So, this 1"--is that 1" bigger than the final square, like 4.5" so 5.5" OR if they tell to cut 4 7/8" squares, you cut 5 7/8" squares?

I think I saved something somewhere on this topic...I'm going to check.


I found it!! http://hometown.aol.com/qltblockcenter/bombeg2/consthst.html

NOW I know what you were talking about. Whew..back to my pencil and squares. :D

Country Quilter

If the required size of finished HST is 4.5" I would cut my original squares at 5".... When I trim mine down, if I've done a good job I only have to trim off two sides but USUALLY I don't do so good so end up cutting off all 4 sides! LOL

Rose Marie

I have posted this before but its to good not to share again.
Using El Burns method.
For 2 1/2 inch half squares, put two 6 inch squares right sides togather. Draw and x corner to corner. Sew 1/4 inch on each side of line. Press.
Measure 3 inchs in from side and cut square in half, dont move fabric. Now measure 3 in on other side and cut in half, now cut between stiches. You will have 8 half sq triangle that only need to be squared up a tiny bit.
If you want 3 1/2 in use 8 in sq. 4 1/2 in use 10 inch sq. etc.

Rose Marie

If you want 4 half squares just use a rectangle that is 3 in by 6 in.
Draw a v shape that the point is at the middle of the 6in strip. Sew 1/4 inch each side of line. Cut in half then on drawn line. You have four 2 1/2 inch half squares.