Puzzled about HSTs
#1
Puzzled about HSTs
I understand the rule of thumb if using two squares to make HSTs by sewing 1/4" on either side of a diagonal mark is to cut the squares 7/8" larger than the finished size of the HST block, or, like me, cut it a whole inch larger and then trim the HSTs to size. Can someone please explain how, when sewing two 5" charm squares by this method, I get 4-1/2" HSTs instead of the expected 4". I am truly puzzled!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
You sew straight and a nice 1/4 seam. The extra is allowed for those of us who have trouble doing one or the other of those two items. A quilt pattern publisher I have followed only cuts 3/8" larger. Now that is no leeway - I had to scrap a few when I tried it her way.
Your 1/4" seam is removing 1/2" of fabric whether it's a straight or diagonal seam so you 4 1/2" is understandable.
Your 1/4" seam is removing 1/2" of fabric whether it's a straight or diagonal seam so you 4 1/2" is understandable.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sunny Arizona
Posts: 476
I understand the rule of thumb if using two squares to make HSTs by sewing 1/4" on either side of a diagonal mark is to cut the squares 7/8" larger than the finished size of the HST block, or, like me, cut it a whole inch larger and then trim the HSTs to size. Can someone please explain how, when sewing two 5" charm squares by this method, I get 4-1/2" HSTs instead of the expected 4". I am truly puzzled!
#5
I read your question to mean that your HST's were 4.5" finished, not unfinished. The only way for that to happen is that the fabric was too large to begin with. I hadn't thought about krafty's explanation - was that the problem?
#6
Dunster, as the pattern called for, I started with 5" charms and the HSTs finished at 4-1/2". I sewed with a scant 1/4" seam as directed and the HSTs turned out fine, with just a smidge trimmed off. So now I'm inclined to go with Irishrose's explanation that pattern creators and quilting instructors use the 7/8" addition as a cushion. Now, if I'm in a pinch and need a few extra inches of fabric when making HSTs, I will keep this in mind and cut the pieces with less than the 7/8" allowance asked for -- and making sure I sew the seams extra carefully. I love learning something new every day! Thanks.
#7
Dunster, as the pattern called for, I started with 5" charms and the HSTs finished at 4-1/2". I sewed with a scant 1/4" seam as directed and the HSTs turned out fine, with just a smidge trimmed off. So now I'm inclined to go with Irishrose's explanation that pattern creators and quilting instructors use the 7/8" addition as a cushion. Now, if I'm in a pinch and need a few extra inches of fabric when making HSTs, I will keep this in mind and cut the pieces with less than the 7/8" allowance asked for -- and making sure I sew the seams extra carefully. I love learning something new every day! Thanks.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
"Finished" means the size the blocks will be once in a completed quilt. So, if you have a 12.5" block, it will measure 12.5" to start, 12.25" when you have a neighboring block sewn to it, and 12" when all neighboring blocks/borders/sashing is sewn to it. 12" is the "finished" size.
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