HST - 8 at a Time

Hello Everyone,

 

I promised my Sew'n Wild Oaks class a tutorial on half-square triangles (HST) along with a handy dandy cutting chart located at the bottom of the page.

 

I make 8 HST at a time using this method that you've probably seen before, so this will be a refresher for some of you.

 

Begin with two squares, in this case I'm beginning with (2) 8" x 8" squares.

 

Place RIGHT sides together.

I use an OMNIGRID 1/4" ruler and I then draw a line on each side of the ruler from corner to corner.

Then do the same procedure on the other corner.  I use a Frixion pen for marking because I like the nice sharp point and it disappears as soon as the iron touches the marked fabric.

Your square will look like this.....ready for you to sew.......

....exactly on each of the lines....well as exactly as you can!

Then, use a ruler and your first cut will be down the center, vertically exactly through the intersection of the stitching lines.

Your second cut will be horizontally through the intersection of the stitching lines.

Then you will have this.

Now, cut diagonally through each of the little squares.

Press each HST with the seam toward the darker fabric.  Then, I used my Bloc-Loc ruler, (the best quilting tool known to quilters) and square it to the size you want. In this case, I'm squaring it to 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".  If you don't have a Bloc-Loc ruler, a regular ruler will work.

I have very little waste, and 8 perfect 3-1/2" HST in no time at all.

 

HANDY DANDY CUTTING CHART - Begin by cutting 2 squares - one dark, one light

 

CUT                       TRIM TO Unfinished HST                         

 

8" x 8"                  =   3-1/2" x 3-1/2"  

7" x 7"                  =   3" x 3"                                          

6" x 6"                  =   2-1/2" x 2-1/2"                           

5" x 5"                  =   2" x 2"                                         

4" x 4"                  =   1-1/2" x 1-1/2"                            

3-1/2" x 3-1/2"     =   1-1/4" x 1-1/4"                             

3" x 3"                  =   1" x 1"                                         

 

If you want to go any smaller than this, then you are crazier than me!  I've tried many other methods and I prefer this method until a new one comes along. I like the fact that I get 8 at a time.  Let's face it, when you make HST, you are usually making them in large amounts.  It is quick, easy and EXACTLY the size I want for precision quilting. After a couple of days, I'll move this tutorial under the VIRTUAL CLASSROOM tab at the top of the blog so that it will always be there as a reference.

 

Have a wonderful day quilting.

 

Soon,

 

Lynn