For most quilters, they can be the bane of your existence. They are mine :)
As I searched through the net to find horror stories, I did not feel so alone.
The same problems come up time and time again:
- They don't stay square
- The points aren't in the corners
- The bias stretches
- The blocks are never the same size
- Nothing matches up
Some tricks of the trade:
- Make it bigger and square them up
- Use triangle square up rulers
- Use Grid Methods - This is my personal favorite.
Squaring up those blocks!
It seems no matter how you create those darn, yet beautiful, half square triangles...
You are still left squaring up those blocks. This is where we lose many quilters.
- They can't get the squaring up just right
- It takes too long
- Nothing is where it should be
For those of you paying attention, yes this was last month's quilt but I am a little late with the surgery and I REALLY wanted to make this one!
Moving on with my story...
When the 36 blocks were completed... I think 15 were one size, 15 were another size, and the remaining 6 were just sad.
So today I thought I would share how I squared up those darn, yet beautiful, half square triangles to make them all the same size.
Step 1
I know that my half square triangles are always going to be too short so I just add a little extra.
However, with this quilt pattern, we were working with Layer Cakes.
I made sure I was sewing those together using my 1/4" foot.
Step 2
This pattern required the seams to be pressed open. Completed that task and headed to the cutting board.
Step 3
Looking at my blocks, I realized that although they were supposed to be 9 1/2 inches... well... uh... No.
So I had to find the smallest in the bunch and work from there. I had to change the size of my blocks to 9 1/4 inches to make everything nice and purty.
Step 4
I grabbed my two favorite tools for squaring up blocks - my Creative Grids Quilting Ruler 9 1/2in Square and my Incredible In-Between Gripper.
Why these tools?
The Creative Grid Rulers are by far my favorite! Every time I tried squaring up blocks, they would move on me all over the place. I tried sandpaper, I tried some film tape thing you through on the back, I tried everything. The Creative Grid Rulers have these no-slip gripper dots which for me, work better than the others.
However, I still want a real good grip and my hands are now sliding all over. So I use the In-Between Gripper to make sure nothing moves and you know what.... nothing moves. I have tried other grippers and they ALWAYS came off the ruler - not when I wanted them too. With the Gypsy's, I don't seem to have the same problems.
Ok let's get back on track here *giggling*
Step 5 - This one is important!
Place the diagonal line in your ruler over the diagonal seam line on your block.
When I first started quilted, I paid no attention to that diagonal line on my rulers - BIG MISTAKE!
You are not getting equal halves by putting your ruler in one corner and paying no attention to the lines. That pretty diagonal seam you created will be off centered within the block.
I want my block to be 9 1/4 inches. I pay attention to the dotted lines on the left and bottom. This is my mark for 1/4." I make sure to leave a little something there to cut.
Step 6
Cut the right and top side.
Step 7
Now flip the fabric so that those beautiful straight lines are now on the left and bottom.
Step 8
This is where you want to pay attention!! We have 3 lines that we have to match up.
Start in the bottom corner and match your quarter inch line going up, across, and diagonally.
Follow that line all the way up.
Follow that line all the way across too.
Finally, check the opposite diagonal.
Step 9
Now all we have to do is cut!
Step 10
Tada!! You have a perfect 9 1/4 inch square.
Only 35 more to go!!
Tell me, what are your half square triangle horror stories?
P.S.
Before you go too fast, make sure you enter our latest giveaway. It's a good one :)
**Thank you Sew Mama Sew for the image of diagonal blocks!
From: Nicole
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I love the look of HSTs, but I'm just too lazy to trim up too many of them! It just seems to take so long. Occasionally I'll take the plunge, but by the end of the project, I'm reminded why I don't like them! But you're right - that diagonal line on your template makes all the difference in the world. I've got one that's just black and white, minimal lines, and it's very easy to see through. It's my go-to template for HSTs! Thanks for a great tutorial on trimming them!
I want to try the Creative Grids rulers. I have been cutting most of my triangle using the Accuquilt GO! machine, and seldom have to square them (most come out perfect, if you are really careful not to stretch the diagonal when sewing) and Ihave also used Eleanor Burns' QIAD Triangle Square Up ruler. They come out good, too, and since you sew before cutting, there is less bias distortion. The big trick is to make them larger and trim. Good tutorial! Thanks.
Maryellen
marymackmademine@gmail.com
The quilt I did for the naked bed challenge had 450 hst. I almost gave up because I was having a hard time with mine not matching up. By the time I finished everything was lining up perfectly! I marked my line down the middle and sewed 1/4 inch on both sides of that line. Then cut them apart. I used a 6 inch wide ruler and learned how to square them up. I had never done that before and didn't even know what that meant. I ended up taking out 100+ seams of ones I didn't square up. I cannot stress how important it is to take the time to square them up. It can make a difference between an enjoyable and a painful experience.
another tip for successful HSTs: use a rotating cutting board. Your fabric & ruler stay in place (with a quick double check, for sure...) and it is so fast.
a second tip: the rule of add 7/8 is never enough and it is hard to keep straight in the cutting sooooo I ALWAYS add a full 1". It does not waste fabric and it makes Squaring Up carefree and less fussy & worrisome.
thank you for your tips, we are sympatico on technique & tools. I LOVE HSTs.
Moda's Amelia looks just great! Would love some.
Enjoyed your half square triangle lesson too. Love the idea of making them bigger to begin with.
And my home town was Butler, PA but live in Illinois now.
Thanks for the tute Shawna :) Can't wait to see your finished quilt!
It is a pain, but they do come out so nicely in the end.
Great article!
I am the queen of HSTs, I love them! Here's some links to my blog about them:
Using a HST ruler
http://craizeecorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/using-half-square-triangle-ruler.html
Sewing around the outside of 2 blocks
http://craizeecorner.blogspot.com/2011/05/pinwheels.html
And some HST hints:
http://craizeecorner.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-half-squart-triangle-hints.html
Sha :)
Hi Shawna, I just visited with Madame Samm and she told me about your shop. I found my way to your blog from there. Love the shop (I'll be back there to browse a little more) and love your sense of humor with the HSTs. I use Creative Grids rulers and couldn't be any happier with them - so much better than other rulers I have. I also use the Gypsy and because I have arthritis in my hands those make a huge difference in my ability to cut for long periods of time. Thanks for such a great tutorial! blessings, marlene
I struggled with HST too until I learned how to use the diagonal line. It amazed me and everyone I showed how such a little thing can make HST so much easier. I've used this tutorial a few times:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E
It does have bias edges so you need to be careful but for the doll quilt I was making it was perfect.
I wish you had Pure elements charm pack still.
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