Favorite Half Square Triangle Method

16 years ago

I'm in the process of working on a pattern that will have half square triangles. I know of 2 ways to make them (using squares cut 7/8" larger than the finished size of the half square triangle.

1. Cut your squares in half diagonally, then, sew triangles together, along the longest side of the triangles at 1/4" (preferably scant), and then you end up with one half square triangle.

2. Instead of cutting the square, just draw a diagonal line and sew a scant 1/4" to the left and right of the line--cut--and Bob's your uncle--you have two half square triangles.

To me, method 2 makes the most sense, yet I see the former in many patterns.

So my question is, what's the advantage of doing method 1?

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Comments (9)

lola99
16 years ago
I don't know why patterns tell you to cut the square along the diagonal and then sew. I always try to do your method #2.

If I have a lot of HSTs, I lay 2 strips on top of each other and then sew zig-zag. An illustration of this method is on page 2 of the Star Weaving pattern on Quilter's Cache.

Here is a link that might be useful: speed piece HSTs
solstice98
16 years ago
I don't see any advantage to using method 1 - there's way too much potential for the fabric to stretch and distort along the bias edge. I use the 2nd method you listed. I've seen the zig-zag method but haven't done it (yet).

Kate
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toolgranny
16 years ago
I always use method 2 and oversize it a bit as I tend to get them a bit wonky. So trimming to size makes sense for me.
nanajayne
16 years ago
I have done all 3 methods but like toolgranny I oversize. The zig-zag method is faster and more accurate when you are doing several of the same kinds of tri but method 2 works for others. Directions frequently call to draw a line 1/4" from the center on each side but I prefer to use my measure. Jayne
grammyp
16 years ago
I do method #2 and oversize also. I can't imagine using method #1 at all. I have used the zig zag method when I needed a lot of them just alike.

beverly
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
16 years ago
I use the second method cutting the squares 1" larger than the finished size. Easy for me to remember for any size block. If the unfinished size is no larger than 3 1/2", I 'square' up while it's still a triangle....only trim 2 sides instead of 4.

SharonG/FL
true4uca
16 years ago
Hi,
I've read about but not tried sewing a tube ,2.5 inch strips,cutting using a triangle ruler. First cut is 45 degrees then using the triangle reverse each cut.It's the wonder cut ruler method, without the Wonder Cut ruler. Sorry I don't know how to attach a link.I wonder what size the tube strips need to be for different sized HST's.
sheeshrn
16 years ago
I use the grid method to make multiple HSTs. a good write up can be found here:
http://www.quiltchat.com/lessons/halfsqr.html
damascusannie
16 years ago
I make them oversized, anywhere from two to eight at a time, and starch the heck out of the fabric before drawing my lines and stitching. The starch eliminates any chance for bias stretching.