I am going to be ambitious this morning and see if I can write my first tutorial. Here is a method to make half square triangles (HSTs) quick and easy. You use two squares of fabric, sew four seams, cut and press for EIGHT finished HSTs.
I confess that I don't know the math to make the exact sizes. I used 10 inch squares and my squares are four and three-quarters inches. (If you make the larger you can trim them down.
First cut your fabric squares. Mine are 10 inches. (layer cake - but check them, I had to trim a couple!) Layer two of the face to face.
Mark diagonal lines - corner to corner with a pencil or pen, it won't show.
Next mark lines across the middles. All of the lines should MEET AND CROSS in the middle.
At this point I suggest pinning thru the edges at the
side to side and
top to bottom lines. ( you do NOT sew on those lines. So the pins will not be in the way.)
Sew quarter inch seams using the diagonal lines as your guide. On each side of the line you should have a seam. That will be FOUR seams
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Remove pins and iron it flat. Go to the cutting board. Using your ruler for a nice straight cut and following the lines cut your piece into squares first using those
side to side and
top to bottom lines. Each piece will have two diagonal seam lines.
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Now cut each square on the diagonal lines. Chop of the corners. (or if you are hesitant, uncertain etc. you can cut the dog ears off AFTER pressing.) I am brave and chop away.
Then just iron them open and you have EIGHT HSTs quick and easy.
When doing small HSTs I prefer to use Thangles (or triangles on a roll) but for larger ones, this is so simple.
Let me know if you use this tutorial. And feel free to link to it on your blog if you want.
Then just iron them open and you have EIGHT HSTs quick and easy.
