Have you ever had a pattern that requires multiple half square triangles (HST) with the same two fabrics? When I first started quilting, I would actually use templates and cut each triangle and sew them together with limited success. Why did I have limited success? Any time you cut fabric on the bias, not parallel or perpendicular to the fabric grain (hypotenuse of the triangle), the fabric has more “give”. It can warp more easily.
Then, a quilty friend of mine introduced me to a new method of making HST, that made TWO HST at a time! Cut two squares 1-inch larger than you would like the unfinished HST. Place the two squares right sides together. On the back of one of the squares draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner. Sew 1/4-inch seam on both sides of the line. Cut along the drawn line. Press the pieces open and trim to size for two identical HST. I loved the technique. It was twice as fast and minimized the stretching that traditional methods introduced.
Fast forward a few years and I discovered a method that was twice as fast and made FOUR HST at a time. Cut two squares 1/2-inch larger than you would like the unfinished HST. Place the two squares right sides together. On the back of one of the squares, draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner, making an X on the fabric. This time, sew a 1/4-inch seam around the perimeter of the square (along each side). Cut along the drawn line. Press the pieces open and trim to size for four identical HST.
Say you want even more HST. You can make EIGHT at a time! Yes – you read that right – EIGHT at a time! Cut two squares 1-inch larger than you would like the unfinished HST. Place the two squares right sides together. One the back of one of the squares, draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner, making an X on the fabric. Then, draw two perpendicular lines through the center of the X to make a + sign over the X. It should look like the image below. Sew 1/4-inch seam on both sides of the diagonal lines. Cut along the drawn lines. Press the pieces open and trim to size for eight identical HST.
Remember, finished HSTs are 1/2-inch smaller than the unfinished HST, because of the of the 1/4-inch seam on all sides.
I hope these methods make your piecing faster and more accurate!
Happy Quilting
Laureen