Making Half-Square Triangles is one of the basics in quilting.
Usually, the instructions will call for two squares, one dark and one light. Then marking a line diagonally on one of the squares. Then you sew 1/4" on each side of the line Finally you cut on the drawn line and you have two HST.
Having tools to make them quickly and accurately is a great investment. Drawing that line fills me with that dreaded YUCK feeling.
I show students my two favorite gadgets when I've teach classes where the pattern calls for many HST (Half-Square Triangles ) . They are so thankful! Learning those tips and tricks can make quilting so much more enjoyable!
First, The Angler 2. (Retail $7.99 at Dina's Cozy Cabin Quilts) The Angler 2 is a plastic quilting template that fits every sewing machine. It can be installed and reinstalled in minutes with a few pieces of painter's tape. Make up to 7 3/4" squares. It eliminates the necessity of drawing or pressing diagonal seam guide lines and is very accurate for chain piecing.
After a bit of practice, it cuts piecing time in half!
After a bit of practice, it cuts piecing time in half!
YouTube has some great videos on installing it and the many ways of using it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcmUnv3d4mM
Yes, I have one and use it. Rather than draw that dreaded line on billions of squares, I'm putting pairs of squares under my pressure foot and sewing. I line up the two diagonal corners and sew! The lines behind the needle help me stay aligned if I have larger pieces.
Second, The Sew Easy Guide I and II. (Retail $5.49 and $8.49 at Dina's Cozy Cabin Quilts) This is a handy gadget that sticks temporarily to the bottom of your pressure foot. See the small hole at the top? That's where your needle stitches through.
Why have another tool? Sew Easy Guide provides the same stitching guide as the Angler 2 but it is on top of the fabric instead of underneath. Added benefits: quilting, working with larger squares and more.
Once again, YouTube has some great videos on installing it and the many ways of using it. Attatching it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVgm7LilhAI
Sewing Half Square Triangles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxZiUSXMzh8
Flying Geese, Binding Strips & More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIqW5N7PmnU
1/4" Seam Guide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2VUi2VtBRo
So there's some great gadgets for less than $10. What a bargain!
Dina
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