Anybody know how to cut several 2 1/2 half square triangles? I have the Fons and Porter Half and Quarter Ruler. But, I just came across a tip in quilt magazine, for making multiple triangle-Squares, …

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Comment by MariC/PA on May 31, 2012 at 6:14pm

Thank you Shannon, Billie, and Janet...... THat really helps me understand it. I thought there was an easier way than cutting them seperately. Can't wait to try it. I'll be quilting all day Saturday. And its supposed to be a wet rainy cold day, perfect day, no distractions! Thanks again Ladies.

Have a Great weekend

Comment by Shannon, ON on May 31, 2012 at 2:22pm

you can make 4 at a time:

place the 2 fabrics right sides together and sew all around the square. make a line from corner to corner both ways to form an x. cut on the lines. voila.

this works for any size. you just need to figure out the hypotneuse side measurement (the line linking the 2 fabrics) to determine the square size.

Comment by Billie Blakeney on May 31, 2012 at 4:25am

I meant to also say to match up the marked fabric with another fabric right sides together. Then sew the grids together. OOPS!

Comment by Billie Blakeney on May 31, 2012 at 4:24am

The grid method is taking your fabric (depending on the number of hst that you need and size of the hst. I recently did this and here's how it's done. One large square of fabric (about 25 inches) marked approximately 2 7/8s on a grid across the top and bottom and sides. Draw lines connecting the registration marks. You will then have squares on your fabric. Next draw the diagonal lines (alternating) in each box. Add the 1/4 in on each side of the drawn diagonal lines. Next sew on the 1/4 in lines throughout the project. Once that is done, then, cut ONLY on the straight lines, separating into rows. Then cut each row into the blocks. Finally cut each block diagonally between the sewing lines and then you can open them up to find the completed HST. Trim where necessary. There are online directions that enable you to see how this grid process is done. Check it out! Good luck!

Comment by Janet/MO on May 30, 2012 at 8:51pm

Mari, you add 7/8th of an inch to the finished size of the hst.  So if you want them to finish at 2", you cut your squares 2-7/8ths".  Okay, now you can use various triangle type papers such as Thangles if you are making all of them out of the same 2 fabrics.  However, if this is going to be scrappy I highly recommend that you cut the squares, cut them in half diagonally, put the 2 pieces right sides together and sew with a scant 1/4".  A lot of people draw a line down the center, sew 1/4" on each side & then cut; however, with that method you are adding the work of drawing the line, plus unless your line is very skinny it can distort the blocks.  A while back I felt kind of lazy one day so I thought I would experiment with just cutting the squares in half & then sewing and I will never use any other method again!!  My hsts are right on the money & it saves so much time not drawing the lines or ripping off  the paper.