Thelma and I are using two different methods of making half square triangles for our Belle Meade quilts. Please check out her blog post to see how she is handling these common and sometimes pesky block units.
My Bonnie Blue pattern for Belle Meade recommended that I use their Spinning Star triangle papers, so that is what I did. Paper pieced half square triangles are super accurate, so that appealed to me.
The first step is to cut out squares of two different fabrics (mine are around 6 1/2") and place them right sides together. Pin the triangle paper to the fabrics. Notice that there are dotted lines and solid lines on the paper?
Stitch on the dotted lines.
Trim the edges off on the solid lines.
Cut on the solid lines to divide the four quadrants.
Cut on the solid lines to get your eight half square triangle units.
Using a quick motion, tear off the paper. (Pretend you are ripping of a Bandaid). Out of the eight, one of them usually comes off perfectly.
The remaining seven look more like this, and you have to go back and pick off the paper that got left behind. Sigh.
Press your triangle squares open.
Trim off the two "dog ears", and you are done. Eight half square triangles, in about twenty steps and as many minutes.
We need 656 half square triangles for this quilt. I think Thelma got the better deal with the method she chose.
52 responses to “One Way to Make Half Square Triangles…Or Not”
Ah yes, but yours may just be more perfect!!
Ah yes, but yours may just be more perfect!!
There is a better/quicker way if you work it right. I think it is make sure the light is next to the paper and when you cut them up iron towards the dark before you remove the paper. Worked for me. Make sure your Stitch length is small so it preforates easily and remove triangle first. Have fun
Cheers
Lynne
There is a better/quicker way if you work it right. I think it is make sure the light is next to the paper and when you cut them up iron towards the dark before you remove the paper. Worked for me. Make sure your Stitch length is small so it preforates easily and remove triangle first. Have fun
Cheers
Lynne
I’m not a fan of ripping paper! But I also don’t think I would like trimming that many squares – altho trimming probably wins over ripping!
I’m not a fan of ripping paper! But I also don’t think I would like trimming that many squares – altho trimming probably wins over ripping!
I love using those papers, but dread when I have to tear the paper off! I find it’s usually good job to save and do in front of the TV! Looks like you are getting quite a few done. You’ll be done before you know it!
I love using those papers, but dread when I have to tear the paper off! I find it’s usually good job to save and do in front of the TV! Looks like you are getting quite a few done. You’ll be done before you know it!
20 minutes for 8? dang. I was hoping this would be the better of the methods..
I’m going to have to try the Easy Angler method and see how it woks for me. My first try gave me squares that were a bit off. We’ll see. Thanks for the tutorial.
20 minutes for 8? dang. I was hoping this would be the better of the methods..
I’m going to have to try the Easy Angler method and see how it woks for me. My first try gave me squares that were a bit off. We’ll see. Thanks for the tutorial.
I like this method too if I have a lot of triangles to make. There are a couple of tricks to remove the paper more efficiently. First, like Lynne says, shorten the stitch length so that the needle perforates the paper more. Then I dip my finger in a little bowl of water and drag it across the seam line. Do all eight triangles, then come back to start tearing the paper away. The moisture softens the paper enough so that when I tear along the seamline (triangle side first), it separates beautifully. The little strip that’s left on the seam side is then easily removed as well.
I like this method too if I have a lot of triangles to make. There are a couple of tricks to remove the paper more efficiently. First, like Lynne says, shorten the stitch length so that the needle perforates the paper more. Then I dip my finger in a little bowl of water and drag it across the seam line. Do all eight triangles, then come back to start tearing the paper away. The moisture softens the paper enough so that when I tear along the seamline (triangle side first), it separates beautifully. The little strip that’s left on the seam side is then easily removed as well.
I made all my HSTs for the Belle Meade quilt using that same paper and was really pleased with how quickly they went. I worked on them in between other things and had all of them made in 6 days. I used a smaller stitch and before tearing the paper off I folded it back on the stitching line and ran the edge of my fingernail along it then just tore it off from one end of the stitching to the other. It came off more easily than other paper I’ve ever tried and I’ll definitely use it again.
I made all my HSTs for the Belle Meade quilt using that same paper and was really pleased with how quickly they went. I worked on them in between other things and had all of them made in 6 days. I used a smaller stitch and before tearing the paper off I folded it back on the stitching line and ran the edge of my fingernail along it then just tore it off from one end of the stitching to the other. It came off more easily than other paper I’ve ever tried and I’ll definitely use it again.
I don’t care for Thelma’s method because of the bias edges and I don’t care for the paper method you use because of ripping the papers. No offence intended!
The method I use is just cutting strips that are 7/8″ larger that your finished hst size. Then cross cut the strip into squares. Right sides together, pencil line on the diagonal, sew both sides of the pencil line, cut on the pencil line, press to the dark, trim.
Lately, I’ve just added 1″ and trimmed a teeny bit more! That’s easier on the eyes.
As my granny used to say, there’s more than one way to do nearly everything.
I spent some of yesterday doing just this to make 60 crimson/black hsts for DS1’s long tardy quilt.
Hugs!
I don’t care for Thelma’s method because of the bias edges and I don’t care for the paper method you use because of ripping the papers. No offence intended!
The method I use is just cutting strips that are 7/8″ larger that your finished hst size. Then cross cut the strip into squares. Right sides together, pencil line on the diagonal, sew both sides of the pencil line, cut on the pencil line, press to the dark, trim.
Lately, I’ve just added 1″ and trimmed a teeny bit more! That’s easier on the eyes.
As my granny used to say, there’s more than one way to do nearly everything.
I spent some of yesterday doing just this to make 60 crimson/black hsts for DS1’s long tardy quilt.
Hugs!
I’ve tried this method and like it, but the paper is not always in the size I need or want. Check out how I do mine: http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/2010/06/triangles-triangles.html
I’ve tried the easy angler but my sewing is not always accurate.
I love the fabric you are using!!!
I’ve tried this method and like it, but the paper is not always in the size I need or want. Check out how I do mine: http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/2010/06/triangles-triangles.html
I’ve tried the easy angler but my sewing is not always accurate.
I love the fabric you are using!!!
I’ve used half square triangle paper many times. I just shorten my stitch length. Then I do not by any means just rip then off. I hold down the triangle with my left hand and gently start tearing with my right. No problems. With that, it sounds like I’m an expert quilter? NOT! I just worked on a quilt and I’ve decided to call it “The Pointless Wonder”. OMG. I’m embarrased to have a quilter see the back! I’m for sure going to try Thelma’s method. Hope I win the ruler! Happy sewing!
I’ve used half square triangle paper many times. I just shorten my stitch length. Then I do not by any means just rip then off. I hold down the triangle with my left hand and gently start tearing with my right. No problems. With that, it sounds like I’m an expert quilter? NOT! I just worked on a quilt and I’ve decided to call it “The Pointless Wonder”. OMG. I’m embarrased to have a quilter see the back! I’m for sure going to try Thelma’s method. Hope I win the ruler! Happy sewing!
I liked seeing both tutorials. I’m not sure which I like better honestly. I’ll have to give both a whirl. I’m sure that the number of units you need to make – either I’m sure works great. However I do like paper piecing as it’s accurate. I also use a smaller stitch and a larger needle (90/14) when paper piecing. I took a class from the queen of paper piecing Carol Doak and those are her recommendations and they have worked for me.
Laura T
I liked seeing both tutorials. I’m not sure which I like better honestly. I’ll have to give both a whirl. I’m sure that the number of units you need to make – either I’m sure works great. However I do like paper piecing as it’s accurate. I also use a smaller stitch and a larger needle (90/14) when paper piecing. I took a class from the queen of paper piecing Carol Doak and those are her recommendations and they have worked for me.
Laura T
There’s nothing wrong with this method, Nicole. In fact, it’s been my preferred method for years. I make sure I use a shorter stitch length and when I’m tearing the paper I tear a slit in the narrower strip of paper – pull one piece then the other and the larger piece will practically fall off. Try it! 🙂
Thelma’s method looks like a good method as well and we all do what works for us.
There’s nothing wrong with this method, Nicole. In fact, it’s been my preferred method for years. I make sure I use a shorter stitch length and when I’m tearing the paper I tear a slit in the narrower strip of paper – pull one piece then the other and the larger piece will practically fall off. Try it! 🙂
Thelma’s method looks like a good method as well and we all do what works for us.
I, too, am always looking for the half square triangle solution. I read both blogs, and I’m inclined to thing I’ll try Thelma’s method.
636!!
I, too, am always looking for the half square triangle solution. I read both blogs, and I’m inclined to thing I’ll try Thelma’s method.
636!!
I’ve tried this but I find that I get bored following all the sewing lines. I had the same thing happen as you with just 1 out of 8 turning out good so I think I’ll try again with some of the above tips.
I’ve tried this but I find that I get bored following all the sewing lines. I had the same thing happen as you with just 1 out of 8 turning out good so I think I’ll try again with some of the above tips.
You’ve already got all the good advice above. I enjoy the exactness of the paper method that you are using, your top will go together with no gliches or stresses. Keep at it, it’s a beautiful project. Im off to check out Lori’s method.
You’ve already got all the good advice above. I enjoy the exactness of the paper method that you are using, your top will go together with no gliches or stresses. Keep at it, it’s a beautiful project. Im off to check out Lori’s method.
Hi Nicole! While this is a great way to make HST’s, I’ve now gone exclusively to Stitching Lines from Mary over at Marin & Colusa! The paper comes of SO easily and accuracy is great! Google Stitching Lines or email me!
Cheers!
Hi Nicole! While this is a great way to make HST’s, I’ve now gone exclusively to Stitching Lines from Mary over at Marin & Colusa! The paper comes of SO easily and accuracy is great! Google Stitching Lines or email me!
Cheers!
Did you not learn your lesson after the snowball challenge and all those HST’s? I like HST’s and like the easy angle ruler for mine.
Did you not learn your lesson after the snowball challenge and all those HST’s? I like HST’s and like the easy angle ruler for mine.
I find if you run a pin down the stitched line before you tear they paper comes off perfectly .
Nice Work
I find if you run a pin down the stitched line before you tear they paper comes off perfectly .
Nice Work
I really like the accuracy you get from the paper, but I sure hate tearing off the paper…
I really like the accuracy you get from the paper, but I sure hate tearing off the paper…
The paper seems like a pain, but the upside is that your triangles are perfect. *LOVE* the quilt in your header. That’s so gorgeous!
The paper seems like a pain, but the upside is that your triangles are perfect. *LOVE* the quilt in your header. That’s so gorgeous!
I used the paper method when I made the top for Minick & Simpsons Brrr Park! quilt (six pine tree blocks, 30 2″ finished HSTs each and whole border of HSTs).
I like this method when you’ve got that many to do, although it feels more efficent when the HSTs are smaller because it yields more per page (for my project I think it yielded twenty-four per page).
The ladies are right, using a smaller stitch length and a larger needle (90/14) to perforate the paper is a biggie. I would add, folding back the paper against the seam line and “creasing it” (run your nail against it) before ripping also helps “loosen it up”.
I also have an Easy Angle Ruler but hate all the pre-sewing triangle cutting but to each his own!
I used the paper method when I made the top for Minick & Simpsons Brrr Park! quilt (six pine tree blocks, 30 2″ finished HSTs each and whole border of HSTs).
I like this method when you’ve got that many to do, although it feels more efficent when the HSTs are smaller because it yields more per page (for my project I think it yielded twenty-four per page).
The ladies are right, using a smaller stitch length and a larger needle (90/14) to perforate the paper is a biggie. I would add, folding back the paper against the seam line and “creasing it” (run your nail against it) before ripping also helps “loosen it up”.
I also have an Easy Angle Ruler but hate all the pre-sewing triangle cutting but to each his own!
I love using triangle paper! I like them because they are accurate, I press with the paper on and have no problems with the bias edges, and I save the “peeling” for down-time. I can peel them when I’m tired, watching something on TV that I need to pay attention to, or sitting outside – kind of like shelling peas!
We all have our preferances – even when it comes to paper – I like Thangles – it uses strips and half the trimming is done when you start!
I love using triangle paper! I like them because they are accurate, I press with the paper on and have no problems with the bias edges, and I save the “peeling” for down-time. I can peel them when I’m tired, watching something on TV that I need to pay attention to, or sitting outside – kind of like shelling peas!
We all have our preferances – even when it comes to paper – I like Thangles – it uses strips and half the trimming is done when you start!
Thanks for the info, your blog is better than a class as I can learn in the early am when my brain still works fairly well:)lol.
And they say hand piecing takes too long. Looks to me like all this work is equally challenging. You go girl!!
Thanks for the info, your blog is better than a class as I can learn in the early am when my brain still works fairly well:)lol.
And they say hand piecing takes too long. Looks to me like all this work is equally challenging. You go girl!!
I just discovered the Star papers too! They are so fun to use.
I just discovered the Star papers too! They are so fun to use.
may I just add my 2 cents. I love using paper for HST and agree with all the tips above
light fabric next to paper, use a small stitchI would add: after sub-cutting into the triangle while paper is still on I line up a ruler and rotary cut off the dog ears; lay triangles on your ironing board and gently press the dark fabric open then let them COOL before you start removing paper. (warm fabric will distort bias or not)
I fold the paper back and crease then with finger and thumb hold the seam allowance side and gently pull the triangle part away then the little seam strip will basically fall off.
At first I didn’t care for the method cuz I thought the paper removal part took sooo long, but once you get the knack of it the added time is practically nil and the time saving in using acurrate hst in your block piecing outweights it.
Always enjoy my visits to your blog, your work is lovely and your postings always interesting.
may I just add my 2 cents. I love using paper for HST and agree with all the tips above
light fabric next to paper, use a small stitchI would add: after sub-cutting into the triangle while paper is still on I line up a ruler and rotary cut off the dog ears; lay triangles on your ironing board and gently press the dark fabric open then let them COOL before you start removing paper. (warm fabric will distort bias or not)
I fold the paper back and crease then with finger and thumb hold the seam allowance side and gently pull the triangle part away then the little seam strip will basically fall off.
At first I didn’t care for the method cuz I thought the paper removal part took sooo long, but once you get the knack of it the added time is practically nil and the time saving in using acurrate hst in your block piecing outweights it.
Always enjoy my visits to your blog, your work is lovely and your postings always interesting.
I appreciated your post about making half square triangles. The pictures were extremely helpful. Thanks!
I appreciated your post about making half square triangles. The pictures were extremely helpful. Thanks!