There are a few basics I thought I would write into tutorials for the Sisters' Ten Block of the Month Club. This way I can let you know my method, and refer to the tutorial, instead of having to give the same directions over and over again. Today we start off with Half-Square Triangles.
Cut 2 squares the same size. One from Fabric A and one from Fabric B.
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the Fabric A square.
Layer the Fabric A square atop the Fabric B square with right sides together. Sew pairs together, stitching 1/4" on each side of the drawn line.
Cut the pair apart along the drawn line to make two half-square triangle (HST) units.
Press open the half-square triangle blocks, pressing seams toward the dark fabric, Fabric B.
To square up the blocks, I like to mark off the unfinished size I am going to trim the HSTs down to. I lay post-its on the ruler so I can see the unfinished size without getting confused. (In this example, I have gridded off a 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" square.
Lay the diagonal of the ruler on top of the diagonal of the HST. Make sure to center the marked-off section of the ruler over the block so there is a small amount of fabric to trim on all sides.
Use your rotary cutter to trim the excess on all sides.
All finished!
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This is the method I have used for several years and I love that you always end up with the perfect size HST. I cut my original squares 1 inch larger than my intended HST size so I have ample extra to true up the HST with.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a great idea about the post-its on the ruler! I'm totally doing that next time! Happy 2013, AM. : )
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial, Anne-Marie! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAM!! Thank you for posting the tip about using the Post-Its. Why did I not think of this?! I probably check and double and triple check every time I square up because I get myself all confused and don't want to cut wrong. Will definitely be using this tip!
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