Beginner Quilting - Half Square Triangle Tutorial

[@Kristyn00]

Watching these videos over with my youngest daughter to teach her the basics.

[@caroleboucher7410]

You were always the best at teaching quilting projects! You will be forever missed. Thankful for being able to continue watching your videos.

[@dacuda70]

What happened to her?

[@suebean3873]

@@dacuda70 I believe she passed away from breast cancer. Well, cancer for sure, if I recall it was breast, but I could be wrong. We were all in shock of course, such a nicer lady inside and out. :(

[@laurenml1222]

You were the best! I’ve been through at least 4 other HST videos and yours is what I understood the most! You are so vey missed 😢😢😢😢😢

[@fernemcallister6774]

A wonderful teacher, she was loved by many.

[@lorsholczk7329]

I understood your video better than others.Thank you🌹.You made it very easy for beginners.

[@joyfulhealthyliving247]

Melanie you are my absolute favorite!! Thanks for all your time and effort in helping others!!!

[@dolcelestino]

I’m thankful for getting bumped into your videos. I learned so much from them. I just started sewing when the pandemic started. I’m an ICU nurse here in NY and to stay safe I sew masks for people at work and my community. I just discovered that sewing is very therapeutic for me in dealing with all the crazy things around. So now I decided to start quilting but doesn’t anything about it. Thank you for all your tips and tricks. Good luck and stay safe and well.

[@laurab1676]

Beautiful, I have learned so much from these videos. I am thinking of your family.

[@ArtisticlyAlexis]

Great tutorial! Everyone always talks about the marking, but hardly the sewing or cutting in such a detailed way! Thanks for another wonderful video!

[@MelanieHam]

A few of you have mentioned that you want to learn to quilt this year... Here is a video tutorial on a half square triangle block (hst)! Great beginner block to learn and I used a layer cake so the cutting is easy :) #quilting #beginner #diy

[@meganharney2407]

Thank you so much - this is awesome! Will you be going through a whole quilt for a beginner this year? That would be an incredible series. Thanks again!

[@MelanieHam]

Megan Harney I will try! more quilting videos for sure ;)

[@juru9402]

"...that you want to learn to quilt this year...." To quilt - by machine or by hand? Learn to quilt? or do you mean learn to piece? To quilt means (to me) to sew either by hand or machine -- sandwich three layers, the backing, batting and the top which has been pieced.

[@janebouma7893]

Melanie Ham halfsquare triangles

[@Persida_]

You are so missed ❤

[@margieclark3115]

Great idea. I'm a beginner and have no clue what I'm doing so these tutorials are super helpful. Thank you.

[@georgeannelowrey3559]

Love this pattern ... so quick and easy. I use it when I want to showcase a particular fabric collection! Thank you!!

[@charlenerich6363]

You were so easy to understand I am learning so much!

[@christong9868]

Wow, thank you, this is the easiest tutorial I’ve seen. They were scaring me, but not now!

[@jclaypool66]

Missing you and your videos. Prayers for your family, Melanie...I knownlife is not thre same without you❤

[@ClaudiaMMcK]

That was great! I hope you continue to add on to you "how to" quilting videos. Always wanted to learn how to quilt and your videos make it really do-able! Thanks Melanie!

[@MelanieHam]

***** yep! I love quilting so much, it's my favorite type of sewing - more to come!

[@renettahill2816]

Thank you for the amazing video. I refer to it frequently since I am a new quilter. You have a great job on making a very user friendly video. I look forward to more tips and videos from you.

[@238Tina1]

Fantastic! Can’t wait to make my first quilt while watching your videos!!

[@christinebibby2925]

Thank you so much. I just sewed them together without drawing the line and sewing either side, couldn't understand why they didn't match with my squares! Very new to Quilting and this tutorial was excellent.

[@barbararaminha1683]

Your presentation was very helpful and clear to me. Thanks

[@sherryphilson8602]

Thanks for the tutorial. I'm going to use this as a make my first quilt on my own. My grandmother showed me how many, many years ago, but I didn't remember how to get started.

[@mizmonster]

Never thought about sewing before cutting.....mind blown. Thanks for the video

[@susanroberts1575]

Great tutorial and seems easy enough - thank you!

[@jand3793]

As always, very helpful!

[@deborahkelly1489]

I am a beginner quilter, I have to be honest and say I had no idea how to use that long ruler in regards to quilting. Also, I bought a layer cake not to long a go so now I can make the quilt in your video I was just watching. Thanks!

[@r9m24]

Haha, I would have never thought to do it this way! Brilliant!

[@trishajackson9678]

Love this it's exactly what I was looking for!

[@Gallettas5]

Just started watching your videos and have already made 2 (box pouch and pencil pouch) love them!

[@MelanieHam]

Gallettas5 oh awesome!!! Aren't those pouches fun?! Happy Stitching!

[@pattycoe6032]

Thanks this helps me know how toremake a block I cut incorrectly from a nine inch block. I didn't want to make four more blocks so this shows my how to just make what I needed .

[@KathyFujiki]

Thank you! This was super helpful!

[@allergiesrusdb]

Thanks for posting this! I'm actually participating in a Mini Quilt Swap and am using your half square triangle tutorial to make it! (Pinwheels are the block I'm using!) I'll post a pic when finished! Thanks! :)

[@MelanieHam]

Kelley Hornberger Awesome! Yes, send me a pic when you're done, I love seeing everyone's projects!

[@winningnumbers]

Hi Melanie, so that's the top done. I know how to make them now. What about the back and the batting and binding etc (you know, like finishing the whole quilt fom beginning to end)?? There are tons of videos on youtube on how to make quilt patterns but don't see many on how to actually do the whole thing. Do you have a video showing that please?

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

What fabrics are in the quilt behind you and is it still available?It’s a dream. Gorgeous. I love it so much! I’ve already located the fabrics you used in your tutorial. Thank you!

[@camokitty]

Thank you for nice and simple directions on your video

[@ceciliacarroll4017]

Thank you. The instructions are very clear.

[@michLxo]

As someone who wants to learn how to quilt, where do you recommend I start? What is your process leading up to actually sewing the final project!? Love your videos and tutorials :) -Michelle

[@MelanieHam]

michLxo Hey there! I'm going to be doing a lot more quilting tutorials, someone recently asked me how I choose fabrics, so that's on the video list. I recommend starting out with a basic patchwork quilt, here is my video on patchwork cutting if that is helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWm0mYqearClj7c

[@michLxo]

Awesome, I'll be looking out for that video! Thanks so much!

[@vidaholmes]

You saved my day. Yay!!!

[@surindersood6565]

Nice way to teach I appreciate it

[@NiNiRaabe11]

Hi - I need to make a 6" finished HST. Is the finished seam a 6" square? Do you allow 1/4 sewing allowance? Do I start with a 7" square and cut it down to 6 1/4?

[@khaslam86]

Question!! So when you have your perfect r corners on your finished HST and then you go to piece together with other HSTs, doesn’t the seam allowance kind of mess of the corners meeting together? I have only ever done square blocks and am about to do my first quilt with HSTs and I’m nervous haha

[@jane9075]

Thank you your video was great

[@nicolegaucher1236]

Where did you get that wood grain fabric from!? I LOVE it!

[@reahpuhipi]

Yay that looks do-able for a super beginner ! :D

[@bethhunley5208]

Thanks for the great explanation!

[@tanjamarkgraf9669]

how do I square off 5 inch precut squares ... ( charm pack) .. should I cut them into 4 inch squares?!? or make them like you made them and sew them together

[@auntdee9678]

Thank you! So helpful!!! Is that an Omnigrid rotating mat? I want one!

[@meganrich5535]

I have a basic, silly question... I don't need to worry about backstitching with them?

[@michellesilva2688]

Hi Melanie, I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I am new to the sewing and frankly haven't really done much sewing except for home economics which was a while ago. My grandmother recently died and I wanted to make a memorial quilt. What sewing machine would you recommend for a beginner and what rotary cutter

[@MelanieHam]

here's a video with some sewing machine recommendations ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnuXkqGbZ8ycnNE Fiskars and Olfa both make great rotary cutters.

[@v7c7s7]

Do you have to use a quilting pressor foot when making a quilt or can you just use the one that comes on the machine?

[@sevenwells1]

So my question is, can I then pop two of the triangle squares together and do it again to make a 4 triangle square??? Will that work?

[@rosemarygurrola5373]

Thank you that's where I would get confused where to sew🧵and where to cut✂️thank you again

[@danlabelle6210]

Hi going to do my first quilt Tks for the info

[@jessicadinkins3520]

when you write to add an Inch to make it the desired size, I'm curious. does that include your end size and seam allowance for seeing 2 of those squares together?

[@seaborgium919]

A year later, but from what I understand is if you want your FINISHED Half Square Triangle to be 5 inches wide, you should add an inch to the plain fabric that you're cutting for the HST. If you have a layer cake of 10" pieces, and you make a HST out of them, you can estimate that your FINISHED HST will be 9" {Sewn into your quilt}

[@maryviti6799]

Melanie, Thanks 4 your time. 👁 needed a "refresher" lesson in ACCURATE hst's😀. Mary 🍀

[@sharonglittergoddess2329]

When my husband passed away I saved all of his shirts to make quilts for the children and grandchildren. Do you know how to cut the shirts to get the most fabric out of them? It has been 5 years now and I think I am almost ready to start. I would like to gift them for Christmas this year. Just not positive I'm ready to open that tote of memories. :(

[@MelanieHam]

Sharon Fields Awe, I understand. I'm so sorry for your loss. If it were me, I would cut the sleeves off and then cut along the seam and open it up, you can use the majority of the back of the shirt and it would be sweet to use any pocks or details in the quilts as well. I'm sure they will be amazing.

[@lindamurtha1761]

My daughter and I used the shirts for a friend to gift at Christmas. We cut them in a rectangle or square which ever size you can get and turned them into pillows. We bought the pillows at Wal Mart, but you can go to Joann's and hit the sale..I think the pillow forms were about 7.00 each and were about 6x8. we used the slip in pillow cover ..saving the fabric where the pockets were and buttoning up or snapping up..you can also use that area to insert the pillow if you just want to cut the square or shape you need and turn inside out to sew and then turning it out you put the pillow form through the snap or button opening..happy sewing..I think we made 9 and it was so easy..

[@evabeaule4687]

Melanie..what size of the squared ruler did you use for the first cutting of the fabric?

[@RollRightOver]

Okay so my mom and I are going nuts lol... We got our HST's down but when it comes to piecing a block together whether it's HST's or rectangles we ALWAYS get pieces that are a little bigger or longer even though we do everything the same exact way.. So then the outcome comes out with lines not matching up and shorter edges... So in between pieces should we be squaring up and cutting to size before we move into the next step of the block? Whether it's HST's or rectangular pieces or squares. Please help :))

[@MelanieHam]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but squaring up is always a good idea :) proper cutting/getting perfect edges and points is one of the hardest parts of quilting. You could also try starching your pieces. And be sure to "press" when you iron so you don't stretch the fabric when you iron it. Hope that helps! You are probably being too hard on yourself... If things don't match up perfectly it will still be beautiful and YOU will be the only one to notice :)

[@janetorourke9869]

Very good !

[@liciathomas665]

good reminder of how to cut and sew triangles

[@kimworkman2425]

This makes. It so easy

[@camokitty]

Am new to quilting. Any tutorials on different sewing feet and how to use them and on what projects?

[@tifinipea9910]

Can you do a tutorial on how to make a t-shirt quilt? Maybe adding a picture block printed from an ink jet printer. Your instruction and videos are great. This would be great for the holidays :-)

[@Imag1na710n]

Where did you get that lazy susan thingy? That's so handy!

[@_bigdaddydiesel]

So helpful!!!

[@adriangeorgeos1229]

que buena que es esta técnica me encanta

[@gwenmunck2604]

I thought it’d be easy, but I’m having trouble. When I’m finished the block is not square. I line up my 45degree angle and my edges are all off.

[@annealpine]

Me too, big time. 🙁

[@marygrantham9597]

Love it!

[@inthekitchen8842]

Miss you so much sweet girl. Jesus is coming soon!

[@sarahalvarez6414]

Can you please do a couple tutorials on projects to make with scrap fabric

[@jessicadugan4987]

I'm making a herringbone quilt and its my first time and after i sew the pieces together I cant get my pattern to match up is there anything you recommend?

[@shrinkshy]

Thanks so much for your tutorial! I've got a dilemma I have beautiful 6 inch squares from 8 different fabric FQs that I've cut (72 squares in total) and i want to do HST with them, but I don't know if I should have two HST patterns in one block (like you have in your tutorial) or whether i should make the HSTs up with a white block to break it up a bit - Im worried it will look too "busy" with two patterns in a block as a complete finished piece, but at the same time I really love all the colours! any advice?? Also I'm struggling a bit with keeping accurate measuring, is it because I am cutting on the bias of the fabric? thanks!

[@MelanieHam]

shrinkshy Hi! If you only have 8 different fabrics I recommend adding a solid or two in there to mix it up. When you are creating your hst, just make sure you have enough contrast between the 2 fabrics so that you can see the difference. You can also make so many different kinds of patterns with hst if you want to add some white.. pinwheels, chevron, triangles... tons of options if you don't want that scrappy look. Cutting wise... here is my video on patchwork cutting, hopefully it will help you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWm0mYqearClj7c

[@fran-gx3kf]

thought it was great explanation.

[@WilletteB]

Ty!

[@cqangie29]

I know, stupid question lol, but what is a scant 1/4 inch?

[@te_to_some]

www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/10/quilting-tip-scant-14-inch.html

[@XoCuddlesOx]

What flat pins do you use..i got some dritz ones and they weren't sharp or smooth at all and all the reviews of other brands seem to all say they have the same problems...also what iron do you use im looking for a good iron that isn't too expensive.

[@MelanieHam]

Sydney Doe I have some of the dritz flower ones that are ok... my favorite pins are made by Clover. I don't have any flat head ones, but I'm sure they sell them. I like their glass head ones so I can iron over them if I need too ;). For irons... I seriously buy the cheapest one I can get from Target... I've had expensive rowenta ones etc and they never last. The one I currently have I paid $22 for and it's lasted a 1 1/2 years so when it dies I won't fuss with it and I'll just get another cheap one lol!

[@XoCuddlesOx]

Which iron is it if you don't mind me asking and have you heard anything about the clover flat pins? Every review on all brands of flat pins all seem to have atleast one person complaining of the same problem I'm having but i love the way they lay flat on the fabric but majority of the ones in the pack are practically flat at the tip and arent very smooth down the side.

[@sw-ohiolakers2670]

+Melanie Ham So glad to hear you mention that about the Rowenta irons... I thought it was just my bad luck. I have had two (returned the first one, because it was faulty... leaked water). The second one was a little better than the first but still not great. Now I use a Black and Decker iron I got cheap and it's great for my purposes. Oh, and thanks for the good video. I had been making HST's one by one. This is definitely more efficient.

[@gloryb2777]

Do you have a tutorial on how to joint these hst together without losing the point?

[@sugarsnapmama5671]

Thanks Melanie!!

[@maddshk]

when would you use interfacing?

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

You are missed. Pleased your videos are here so we can revisit you. ❤

[@karengarbenis9978]

How can I use this method to cut or make four squares out of that one instead of the two?

[@3eenRaa]

Thank you that what I need

[@tanjamarkgraf9669]

i have 5 inch pre cut squares.. and a 5 inch square ruler.. can I use that to square off.

[@bobsmith3790]

Good morning. What does it mean to 'sew to the dark'?

[@patriciahooker1200]

how cute and easy

[@michy4400]

what does pressing to the dark mean???

[@thirstyheart4048]

Nice...

[@Harphoney]

what is that black square thing under your cutting mat, seems its swivels, what is it and where can i purchase one?

[@MelanieHam]

Harphoney there are a bunch of links in the description box... but here is the link! amzn.to/1sc4osn

[@Harphoney]

Hi, thankyou for replying, i will be ordering one from Amazon,,,,woohooo !!

[@prettyleecreations2025]

So how big do you make the quilt?

[@jesusistheonlywaytothefath9020]

So do you not backstitch?

[@alinapontynenluce6869]

what does "layer cake" and "press to the dark" mean?

[@laurisnicholson1602]

Layer cake is a pre-cut set of fabric in 10"x10" squares sometimes 42 peices. Jelly roll is a set of about 2.5" in strips (about 2.75 yds total) Charm pack is a set of pre-cut 5" squares A fat quarter of fabric is a one-fourth yard cut that usually measures 18" x 22". Its easy to buy the pre cut sets of coordinated fabric, a 'quilters short cut'

[@angela.a.martinez7635]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@eileengale4463]

How to use creative grids folded corner clipper ruler

[@deeeeeeps]

That looked like my Juki I just bought.

[@Woppaho]

All you have to do is sew 1/4” around the entire square then cut on the diagonal twice

[@debbiebedggood9920]

Can I cut after sewing 7 in a row as I did not do single grrr

[@darleneappleman3911]

I justbought a new quilting ruler

[@Jin04115]

Didn't understand the scant 1/4 ?? Do you sew 1/4 away from the line on both sides?

[@BlahDeDah7]

Yes but just slightly less than 1/4… hence the “scant”

[@pruefashion4101]

hlw mam!!! where r u from?????

[@nataliewallace]

have you ever heard the saying 'cut a long story short'? or do you always make a short story this loooong