Everything You Need To Know About Half Square Triangles | Episode 88

In this episode, The Opinionated Quilter shows you all of the different ways to make Half Square Triangle units, one of the most used units in quilting. She also points out the way you should NEVER make them.

[@PatchworkSchoolhouse]

Yes! Finally someone brave enough to call the “sew around the edges method“ out for the cringe-worthy one it is. It always astounds me that anyone would tout this method as a viable one to yield acceptable results. I used to teach & would always mention that this was one to avoid unless you enjoy frustration!

[@C123abc]

Agreed! I tried this once and never again. I also don't like to cut the blocks in half first and then sew as, sure you're able to get different, but you have to sew them together on the bias. Thanks for another great video.

[@wandawalker4191]

Both quilts are beautiful!!

[@abeullah03]

Agree, for me it’s better to make it better and then square it up. Never tried sewing around the whole block. Thank you for another tutorial

[@cindysowinski9223]

Love your videos

[@ccreel64]

I agree 100%. Bias on the outside edges of a HST is a recipe for disaster. I’d much rather ease in a miscut of under 1/8 on the straight grain than sew all those bias edges together. Been there done that. Never again! But that’s just me. Thank you Maureen! ❤

[@shirleyleon7471]

Thank you for the videos.😊 Happy Holidays to you !

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Right on! Why would you want a bunch of bias edges on triangles????? Great tutorial.

[@pooie0116]

Great video as always, Maureen! Regarding the first 2 methods you showed and maybe wanting to not have any duplicate HSTs, Beth from Eva Paige Quilt Designs demos a really nifty way to "accordion" sew HSTs so that each one is unique in a 3-part YT series. Here's Part 2 in case you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJe9ZJ6qeMqWorc Thanks again for all you do!!❤

[@megmurray8233]

I only came into the comments to recommend Beth's accordion method. Perfect for making many HSTs that are not duplicates!

[@virginiareitz7949]

Totally agree. Never use sewing around perimeter. My other issue I would like to see addressed is string piecing on paper foundation. I really don’t see a need for the paper and I just sew the strings together. Some say it is to control the bias but I think sewing next string takes care of that. I would appreciate your opinion.

[@user-vq7dt3br3b]

Thank you for this episode. I just watched a video on four at a time HST's. I am a newish quilter and thought it was a great idea. Thanks for showing me the pitfalls. I shall carry on making two at a time.

[@maxer6205]

Thank you, great info

[@evminer]

THANK YOU for saying to NEVER use the method of sewing around the outside edges of your squares for making half square triangles. I too cringe whenever I see it recommended. The resulting units from this method are not even HSTs...they are QUARTER square triangles (QSTs) with outside bias edges!

[@Ronibearable]

No, sorry, they are not Quarter Square Triangles. You clearly don't understand what a Quarter Sq Triangle is firstly and based on what you are saying.. any quilt is then some piece of something bigger isn't it. Taking a larger piece and cutting it into 4 smaller ones does not make it "X" Like a Fat quarter is not a "Quarter Square Yard".

[@kathieheath8716]

No they aren’t. Quarter square triangles do not have bias edges on the outer edges

[@judyfargo8162]

I like the quilt on the right. It does look quite different to me from the one you made three times.

[@jkscott5865]

Thanks for the video

[@bethkoch11]

Yes! The sewing around the perimeter is not good - bias is usually not your friend,

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Thank you!

[@Ronibearable]

You totally left out the 8 at time method, which is a great non bias method for making many. Second, I have successfully made many quilts using the 4 at a time, with this bias edges and my quilts are absolutely impeccable and win ribbons. It's entirely possible to use that method especially if you starch and square the HSTs after making them. The truth is that there is still Bias in any HST, regardless of how you sew them and to be honest... where most quilters go wrong with your preferred method is that this bias then is in the seam and they distort that seam with the iron. So, regardless of how you make them, you can stretch the bias, whether it's the center seam with an iron or the edges due to method. Rather than disrespect the various methods, why not show them and discuss the advantages and disadvantages because that would be a much more positive approach. There are also HST papers, and the Moda papers and the Kit's by Carla method that makes dozens at one time. All viable and reasonable approaches. I rarely use 4 at a time, because I would rather do the 8 at a time, but I completely disagree that 4 at a time is "BAD".

[@karenweiman8036]

I totally agree. I have used all these methods successfully.

[@kerryl4031]

Have to say I have never done the sew around the outside version - it didn't feel right. In any case I'd discovered the magic 8 system for multiples anyway. At the moment I'm making loads of HSTs with 3" squares to make 2.5" finish, not much waste either. Cheers Maureen.

[@milliebires7692]

I totally agree-anytime I see the sew around the perimeter method I change the channel

[@Ronibearable]

Why? Because you can use a different method. You might be missing something fabulous by changing the channel.

[@kathylee1261]

I cringe too