Love 'em or loathe 'em, Half Square Triangles are everywhere. There are tons of ways to make them, and everybody has an opinion on the best way to do so. Some people make their squares 7/8" bigger than the finished HST needs to be and do not trim. I'm a trimmer, though. It is a pain in the behind, but I've never had a problem with my HSTs not matching up even if they were used in a design with squares or something besides other HSTs. Did you know that by using the "non trimming" method you are actually creating HSTs that are 1/32" off from your desired size? Yup, the reason we use the +7/8" rule is not because it is mathematically perfect, but because it is the closest notch on the quilting ruler. That might not be a big deal if you are making a quilt of ALL half square triangles, but if you are incorporating them into a larger design, that mistake can add up quickly, especially on a very large quilt.
So...
trimming on not trimming, what's your take?
I use the nifty notions HST ruler to make my HSTs. This system uses strips that are .5" more than the finished square size, in other words 3 1/2" instead of 3 7/8" pieces.
ReplyDeleteI never have to trim, this is an incredibly accurate system. And the points meet every time. I just can't see adding any steps to quilting.
Here's my tutorial on using a HST ruler.
I like to trim, it covers up my imperfections pretty darn good and I make them more like an inch bigger. I know I waste fabric, but I save myself a little bit of stress over something that should be fun.
ReplyDeleteI have been playing with other methods of making HST because I'm not willing to sacrifice accuracy for time. I cut my squares a full 1" larger vs the 7/8" since I find that, at times, the 7/8" yields HST too small to trim. I recently discovered Spinning star HST papers and love the darn things. I cannot imagine not trimming one way or another (with paper you still have to cut each HST apart) but the rewards are worth the time invested.
ReplyDeleteI'm a trimmer. Like Strlady I cut my squares 1" larger and plan the trimming into the quilt. It's well worth the time.
ReplyDeleteMe=not perfect=must trim
ReplyDeleteI make the squares 1'' bigger than desired HST, and definitely TRIM!
ReplyDeleteI trim. It makes joining so much easier.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. It IS NOT ME. It is the math. This makes so much since now. (I have a degree in math so when it does not work, I go a little crazy.)
ReplyDeleteI cut them big and trim - right now I'm really loving my Tucker Trimmer rulers - very accurate and easy to use and the quilt I'm doing is filled with HST - love the look -
ReplyDeleteI bought the HST ruler and LOVE it!! I am new to quilting and nothing I make is right yet, but I do find that with this ruler it has been very accurate!
ReplyDelete