Making HSTs My Way!

Do you have trouble making HSTs? I think my method is really easy. No dog ears no cutting out squares and sewing down the middle on each side of a line.

A mini cutting mat or a turntable cutting mat would be good. You can cut without a mini but it would make it easier to do.

You will need a template of whatever size you are making. If you don't have a template you can cut one from stiff cardboard or template plastic but these will be prone to getting cut. And the corners may not be accurate with cardboard or thin plastic.

But you won't have to buy any thing to make your HSTs. No paper piecing or Thangles or any other expense.

If you need a template just let me know.  I send out a 2 1/2" and a 1 1/2" for free.

We make these up ahead and then have them on hand for whatever I decide to make. This works well with scraps too. I just make two piles one dark colors and one light and then I take one of each and sew them together and then cut out the square from the center. You can sew them like flags and it goes pretty quick. Then we go back and cut out the squares. Any leftovers can be recycled.

Ok here we go. Here is my cut down version for making Half Square Triangles.

I used a 2 1/2" template and cut my strips 2 1/2" x 11"
This will give you 5 HSTs. You can make your strips longer but this works well for me.

Turn your mat and cut along the next side

Sew your two strips together

Iron the seams open for a flat surface

Place your template on the strips at the bottom. Place two corners on the seam. Make sure your corners are accurately placed for a better HST

Cut along one side

Continue turning the mat and cutting as you cut the other two sides

                   

Now the pieces that are left at the top and bottom can be used to make a 4 patch. There is very little waste with this method.

The two ends facing each other

Trim the edges

Match up the seams

The two seams together

I like to tack the seams so they can't move when I sew

Use a template to cut out the 4 patch Make sure your template corners are on the seams accurately or your 4 patch will be off on the corners

Sew them together

And voila a 4 patch!