November 2023 - Half Square Triangles

November 19, 2023

This month your special project is to make something using half square triangles. Anything goes... a mug rug, or a pot holder, a hot mat, or table topper, a runner, or a bag, a small quilt, or a large quilt... your choice. For the new quilters, start small and simple. For the more "seasoned" quilters you need to be creative!! Anything goes...but there must be a half square triangle (or 1000's) in your project! And if you are an embroidery fanatic, I know you can come up with something amazing.

Bring it back next month for show and tell. It has to be made this month... NO CHEATING! And it doesn't need to be finished (and by that I mean bound) for next months show and tell.

And while you are creating, think of our next quilt show and our little quilts auction.

I would like to see the little quilts auctions go back to it's roots, many years before I started with the guild... if you wish to donate, these items must be a quilt item a maximum of 20" (square or long) with a label attached on the back. (I think I'll be in charge of that, but don't quote me!)

If you are a beginner, here's some things that might help you get started... Quick note: if the pattern ever says ...7/8" add the 1/8 of an inch to the size of your square. There is hardly any chance if you are like me, that you will sew a straight line, so 1 7/8" will always become 2".

How to Make 2 Half Square Triangle Units.

1. Draw a line through the center of your lightest block, from corner to corner.

2. Draw a line ¼” from both sides of center line. This will become your stitching line. Layer with darker fabric.

3. Sew on stitching lines, both side of block

4. Cut apart on centre line.

5. You will end up with 2 half square triangles

How to square up your 1/2 square triangles.

The first squaring cut is not a critical cut. This cut allows you to make two straight edges, to perfectly square your block on the second cut.

Place square ruler on block with diagonal line on seam and 1’s in upper right hand corner.
Make sure the 4” marking on the ruler (or what ever size you are squaring your block to) are on the square of fabric on the bottom and left side.
Trim excess from the right and top sides first.

Turn cut edges to bottom and left edge, by picking up the block at the upper right hand corner and turning it so that that corner is in the lower left corner.
Place ruler on block with diagonal line on seam and actual measurements on the bottom and left.
Trim from right edge and top.

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Tune into YouTube to watch video's on how to make and square up 1/2 square triangles. Just search how to make 1/2 square triangles. Everyone has their own version.

Here's one of my favourites for squaring up your triangles:

YouTube video on how to square up a half square triangle.

Lets make more than 2 at a time:

If you want to make 2, 4 or 8 or strip pieced, half square triangles at a time, here's a website with lots of useful information including cutting charts for all three methods.

2, 4, 8 or strip pieced, half square triangles and some charts to help!

And if you really want to go crazy...

Drag out your Triangulations program, print out pg 10 and make this great little quilt 4 1/2" square, with 64, 1/2", half square triangles! (I wouldn't try it if I were you!!!).

And if that's not enough screen time for you...

Check out PINTEREST to inspire you with lots of great ideas for making 1/2 square triangle

projects.

My medium size quilt was inspired by Heather Hughes, when I went for tea and she had this beautiful centre piece on her table. It was from Jenny Doans Big Star Quilt.

Check out your local favourite quilt store for these and other great products for making 1/2 square triangles.