What is a 'half-square triangle'?
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It is a square that is made up of two right-triangles. |
There are a many ways to make half-square triangles. I'll show you two.
Method 1
Step 1: Cut two squares of fabric the same size. Mine are 5" square because the next block we are making is a Shoo-fly block and that is the size we will need.
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Step 2: Draw a line (I used a pencil) from one corner to the opposite corner on the lightest colored square. |
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Step 3: Stack the two squares, right sides together. I usually pin them together so they don't shift while I am sewing. |
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Step 4: Sew 1/4" on either side of the drawn line. |
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Step 5: Cut along the drawn line. |
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Step 6: Press open (usually press towards the darker fabric) and you will have two half-square triangles. |
Here's a video:
Method 2
Step 1: Cut two squares of the same size. These are 7" square because the Shoo-fly block we are making next needs four 4 1/2" half-square triangles.
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Step 2: Pin in a few places (I used 4 pins) to keep the blocks from shifting while you are sewing. Sew 1/4" from the edge of the block all the way around. |
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Step 3: Cut through the center of the block from corner to corner. |
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This is what the block looks like after the first cut.
Don't separate your triangles like I did for the photo!
I just wanted you to see where the cut was.
Keep the two halves together and rotate your ruler to cut the second diagonal. |
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Step 4: Cut the other diagonal. Again, I pulled them apart so you could see the second cut. |
Step 5: Press the triangles open. The cut edge is a bias edge so be careful to PRESS instead of IRON or you will distort your block. Press towards the dark side.
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Step 6: Trim your block to 4 1/2" making sure that the diagonal line of your block lines up with the diagonal line on your ruler. |
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(4) Half-square triangles ready to sew into your Shoo-fly block! |
Here's a video for Method 2:
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Printable directions! Click on the image to view full size and print from your browser window. |
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Printable directions! Click on the image to view full size and print from your browser window. |
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Thank you so much for sharing. I am a self taught quilter but am loving learning basics and tricks from this blog! Please keep posting and sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words :) If you have photos of the blocks we are sewing, please feel free to send them to me. I'll be happy to post them in a Show and Tell post!
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