Half square triangles -- your preferred method?

[Claire OneStitchAtATime]

My quilt class project is a Jacob's Ladder. We're making the half square triangles with a paper foundation method. I get that this is going to produce consistent HSTs, and fairly efficiently, but I'm just not finding it very fun. And you know, for me, quilting is process not product -- making 120 HSTs by a method I don't enjoy isn't really giving me the quilting experience I want! I thought I'd ask you guys how you like to make your HSTs.

I tried Jenny's method for some pinwheel pillows & found it went well, but the triangles were much bigger & maybe that made it easier?

[Preeti]

Having tried several methods (except paper piecing), I like this method the best.
laugh yourself into Stitches*: Free!

It yields 8 HSTs and they are NOT on the bias.
Size Guidance - the rule of thumb is - Multiply by 2, and add1. If you want the HST to be 4", start with a 9" square.
The free pattern is also available on Craftsy.

[Stitchin Sister]

My quilt class project is a Jacob's Ladder. We're making the half square triangles with a paper foundation method. I get that this is going to produce consistent HSTs, and fairly efficiently, but I'm just not finding it very fun. And you know, for me, quilting is process not product -- making 120 HSTs by a method I don't enjoy isn't really giving me the quilting experience I want! I thought I'd ask you guys how you like to make your HSTs.

I tried Jenny's method for some pinwheel pillows & found it went well, but the triangles were much bigger & maybe that made it easier?

It depends whether you are making a lot of hts's alike or if you're making them scrappy. If several can be alike, there are patterns in all sized free on internet taht you can place on 2 sheets of fabric right sides together and stitch on all the dotted lines and cut on all the solid lines, and viola! you have a bunch of hst's. If you are making all different and they need to be exact size to fit with other blocks, it's a litttle slower process. Then I prefer to just mark across the center of the lightest square, sew scant 1/4 inch on each side and cut on line. No papers to remove. If you can just make them Jenny's way, that seems fun and easy, but if you're starting with 10 in squares, they don't come out so fit with something else. It's all just personal preference.

[Angelia]

I like mine on straight of grain, so I make them with two or eight at a time by the methods above. When Jenny makes them her way, what size are the resulting HST made from a 10" square?

[Claire OneStitchAtATime]

There's a formula for Jenny's method, to figure out the size of the squares & size of finished block. Worked perfectly for me when I tried it.

Update on the Easy Pinwheels

[Sandy Navas]

I like to fold my squares and lightly press and then stitch 1/4 inch to the side and cut . . . 'cuz I never can find my pencil . . .

[chezstitches]

Here's a link to my updated version with a math chart for the Magic 8 method, easy trimming trick and a free printable download for handy reference. laugh yourself into Stitches*: The Magic 8 revisited...trimming trick and cutting chart!

[starlover]

I used to do the magic 8 method, but marking all those stitching lines was boring. So then I tried Jenny's method and loved it. I've never had trouble with the bias messing me up, since I starch the fabric.

[Hulamoon]

I like to fold my squares and lightly press and then stitch 1/4 inch to the side and cut . . . 'cuz I never can find my pencil . . .

I was trying that and couldn't ever find my glasses.

[chezstitches]

Thank you Preeti....here's an updated post where i include a math/cutting chart and an easy way to trim HST's. You'll find it all here: laugh yourself into Stitches*: The Magic 8 revisited...trimming trick and cutting chart!

It yields 8 HSTs and they are NOT on the bias.
Size Guidance - the rule of thumb is - Multiply by 2, and add1. If you want the HST to be 4", start with a 9" square.
The free pattern is also available on Craftsy.[/QUOTE]