Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

[bscuzz]

I've checked a lot of you-tube videos, but not finding the answer to my question. If I want 2-1/2" HSTs that can be sewn as corners for 2-1/2" (3" with SA) quilt border, do I cut 3" HSTs, as well . . . to allow for the seams? And would it be better to cut larger (by maybe 1/2") and then trim . . to ensure I get accurate corners? TYIA for your help . .

[Bubby]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

I make my HSTs a little larger and square them up for accuracy. It takes a little longer this way but I get a better result.

[Mimis-quilts]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

I make my HSTs a little larger and square them up for accuracy. It takes a little longer this way but I get a better result.

This is how I do it too. If you don't make them larger and square them up your blocks get wonky. It's worth the extra time and effort.

[bscuzz]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

Thanks Barb and Pat, it makes sense to me to make my HST's a little bigger and square them up to 3" afterward. The extra time isn't an issue since I only need 4 of them.

I'm a little uncertain about the use of these HST's as a mock-mitre for the border corners of my t-shirt quilt. This was suggested to me because the border, itself, is a 'scrappy' border made up of small rectangles (2-1/2" X 4" finished size) of the leftover t-shirt fabric and I was concerned about a seam (of the border) landing in the corner and interfering with the mitre.

Maybe I just need to 'bite the bullet' and go ahead with the HSTs and see how it works out. Thank you both for your help.

[Vonnie]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

Think of it like making a pinwheel. You have all those seams coming together. You can probably swirl the center to make it lay flatter.

I got the idea for swirling the intersections from watching Eleanor Burns years ago. She used to do videos that showed on RFDTV.

Here's a video for doing this to a four patch but the idea's the same. They call it spinning the seams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfy7ow4ID1E

[Bernamom]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

I would put my side borders on first, then add your half square triangles to the ends of your top and bottom border. Then when you sew your top and bottom borders on, the first 'miter' will be easy to line up because it is close to where you begin sewing. If you pin the other end at the 'miter' you should be able to ease it in. If I remember correctly, you are using a scrappy border, so if you start to get towards the end and see that it is going to be way off, you can stop and shorten your border a bit just by sew a bit of a larger seam allowance in one of you scrappy seams. I hope that makes sense...

[bscuzz]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

Thank you Bernamom . . you hit it right on the head . . . and that's exactly what I did . . . and it worked out very well. I did have minor adjustments to the border to fit it exactly but the scrappy border looks even better than I imagined . . my DGD didn't see it yet . . I just finished up the border earlier today - I think she'll like it. Now I will concentrate on the quilt back - thinking I may use some of her dad's shirts but first need to measure and see if I can fit them in. Thanks again for your help.

I would put my side borders on first, then add your half square triangles to the ends of your top and bottom border. Then when you sew your top and bottom borders on, the first 'miter' will be easy to line up because it is close to where you begin sewing. If you pin the other end at the 'miter' you should be able to ease it in. If I remember correctly, you are using a scrappy border, so if you start to get towards the end and see that it is going to be way off, you can stop and shorten your border a bit just by sew a bit of a larger seam allowance in one of you scrappy seams. I hope that makes sense...

[bscuzz]

Re: Simple HST quilting question . . that has me puzzled

So far it's just the top - but thought you might be interested how good it looks so far . . . IMG_4068.JPG

My DGD, Sarah, is quite pleased with the top . . . and we're now moving on to the quilt back. Probably not the best plan (since the quilting will definitely be more complicated), but have decided to make a patchwork with her dad's discarded work shirts, along with some of the leftover t-shirt material for the back.
Has anyone ever made a quilt where the front and back were both 'features of the quilt'? Any advice for me?

Not quite sure why the pic posted sideways, but when I double-click on it, it blows up in the correct orientation - sorry.

[bscuzz]

Re: Accomplished the Scrappy Border WITH the HST Miters

Making progress on my DGD's Memory Quilt:

So far it's just the top - but thought you might be interested how good it looks so far . . . [ATTACH=CONFIG]137363[/ATTACH]

My DGD, Sarah, is quite pleased with the top . . . and we're now moving on to the quilt back. Probably not the best plan (since the quilting will definitely be more complicated), but have decided to make a patchwork with her dad's discarded work shirts, along with some of the leftover t-shirt material for the back.
Has anyone ever made a quilt where the front and back were both 'features of the quilt'? Any advice for me?

Not quite sure why the pic posted sideways, but when I double-click on it, it blows up in the correct orientation - sorry.