Happy Friday everyone. When I started quilting I could not believe how challenging it was making Half Square Triangles (HST). There are so many little things that can affect the outcome of your block. And it's so important to make a square HST so that when you sew them together, your quilt lies flat. So here are my top tips for making your perfect half square triangle
The tape on the ruler was the most helpful for me. I could not figure out my new ruler for the life of me 😂. Thank you so much for this helpful video! Love the visuals.
Karen, I wanted to let you know that your teaching and video style are excellent. You have the right amount of verbal information followed by a visual for illustration. If there is room for improvement, I don’t know what it could be. Great work, and I look forward to more.
You are so real for this karen. Im telling you. Im 22 and self taught and i always thought i was a supreme booboo head for not getting my triangles right. With this all of a sudden its like learning to run when youve been stuck in a desolate hole for years. Youre a very personable teacher. Keep rockin the free world friend. THANKS!!!❤❤❤
I've watched this twice now because I need to make 150 HSTs for a project. It's the pressing that I want to be sure I get correctly. Thanks for this video, Karen. You make it so easy to follow your steps.
At the ripe old age of 60 I am learning how to quilt. You ideas are awesome! I will watch this video a few more times to let it sink in. Thanks! Your ideas are great keep them coming.
I’m joining the quilting wagon too, at the young age of 58🤗. The knowledge of information and content that Karen graciously puts together has been very valuable for all quilters of all ages.
Hey guys.... how about the ripe almost rotten old age of 72? I have not got my courage up yet but have been watching a lot of vids on quilting. I make jewelry, knit, crochet a bit (just learned) and new to sewing. So far have hemmed (badly) 4 t-shirts, made a quilted type pod holder (badly) & sewed some scrunchies to add to craft fair sales. I love your channel, Karen :D
I am 70 and have been sewing for 60 years, but I just started quilting 2 years ago and I'm completely hooked. I've binge-watched hours of videos and have learned so much from Karen Brown, Jenny Doan, Teresa Down Under and Jordan Fabrics. What a fabulous time we live in where we can have the very best teachers available to us 24/7 whenever we want to learn (or re-learn) something.
I'm a new quilter, I took my first quilting class and my least favorite thing to do was HSTs. Then, I bought my first pattern (without reading the instructions), but the pattern was rated for a beginner, Then, I bought ALL the recommended fabric. Finally, I got around to reading the pattern instructions and I learned this quilt is almost ENTIRELY HSTs. Holy Cow ! I better go back and watch a couple more of your HST videos before I begin. Thanks for such clear instruction on your videos.
The quilt I made for my first grandchild was all made of HST and I used the method of sewing around the perimeter and then cutting an X through the middle - oh my heavens. Those bias edges were a nightmare and I had no idea that was what was happening. I needed you back then.
I find it weird that there are thumbs down 👎 whatever 🥴 I guess the world is always going to have some negative folks... as for me 👍👍👍 thanks for the video. I’m going to try HST with some scraps just to see how I do. I’m sure there are HST in my future🤗
I'm working on a pinwheel quilt. I just go all my blocks done but I've stopped for the past week because I was terrified to trip. OMG THAT MASKING TAPE HACK JUST BLEW MY MIND!! Thanks for the help!!
I just can't get enough of your tips and tricks. Just when I think I know how to do something, you show me a simpler way or a way that teaches me what I am doing wrong. Thank you so much! Keep those videos coming!!
I love your videos! I discovered your channel when I was in a depression due to loss of family. But it was in your personal shares that made me wake up and want to join happy land again. Plus you have inspired me to want to take on a new challenge and try to learn quilting. I never thought I could learn on my own. I thought you had to learn quilting at a young age. Anyways, I look forward to each and every subject you do. Thank you!
Hi Karen, I'm a rookie quilter from the UK (my lockdown goal during the pandemic) and I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed and learned from your fab videos! I've done the ugly fabric quilt and just finishing the stash buster quilt. My next step is to build some decent blocks using HST's to build into my next project....
I sure wish I could have watched this before I started on my current project. I cut 120 for a pinwheel pattern. The ledge on the ruler would have been a godsend. I'll definitely remember this for my next one. Thank you!
I’m in the midst of my 1st Mystery quilt with my Pearls group - and there were 288 HST to make. #1 I used the Stripology ruler (borrowed ) for the cutting in the project and I was thrilled at the ease of use and the fit for my short stature! #2 Then I moved the needle 1 - 2 positions to the right of the right of centre position of the needle - NEVER thought this was possible with a 1/4 inch foot. A perfect scant 1/4 in seam! #3 Santa brought me the “Perfect Trimmer” rulers and what a light bulb moment! The trimming was so easy and so accurate. #4 I’ve always “pressed” seams after setting the sewing line- and now add the “finger press “ action prior to pressing. Absolutely thrilled at the consistent & accurate HST that resulted. Three new skills to my quilting and after so many years in the game. Never too old to learn new tricks and when they work and result in perfect units - life doesn’t get better than this. As well I went to the Dollar Store and got the Extra Large baggies that were perfect for the units constructed as I worked my way through the Instalments and the resulting 12 1/2 in blocks just fit them. Grateful for all the hints and tricks you share.
Made a king size quilt with HST a few years ago. Had been quilting for about 2 years and bought a kit to make for my son. Didn’t realize from the picture that it was made completely with HSTs. Had to cut hundreds of them. Maybe thousands!!! I have an AccuQuilt cutter, which made it possible for me to tackle this quilt. I did what you suggested. Cut 30-50 at a time. Sat and sewed 25 or so. Then pressed them. Back to sewing them, and when needed, went back to cutting. Even with the accuracy of the AccuQuilt, this was still a big challenge for me. I still had some problems with my sewing a straight line, usually due to fatigue. The quilt turned out well, and no one noticed my mistakes. I took your advice that “Done is better than perfect”. So thanks for all your tutorials. I have learned a lot.
I have watched a ton of quilting videos from several quilters. And yet no one has shown how to use those darn lines on cutting mat! So Karen thank you so much for that. I would like to share a valuable tip that I came across from a quilter who is called something like a professional pattern piece quilter. after setting her seam on her half square triangles she sprays something similar to sizing and does not use steam in her iron and then followed by using a wooden clapper to press down on that seam for just a few seconds (also she does not use pins she always uses glue and that has made a world of difference as well) it was absolutely amazing to see that I previously thought my half square triangles were flat and hell NO they were not flat because when I used her method I could clearly see the difference. With Karen's permission I could post the link to that video on the "Just get it done quilts" Facebook page. The technique has made a major improvement on my accuracy. (The video is actually an interview with this professional quilter who is also married to a sewing machine repairman so you get twice as much valuable information in one interview)
+dcwatashi The are a lot of sewers that use glue instead of pins. My policy is always use what works best for you. The clapper is a great tool to get that really crisp and flat seam. I’d love to see that interview as I love learning new techniques. Can you email me the link at info@justgetitdonequilts.com
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts will do! using glue really made a difference when I was trying to make those pillowcases. The cuff and the trim now line up perfectly
Hi Karen. You are a life-saver! I am an absolute beginner and am about to embark on a (queen/king-sized) quilt project made up of HSTs. The pattern uses layer cake but I'm using yardage. I need 80 (10") squares for the project. I want to make a quilt for my 13-year old son, something that's not kiddy or girly. His favourite colour is blue so I thought a blue and white quilt will be good. I decided to use HST so that I can play around with the design. HSTs. It's easy. I can do that (that's what I thought until I watched your video! LoL!)
I've been a quilter for over twenty years and have made my fair share of HST's - lol. Some of these tips I've learned (or figured out) along the way, but a few you shared were new to me and I think will make my life even a little bit easier the next time I make a batch of these blocks - and that is always welcome since I when I do make HST's for a quilt it always seems I need a LOT of them, never just a few. Oh and I also add 1 inch and not 7/8 - that just never made sense to me to cut it that close or make my life harder always trying to find that mark on the ruler. :) Thanks for another great, helpful video!!
I am so thankful for all your tips, but today’s HST expertise was golden. You showed me how to do it! Hooray! I’m going to go sew now. And I will press well, no swishing and plenty of taping!
there are a lot of videos out there and they unfortunately keep telling us to iron which is incorrect, when you iron your moving the iron back and forth and they use the term pressing interchangeably. But with pressing the iron does not move You should never be ironing your pieces you should always be pressing. Ironing is for when you're ironing your pillowcase ha ha ha ha. or carefully ironing a fat quarter and even then you have to be careful not to stretch the fabric.
I love the way your eyes light up when you teach about what you love! I can’t wait to watch more of your videos and absorb your passion for teaching and learning!
Hi Karen, I’m embarking on my first full sized quilt for a 5’ bed. It’s an HST pattern, and i think I’ve used every tip you have taught me. The squares are cut, now I’m going to sew, so I thought I’d review this video. My cutting has improved, partly it’s practice, but I received a Martelli rotary cutter for Christmas and it’s been a game changer. I’d recommend it to anyone with arthritis. Thanks for all your help, you’re a real star. Keep up the good work! 🥰
First time making a quilt and instead of going easy peasy i decided to do a farmers quilt and my first set of blocks are all half square triangles and they are a MESS. Im glad im learning this now!
I’m blessed to have the Accuquilt Go Big so I can get accurate pieces just by turning on the power and positioning the die. You’re absolutely right about the stamina needed! I have arthritis in my hands and using the machine is the only way I can cut pieces anymore. Having said all that I’m delighted to come across your channel!!!! I need to make some 10” HST and this method is perfect for me. And adding 1” is genius. Thank you for your fine teaching.
I just used your method for trimming my hst's. Worked great. I thought about all 256 3" squares I needed to trim. Figured a better way for myself: I took a square I had trimmed and folded it back to a triangle, layed my little square ruler on the triangle piece, lining it up to the cut edges, looking where the stitch line was. took a bright pink fine line marker and marked that stitch line. I then took an unpressed, uncut hst and lined up the stich line to my pink line and cut away the 2 edges, opened it up and it's perfect. only 2 cuts instead of 4.
I'm very new to quilting and have only made a couple of crazy quilts, in my own way. It's amazing that they came out pretty. I watched the most recent video and it suggested this video. This is my second time watching and I will most likely watch it again when I get ready to make HST. Thank you so much for the clear instructions. :)
Yes I'm making a 20 block throw that has 4 hst's in each block. Although I do have the clearly perfect slotted trimmer for hst squaring. AND I'm experimenting with the MSQC calico quilt. I'm not big on square quilts but this whole quilt is HST's. Instead of doing the easy 8 from layer cakes. I'm making 4 hst from charm packs and squaring them to 3" blocks also with the clearly perfect slotted trimmer for hst squaring. So far I haven't had a problem haha. I do have to take many breaks in between the blocks. Haha. Lots of many tips thank you for sharing. God bless you 😁😁
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts This is very true. I have been using best press spray to try and help hold its shape. Lol Have you tried this spray? If so, what do you think about it? I think it smells incredibly good lol. I think I bought the clean linen one lol.
Wow I really wish I had known all this before!! I just picked out a wall hanging pattern, got fabric and just started sewing. Fortunately no disaster, must have gotten lucky!! Moved 5 years ago and had to downsize and I had to decide what craft I was going to keep. Quilting didn't make the cut!! Lol! Now my granddaughter wants a quilt. I'm basically starting over, tools and everything. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. God bless you I'm subscribed and hanging by a tread waiting for your next video!!. :)
Thank you for the affirmation on cutting a little larger, "ease of construction," such a lovely term! My sewing is pretty consistent (as long as I keep my focus), but still working on the cutting. Cutting wears me out!
I've been quilting on and off for quite a few years just trying QST for the first time. My arms hurt so much from working on them yesterday, marking, cutting, sewing etc. (Less than half of them turned out). Luckily I only need 20. So, back at it today hopefully a little more success now that I'm rested.
I just started seeing a few years ago. And just after watching your tips and tricks on ironing and a couple other videos, my sewing has improved tremendously!!! I am much more excited to continue and to challenge myself!!! I even made a back quilt for the first time last night!!!! Thank you so very much for your willingness to share these wonderful hacks!!!! I only wish I had seen them a year or two ago!!!!
Thank you for this video. I’m the first person to add a thumbs up. I appreciate your presentation style. Looking forward to seeing the videos on 4@once and 8@ once HST’s. Have a great friday
Karen: Thank you for your final tip about recognizing flagging stamina. Many of us don't think of quilting or sewing as physically demanding (unless you are free motion quilting without the grippy gloves...), but the importance of taking care of oneself while sewing is rather overlooked. Your advice is welcome and necessary. Thank you! I've been working on a quilt kit that yielded me with over 100 2" HSTs after trimming them from another element of the quilt block -- normally these would be tossed, but I decided to stitch them to save them. Because they are so small, I've decided to use a neutral color to make wonky blocks with each small HST. This makes the blocks a little bigger and easier to work with, and I may use them on the back of the quilt from the kit, or I might make them into a small table runner or similar item. You advice in this video would have been useful when I was making them, and I'll keep this in mind for future HSTs. I have to say, though, that your pressing advice has made a huge difference in my HSTs and other quilt block elements. You are a great teacher!
Thank you for your great videos. I'm a new quilter and don't understand why some patterns insist on starting with small pieces to make a bunch of HSTs instead of the method for making 4 or 8 at a time. I would think it would be much easier, but again I'm pretty new so stay away from tedious piecing.
I find that patterns just default to one at a time blocks. It might be that shortcuts are too hard to explain or they feel that they are too advanced. That’s why I always recommend reading the pattern. Then decided on how to cut and put it together.
Thank you for that WONDERFUL tip about using washi tape from corner to corner to provide a straight sewing line. Going to use it today and can hardly wait to get started.
Thanks so much for the tips. I have been avoiding these because I didn’t know how to square them up. I just finished a quilt top with a few HST’s. I assumed if I went exactly by the directions they would turn out fine. Well not hardly. They were wonky, crooked and just plain a mess. I made them work in the block but now I see what all I did wrong. Thanks so much. I will be keeping this video forever.
As always, you are right on! Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge. You have taught me so much through these videos, and I've been sewing for 55 years.
Just made 96 HSTs YESTERDAY for a mystery quilt. I think I used most of these tips except the straight of grain one. Most of my HSTs are ok but I do have some wonky ones! Lol! Now I have to trim, and that tip on how to trim will sure come in handy!
I love your videos! I just started quilting a few months ago and your tips and advice are fantastic! I love your ledges and your other painting tape sewing hacks. So many things to learn, and so many opinions on the best way to do everything, yikes! So glad I came across your videos, your techniques make the most sense to me. Your videos on colors are up next!
Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips on making HSTs! Your masking tape tip was incredible. I appreciated the ironing tip, too, but could not get my seams open evenly using my fingers as you demonstrate, plus my fingers got tired. Instead, I laid my folded HST on a firm, flat surface and, while holding the bottom triangle with one hand, I slid my straight edge ruler inside the folded HST and pushed it against the seam. I then tilted the ruler up perpendicular and pressed it down firmly. This forced the seam to open pressed it down the way you do with your fingers. I then used a seam roller to smooth it flatter, then pressed. Works great! Thanks for all your amazing videos sharing your talent with such with and generosity.
Thank you for the reminders. I’ve got a heavy HST flannel quilt project for Christmas. 16 patch, 20” finished. Farmhouse block. Yes I’m a procrastinator. It’s a 3x4 block twin quilt for his and hers.
You are teaching this old dog sewer new tricks. Thank you. Why did I never think of over sizing the the squares from the 7/8 rule? We are cutting down anyway... and the washi tape is brilliant! Have you tried the quarter inch masking tape size? We use it all the time for marking. If you go to the paint supply store we have found all different sizes of masking tape. (painters tape) Thanks for all the tips!
And even if you are perfect at ⅞” you have to trim off the corners. I haven’t tried the ¼” masking tape as I had the washi tape in my stash...but I’ll keep a look out for it. Thanks
Happy Friday everyone. When I started quilting I could not believe how challenging it was making Half Square Triangles (HST). There are so many little things that can affect the outcome of your block. And it's so important to make a square HST so that when you sew them together, your quilt lies flat. So here are my top tips for making your perfect half square triangle
Love, love, love your clear and precise instructions presented in such a friendly and engaging way. Thank you!!!
Great info...thanks for sharing
😊
1a
I did a 45 degree star easier than this ! I’m going nuts
The tape on the ruler was the most helpful for me. I could not figure out my new ruler for the life of me 😂. Thank you so much for this helpful video! Love the visuals.
Karen, I wanted to let you know that your teaching and video style are excellent. You have the right amount of verbal information followed by a visual for illustration. If there is room for improvement, I don’t know what it could be. Great work, and I look forward to more.
Lynn Harrell perfect compliment! Agreed!
Totally agree.
I'm a beginner. Karen you are the best one on RUclips to watch. You explain things so well. Thank you!
You are so real for this karen. Im telling you. Im 22 and self taught and i always thought i was a supreme booboo head for not getting my triangles right. With this all of a sudden its like learning to run when youve been stuck in a desolate hole for years. Youre a very personable teacher. Keep rockin the free world friend. THANKS!!!❤❤❤
🤗
I've watched this twice now because I need to make 150 HSTs for a project. It's the pressing that I want to be sure I get correctly. Thanks for this video, Karen. You make it so easy to follow your steps.
At the ripe old age of 60 I am learning how to quilt. You ideas are awesome! I will watch this video a few more times to let it sink in. Thanks! Your ideas are great keep them coming.
The best is yet to come
Same her Laureen started at 59 just before I retired at 60. Love your videos Karen
I’m joining the quilting wagon too, at the young age of 58🤗. The knowledge of information and content that Karen graciously puts together has been very valuable for all quilters of all ages.
Hey guys.... how about the ripe almost rotten old age of 72? I have not got my courage up yet but have been watching a lot of vids on quilting. I make jewelry, knit, crochet a bit (just learned) and new to sewing. So far have hemmed (badly) 4 t-shirts, made a quilted type pod holder (badly) & sewed some scrunchies to add to craft fair sales. I love your channel, Karen :D
I am 70 and have been sewing for 60 years, but I just started quilting 2 years ago and I'm completely hooked. I've binge-watched hours of videos and have learned so much from Karen Brown, Jenny Doan, Teresa Down Under and Jordan Fabrics. What a fabulous time we live in where we can have the very best teachers available to us 24/7 whenever we want to learn (or re-learn) something.
I'm a new quilter, I took my first quilting class and my least favorite thing to do was HSTs. Then, I bought my first pattern (without reading the instructions), but the pattern was rated for a beginner, Then, I bought ALL the recommended fabric. Finally, I got around to reading the pattern instructions and I learned this quilt is almost ENTIRELY HSTs. Holy Cow ! I better go back and watch a couple more of your HST videos before I begin. Thanks for such clear instruction on your videos.
The quilt I made for my first grandchild was all made of HST and I used the method of sewing around the perimeter and then cutting an X through the middle - oh my heavens. Those bias edges were a nightmare and I had no idea that was what was happening. I needed you back then.
Thank you for the tutorial. It helped me a lot with some issues.
Mathilde
Thank you…. The quilt I want to make is 768 hsts and this is very helpful.
I find it weird that there are thumbs down 👎 whatever 🥴 I guess the world is always going to have some negative folks...
as for me 👍👍👍 thanks for the video. I’m going to try HST with some scraps just to see how I do. I’m sure there are HST in my future🤗
It also might be bots...sometimes I really wonder
I’ve always drawn the center line then sew 1/4 inch either side then cut. Turns out perfect every time.
+Heather Cameron I’m green with envy
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts how unfourtunate
I'm new at this and I'm older, so I can't tell you how I appreciate all these great tips.
We are in the same boat. I'm in my 70's and I've never pieced a quilt on the machine. Sewn all my life. This is different and challenging!
I’ve also just started quilting it’s such a lovely hobby, been a sewer all my life but I’m learning amazing new skills
Me too!!!
Thanks for posting, all you first time quilters, long time sewers. I don't feel so alone now!
Your tip on using tape to stop slippery rulers will save my sanity from now on! Thank you!
The masking tape hacks have revolutionised my blocks! Thank you so much x
I have never seen HSTs made this way. Love it.
I didn’t know about the tugging on a 45 degree angle to put the weft back in grain. Great tip!!
I'm working on a pinwheel quilt. I just go all my blocks done but I've stopped for the past week because I was terrified to trip. OMG THAT MASKING TAPE HACK JUST BLEW MY MIND!! Thanks for the help!!
I just can't get enough of your tips and tricks. Just when I think I know how to do something, you show me a simpler way or a way that teaches me what I am doing wrong. Thank you so much! Keep those videos coming!!
Thank you
I love your videos! I discovered your channel when I was in a depression due to loss of family. But it was in your personal shares that made me wake up and want to join happy land again. Plus you have inspired me to want to take on a new challenge and try to learn quilting. I never thought I could learn on my own. I thought you had to learn quilting at a young age. Anyways, I look forward to each and every subject you do. Thank you!
💕💕💕 I hope quilting is bringing you the joy it brings me
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Thank You!
One of Karen's videos really hit home with me and what I was going through. It was as if she was personally speaking to me
Genius idea for marking both legs of the triangles using the washi tape!!!!
Hi Karen, I'm a rookie quilter from the UK (my lockdown goal during the pandemic) and I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed and learned from your fab videos! I've done the ugly fabric quilt and just finishing the stash buster quilt. My next step is to build some decent blocks using HST's to build into my next project....
Thank you! Very helpful! I’m learning how to do a basket block with HSTs.
I sure wish I could have watched this before I started on my current project. I cut 120 for a pinwheel pattern. The ledge on the ruler would have been a godsend. I'll definitely remember this for my next one. Thank you!
Small thing...big difference
Love the way you marked the ruler to square the half square triangles and then used your ruler to be able to square any size under 6 1/2 inches.
Thank you for sharing! This has helped me so much.
Thank you so much for all your help! I am a very beginner. Very! I don't know what I would do without your videos.
Love your speaking voice
I’m in the midst of my 1st Mystery quilt with my Pearls group - and there were 288 HST to make. #1 I used the Stripology ruler (borrowed ) for the cutting in the project and I was thrilled at the ease of use and the fit for my short stature! #2 Then I moved the needle 1 - 2 positions to the right of the right of centre position of the needle - NEVER thought this was possible with a 1/4 inch foot. A perfect scant 1/4 in seam! #3 Santa brought me the “Perfect Trimmer” rulers and what a light bulb moment! The trimming was so easy and so accurate. #4 I’ve always “pressed” seams after setting the sewing line- and now add the “finger press “ action prior to pressing. Absolutely thrilled at the consistent & accurate HST that resulted. Three new skills to my quilting and after so many years in the game. Never too old to learn new tricks and when they work and result in perfect units - life doesn’t get better than this. As well I went to the Dollar Store and got the Extra Large baggies that were perfect for the units constructed as I worked my way through the Instalments and the resulting 12 1/2 in blocks just fit them. Grateful for all the hints and tricks you share.
Made a king size quilt with HST a few years ago. Had been quilting for about 2 years and bought a kit to make for my son. Didn’t realize from the picture that it was made completely with HSTs. Had to cut hundreds of them. Maybe thousands!!! I have an AccuQuilt cutter, which made it possible for me to tackle this quilt. I did what you suggested. Cut 30-50 at a time. Sat and sewed 25 or so. Then pressed them. Back to sewing them, and when needed, went back to cutting. Even with the accuracy of the AccuQuilt, this was still a big challenge for me. I still had some problems with my sewing a straight line, usually due to fatigue. The quilt turned out well, and no one noticed my mistakes. I took your advice that “Done is better than perfect”. So thanks for all your tutorials. I have learned a lot.
👏👏👏
I have watched a ton of quilting videos from several quilters. And yet no one has shown how to use those darn lines on cutting mat! So Karen thank you so much for that.
I would like to share a valuable tip that I came across from a quilter who is called something like a professional pattern piece quilter.
after setting her seam on her half square triangles she sprays something similar to sizing and does not use steam in her iron and then followed by using a wooden clapper to press down on that seam for just a few seconds (also she does not use pins she always uses glue and that has made a world of difference as well)
it was absolutely amazing to see that I previously thought my half square triangles were flat and hell NO they were not flat because when I used her method I could clearly see the difference.
With Karen's permission I could post the link to that video on the "Just get it done quilts" Facebook page. The technique has made a major improvement on my accuracy. (The video is actually an interview with this professional quilter who is also married to a sewing machine repairman so you get twice as much valuable information in one interview)
+dcwatashi The are a lot of sewers that use glue instead of pins. My policy is always use what works best for you. The clapper is a great tool to get that really crisp and flat seam. I’d love to see that interview as I love learning new techniques. Can you email me the link at info@justgetitdonequilts.com
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts will do! using glue really made a difference when I was trying to make those pillowcases. The cuff and the trim now line up perfectly
I also find trimming HSTs to be physically demanding. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Thanks for all these tips!
Sapatos encroche ysacos
Hi Karen. You are a life-saver!
I am an absolute beginner and am about to embark on a (queen/king-sized) quilt project made up of HSTs.
The pattern uses layer cake but I'm using yardage. I need 80 (10") squares for the project.
I want to make a quilt for my 13-year old son, something that's not kiddy or girly. His favourite colour is blue so I thought a blue and white quilt will be good. I decided to use HST so that I can play around with the design. HSTs. It's easy. I can do that (that's what I thought until I watched your video! LoL!)
Thank you for sharing your great tips - I think I can do this now :)
I’m watching everything I can on HST before starting on the quilt pattern Postcards from Sweden. Thank you for your video
Love it! Thanks for the tip!
You are a great instructor ... pleasant to listen to & understand. Thank you.
I've been a quilter for over twenty years and have made my fair share of HST's - lol. Some of these tips I've learned (or figured out) along the way, but a few you shared were new to me and I think will make my life even a little bit easier the next time I make a batch of these blocks - and that is always welcome since I when I do make HST's for a quilt it always seems I need a LOT of them, never just a few. Oh and I also add 1 inch and not 7/8 - that just never made sense to me to cut it that close or make my life harder always trying to find that mark on the ruler. :)
Thanks for another great, helpful video!!
I find it interesting to discover how a new tip or technique can make you go back to basics and relearn what you already know.
Oh yeah that adding one inch was extremely helpful as well
I am so thankful for all your tips, but today’s HST expertise was golden. You showed me how to do it! Hooray! I’m going to go sew now. And I will press well, no swishing and plenty of taping!
there are a lot of videos out there and they unfortunately keep telling us to iron which is incorrect, when you iron your moving the iron back and forth and they use the term pressing interchangeably. But with pressing the iron does not move
You should never be ironing your pieces you should always be pressing. Ironing is for when you're ironing your pillowcase ha ha ha ha. or carefully ironing a fat quarter and even then you have to be careful not to stretch the fabric.
Yes! Thank you!
I love the way your eyes light up when you teach about what you love! I can’t wait to watch more of your videos and absorb your passion for teaching and learning!
Thanks for the masking tape hack to help with trimming HSTs! It saves so much time and makes trimming so much more accurate.
Thanks for sharing Karen the Measurements is what throws me off 11-8-19
I’m learning sooo much from watching your channel. I really appreciate all that you are doing to put this all together for us. 😊
Hi Karen, I’m embarking on my first full sized quilt for a 5’ bed. It’s an HST pattern, and i think I’ve used every tip you have taught me. The squares are cut, now I’m going to sew, so I thought I’d review this video. My cutting has improved, partly it’s practice, but I received a Martelli rotary cutter for Christmas and it’s been a game changer. I’d recommend it to anyone with arthritis. Thanks for all your help, you’re a real star. Keep up the good work! 🥰
First time making a quilt and instead of going easy peasy i decided to do a farmers quilt and my first set of blocks are all half square triangles and they are a MESS. Im glad im learning this now!
When cutting 7/8 I call my hubby to the sewing room.! Lol He is an on point cutter! He helps with a lot of my cutting as my back gets sore.
LOL
Could have used this video before I made a quilt with 484 HSTs!!!! Thanks for your time and great tips and tricks!!!
I’m blessed to have the Accuquilt Go Big so I can get accurate pieces just by turning on the power and positioning the die. You’re absolutely right about the stamina needed! I have arthritis in my hands and using the machine is the only way I can cut pieces anymore.
Having said all that I’m delighted to come across your channel!!!! I need to make some 10” HST and this method is perfect for me. And adding 1” is genius.
Thank you for your fine teaching.
Thank You!! Fantastic!!
She is just the best isnt she? Lets "stick w her"!🙋
Karen, I find re-watching the linked videos so helpful. I keep learning from you and it is AWESOME! You are such a talent!!!💗
Just don’t look at my hair. I wish I had someone near to tell me when it’s gone wild
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts the spikes are awesome!
Never get tired of your amazingly clear and extremely thorough explanations!! WOW Just love it! This beginner thanks you!!!
I just used your method for trimming my hst's. Worked great. I thought about all 256 3" squares I needed to trim. Figured a better way for myself: I took a square I had trimmed and folded it back to a triangle, layed my little square ruler on the triangle piece, lining it up to the cut edges, looking where the stitch line was. took a bright pink fine line marker and marked that stitch line. I then took an unpressed, uncut hst and lined up the stich line to my pink line and cut away the 2 edges, opened it up and it's perfect. only 2 cuts instead of 4.
I'm very new to quilting and have only made a couple of crazy quilts, in my own way. It's amazing that they came out pretty. I watched the most recent video and it suggested this video. This is my second time watching and I will most likely watch it again when I get ready to make HST. Thank you so much for the clear instructions. :)
+Karen Presley Thanks for watching
Karen, thank you! I just made my first two HSTs, and they came out perfectly. You are the BEST teacher!
Yes I'm making a 20 block throw that has 4 hst's in each block. Although I do have the clearly perfect slotted trimmer for hst squaring. AND I'm experimenting with the MSQC calico quilt. I'm not big on square quilts but this whole quilt is HST's. Instead of doing the easy 8 from layer cakes. I'm making 4 hst from charm packs and squaring them to 3" blocks also with the clearly perfect slotted trimmer for hst squaring.
So far I haven't had a problem haha. I do have to take many breaks in between the blocks. Haha. Lots of many tips thank you for sharing. God bless you 😁😁
Careful. The 4 at time method produces 4 HST's on the bias....which means that they are super stretchy.
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts
This is very true.
I have been using best press spray to try and help hold its shape. Lol
Have you tried this spray? If so, what do you think about it?
I think it smells incredibly good lol. I think I bought the clean linen one lol.
Oh my gosh the cutting on the diagonal might just save me cause I suck at perfect straight lines lol
Thank you for your help 😊
Wow I really wish I had known all this before!! I just picked out a wall hanging pattern, got fabric and just started sewing. Fortunately no disaster, must have gotten lucky!! Moved 5 years ago and had to downsize and I had to decide what craft I was going to keep. Quilting didn't make the cut!! Lol! Now my granddaughter wants a quilt. I'm basically starting over, tools and everything. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. God bless you I'm subscribed and hanging by a tread waiting for your next video!!. :)
Thank you for the affirmation on cutting a little larger, "ease of construction," such a lovely term! My sewing is pretty consistent (as long as I keep my focus), but still working on the cutting. Cutting wears me out!
Especially trimming
I've been quilting on and off for quite a few years just trying QST for the first time. My arms hurt so much from working on them yesterday, marking, cutting, sewing etc. (Less than half of them turned out). Luckily I only need 20. So, back at it today hopefully a little more success now that I'm rested.
When adding the 1inch to the original square, how does that impact the overall fabric needed for the quilt?
Thank- you for the video! Sure helped!
Yes i enjoy these videos i had used the organization videos to clean up my craft room
I just started seeing a few years ago. And just after watching your tips and tricks on ironing and a couple other videos, my sewing has improved tremendously!!! I am much more excited to continue and to challenge myself!!! I even made a back quilt for the first time last night!!!! Thank you so very much for your willingness to share these wonderful hacks!!!! I only wish I had seen them a year or two ago!!!!
Excellent
Thank you for this video. I’m the first person to add a thumbs up.
I appreciate your presentation style. Looking forward to seeing the videos on 4@once and 8@ once HST’s. Have a great friday
Thank you for being the first
Karen: Thank you for your final tip about recognizing flagging stamina. Many of us don't think of quilting or sewing as physically demanding (unless you are free motion quilting without the grippy gloves...), but the importance of taking care of oneself while sewing is rather overlooked. Your advice is welcome and necessary. Thank you! I've been working on a quilt kit that yielded me with over 100 2" HSTs after trimming them from another element of the quilt block -- normally these would be tossed, but I decided to stitch them to save them. Because they are so small, I've decided to use a neutral color to make wonky blocks with each small HST. This makes the blocks a little bigger and easier to work with, and I may use them on the back of the quilt from the kit, or I might make them into a small table runner or similar item. You advice in this video would have been useful when I was making them, and I'll keep this in mind for future HSTs. I have to say, though, that your pressing advice has made a huge difference in my HSTs and other quilt block elements. You are a great teacher!
So glad to hear...made my day 😊
I just wanted to tell you that I look forward to your videos. They are informative and fun. Thank you.
Thank you for watching
Thank you for watching
Lovely your method Miles better than others are confusing thanks for this I'm new to patchwork.
I’m excited to try this thank you for the clear instructions
Best tipp starts round about 8:50 - i agree so much.
Thank you for your great videos. I'm a new quilter and don't understand why some patterns insist on starting with small pieces to make a bunch of HSTs instead of the method for making 4 or 8 at a time. I would think it would be much easier, but again I'm pretty new so stay away from tedious piecing.
I find that patterns just default to one at a time blocks. It might be that shortcuts are too hard to explain or they feel that they are too advanced. That’s why I always recommend reading the pattern. Then decided on how to cut and put it together.
I have an upcoming project that includes 120 HSTs. Thanks for the tips and pointers.
Thank you for that WONDERFUL tip about using washi tape from corner to corner to provide a straight sewing line. Going to use it today and can hardly wait to get started.
I bought mine from the dollar store
I find that there are certain sizes where I need it and others where I don’t. Experiment
Thank you, this method makes so much sense to me. You’re an awesome teacher.
Thanks so much for the tips. I have been avoiding these because I didn’t know how to square them up. I just finished a quilt top with a few HST’s. I assumed if I went exactly by the directions they would turn out fine. Well not hardly. They were wonky, crooked and just plain a mess. I made them work in the block but now I see what all I did wrong. Thanks so much. I will be keeping this video forever.
I just found this video. Excellent explanation.
As always, you are right on! Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge. You have taught me so much through these videos, and I've been sewing for 55 years.
Good demo on hst. !!
Just made 96 HSTs YESTERDAY for a mystery quilt. I think I used most of these tips except the straight of grain one. Most of my HSTs are ok but I do have some wonky ones! Lol! Now I have to trim, and that tip on how to trim will sure come in handy!
Getting the straight of grain will help when you combine the blocks together to have them lie flat
Oh my! This is exactly what I need!!! Thank you!
Hope you plan to show quarter square triangle or Split triangles ... newbies and me need that tutorial ...
This video was sooooo helpful! Clear, concise, but with a touch of personality. Really appreciate it. Thank you!
Wow Karen! This is worth gold! I could have used this in the spring....HST craziness was happening!
LOL...I like the idea of seasonal blocks...I might use that in a video
Great tips Karen, and by the way, I ALWAYS enjoy watching your videos! 💚
Thank you 😊
I love your videos! I just started quilting a few months ago and your tips and advice are fantastic! I love your ledges and your other painting tape sewing hacks. So many things to learn, and so many opinions on the best way to do everything, yikes! So glad I came across your videos, your techniques make the most sense to me. Your videos on colors are up next!
Thanks Bill for the ice update
This the best instruction for HST. Thank you.
Thanks for the great tips. The painters tape ledges are an excellent idea. I will definitely try those!
Very interesting thankyou.
Thanks for solving many of my issues. Lots of tips and tricks that I needed to know.
I have always wondered how to straighten when you KNOW you have straight of grain after ripping. THANK YOU!! Love your style.
So useful! Karen, your tips are excellent and your explanations are very clear. I'm watching this (and others of yours) again and again.
Hi Karen, It’s lovely to watch your videos. You give me energy to get sewing. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips on making HSTs! Your masking tape tip was incredible. I appreciated the ironing tip, too, but could not get my seams open evenly using my fingers as you demonstrate, plus my fingers got tired. Instead, I laid my folded HST on a firm, flat surface and, while holding the bottom triangle with one hand, I slid my straight edge ruler inside the folded HST and pushed it against the seam. I then tilted the ruler up perpendicular and pressed it down firmly. This forced the seam to open pressed it down the way you do with your fingers. I then used a seam roller to smooth it flatter, then pressed. Works great! Thanks for all your amazing videos sharing your talent with such with and generosity.
I don't press my seams open...always to the side
Thank you for the reminders. I’ve got a heavy HST flannel quilt project for Christmas. 16 patch, 20” finished. Farmhouse block. Yes I’m a procrastinator. It’s a 3x4 block twin quilt for his and hers.
+ABDra2 I love large blocks
Thank you so much for this video
Thank you for your instructional videos. They're very helpful and you present well. 👍
Thank you! You are always spot on! And to think, I was watching your videos before you were famous. I feel special. Lol.
💕💕💕
You are teaching this old dog sewer new tricks. Thank you. Why did I never think of over sizing the the squares from the 7/8 rule? We are cutting down anyway... and the washi tape is brilliant! Have you tried the quarter inch masking tape size? We use it all the time for marking. If you go to the paint supply store we have found all different sizes of masking tape. (painters tape) Thanks for all the tips!
And even if you are perfect at ⅞” you have to trim off the corners. I haven’t tried the ¼” masking tape as I had the washi tape in my stash...but I’ll keep a look out for it. Thanks
Great video, so helpful.thanks
I just found your videos last week. I’m catching up! I just love your tips and your no nonsense approach. I look forward to more videos from you.
Thanks for watching 😎
I love watching your videos