trimming HST blocks, plus a photo

15 years ago

I am a fairly new quilter (started just last year) and have pieced only 3 small tops. I am working on a small table runner. The directions say to trim the half square triangle blocks to 2 1/2 inches. I know I have seen this reviewed on a TV show or somewhere, but I can't remember quite how to go about it. Any hints? Thanks for any help.

Here is a photo of the small lap quilt top I finished this week. I haven't done any sewing for over a year--I guess I'm cowardly!--so I thought I'd start with something small. The quilt guild I belong to is making lap quilts for nursing homes and the fabric is scrap fabric from the guild's storeroom. I can see all the mistakes (cut off points, etc.), but I like how it turned out anyway!

Marcia

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Comments (13)

solstice98
15 years ago
Your finished quilt is one to be proud of! It's beautiful and only you will see the errors. I like the pattern and the colors. Very nice!

For trimming the triangle blocks: Use a clear ruler like you would use with your rotary cutter. Keeping the center of the block as the center, trim each side so that the square measures 2.5x2.5. It will be very quick and easy - at least after you do the first one!

Kate
0
marcia_m
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you, Kate. I trimmed them--tedious but not hard after all.
Marcia
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nanajayne
15 years ago
Very nice quilt. Who would guess that you have only been at this for only a year. I like the pattern and use of colors. I have been quilting for almost 30 years and still cut off points!! I have given up caring too much.
I am glad you solved your problem. Jayne
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fran1523
15 years ago
That's wonderful and for a new quilter, it's fabulous. Nice colors and pattern. Good job.
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mayme
15 years ago
I think you did a great job. Keep up the
good work and show us future projects.
Mayme
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geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
15 years ago
good job. I love that pattern!! The star with the dark fabric and the star with the beige fabric!!!! I wanna try this! And, I don't mind HST....I 'square' them up while they're still in a triangle so I only have to cut 2 sides. @:)

SharonG/FL
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marcia_m
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the nice comments and encouragement, ladies. I started following the quilt forum last year and am usually in 'lurk' mode. I have enjoyed seeing photos of the quilts you've made and shared here, too.

Sharon, the pattern is at the Quiltville site and is called Star Struck. There are photos of some beautiful quilts others have made with the pattern, too.
Marcia

Here is a link that might be useful: quilt pattern
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solstice98
15 years ago
Thanks for the pattern link. I really like this and it's another great way to use scraps of similar colors. I have been buying FQs in plums and greens for a long time and this might be the pattern to use them on!
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geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
15 years ago
Marcia, Thanks for the link. I must say I like yours better than any of the ones I looked at. I like the look of a well defined star. I already had it sketched out and figured out how to put it together.....which was nothing like their directions! lol I haven't decided what color to use yet....maybe pink and purple stars with white and green....?????

SharonG/FL
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damascusannie
15 years ago
SharonG/FL wrote: And, I don't mind HST....I 'square' them up while they're still in a triangle so I only have to cut 2 sides.

~~Well, talk about your "V-8" moments! Why on earth didn't I figure that out on my own?! I humbly bow before your wisdom! I'm demo-ing HSTs in a couple of weeks at an antique sewing machine gathering and I'm definitely including this in the demo!!

Annie
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marcia_m
Original Author
15 years ago
It took me a moment to figure out what you meant about squaring the blocks when they are a triangle, Sharon. (It went right over my head until Annie remarked on it.) Hope I remember that the next time directions call for HST block squaring!
Marcia
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biwako_of_abi
15 years ago
That is not only very pretty, but interesting, as well! I think I may use that pattern some day.
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day2day
15 years ago
It's a wonderful quilt.I like the colors you used.As for HSTs, I often wish I had a 'make it fit' thingy, like a computer has-just click and all the squaring-up is done.Oh, what joy that would be!
Thanks for the link.
~Geraldine
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trimming HST blocks, plus a photo

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trimming HST blocks, plus a photo

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