Comments on: Q-torials: The Dreaded Half-Square Triangle Part 1

By: Jane Kunstmann

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:58:39 +0000

too bad that the video is no longer available…

By: Bert Klimas

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:21:37 +0000

I like to draw a grid of squares on the light fabric (or paper), then draw the diagonal stitching lines. (Doesn’t work for scraps, obviously.)

Anytime I have used a sew-through-the-paper technique I position the edge of a ruler along the stitches, turn my seam ripper point upside down, and run it along the stitches to score the line. Then I cut the blocks apart. Doing it before cutting the blocks apart helps stabilize it and you can do some LONG scores. Scoring it makes the paper a lot easier to remove. Still a PITA, of course. ;o)

By: jake

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:47:18 +0000

Oh Deb, I’d LOVE to see your quilt! I love Lady of the Lake and I bet it’s beautiful. The Ta-Da is like the Stars in that the pattern guides your sewing and cutting, like paper piecing. BUT, it is fused to the fabric so you’re not removing it later on. Dianne below said she’s used it too and really likes it.

By: Deb Hirsch

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:43:09 +0000

Hi Jake – great post. I just finished a Lady of the Lake quilt for my great niece – all HST. I agree – using a tool such as paper piecing does make it easier. I used Triangles on a Roll and Thangles – both similar to the Star Singles you mentioned. But – dang that bias does sometimes give me fits – even though they were sewn & cut on the lines, a few just wanted to be contrary and look totally wrong. I’m not sure I understand the Ta-Da product – hope you can clarify how you use it – does it function like paper piecing except you fuse to the fabrics instead of pinning?

By: Dianne

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:36:18 +0000

I’ve tried TaDa triangles and they work amazingly well. There is also a product called Thangles that works well, it is much like the paper version you showed.
I have to tell you the link to TaDa does not work .

By: Katy

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:23:17 +0000

Ooh, great tips, thank you

By: karenthequilter

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:10:40 +0000

Your name for these nasty things is slightly nicer than mine. Think I’ll adopt yours and try a few of these methods – thanks!

By: Judy

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:50:29 +0000

I love both of these products! But here’s a couple tips for the Star singles (or any other paper, one-use HST aid).
Pin the paper against the lighter-colored fabric. Then, after sewing and cutting, press the units open BEFORE removing the paper. The paper helps stabilize the bias seam, so there’s less chance of distortion. And by having the paper next to the light fabric, the seam allowance goes right under the dark fabric automatically!

By: Stephanie

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:05:16 +0000

I had slogged through the traditional way of making these pieces and was particularly sick of squaring them up. I searched YouTube and found a quicker way of making them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33JliXpyiYE