November's Quilt Hint

The Grid Method for Half-square Triangles

Do you have a zillion half-square triangles you need to put together for a project?  If so, try the grid method. This easy method can crank out hundreds of exact half-squares in no time. I detest "production" piecing, so when I need lots, I always use this method.

1. Decide how many half-square triangles you need, and divide by 2.
2. Figure out the easiest grid of X and Y, so you have lots up and lots down. For instance, if you need 106 patches, that's 53 squares in the grid. If your grid is 2 by 27, you are going to make a lot of turns when you sew this. If the size of your squares will allow 7 by 8 on the fabric, this would be much better.
3. Decide the size of finished half-squares and add 7/8" (although for simplicity, I always just add an inch and trim when done).
4. Lay your darker fabric right side up on the table, and the lighter fabric right side down on top of that. (Hint: if you press the pieces now with a hot iron, it will give them a temporary bond, making them easier to work with.)
5. Draw your grid on the back of the lighter fabric, carefully measuring so the pieces don't come out too small (big can always be trimmed).
6. Now start in one corner and draw a diagonal line through each point until you hit the edge of the grid. Turn your ruler in the other direction and draw to the next edge. Continue this until you have all the squares divided diagonally in one direction or the other. This is the red line in the drawing below.
7. Start at one corner, 1/4" away from your line, and stitch along that line, turning when you get to an edge. Sometimes you will be inside the line, sometimes outside. This is the blue line on the drawing.
8. When you are done cut the squares apart on the grid lines. Now cut each piece into 2 half-squares on the diagonal line. TA-DA!

Black and red lines are drawing lines, blue is the sewing line

If you just have a few of the same half-squares to make, you can modify this. Cut your squares of light and dark fabric, and lay them right sides facing. Draw a diagonal line on each of the light squares and sew 1/4" from this line on both sides. Success!

If you have a hint, drop a line to Loons. We'll add it to next month's tips and give you credit!