Trimming HST - the easy way
Half Square Triangles (HSTs) can be found in a lot of modern quilt patterns.
They are actually fantastic. You can create so many different shapes with them. HSTs are easy to make - untill you have to trim them.
Tell you the truth, when I startet to quilt I didn’t like HSTs at all, simply because the trimming took me forever.
But sometime last year I found a super easy and fast way to trimm my HSTs without any special new tools.
Believe me, once you know that trimming method you will love to make HSTs!
OK – let’s get started.
You need:
your sewn yet not pressed and trimmed HSTs
your rotary cutter
a regular ruler
a duct tape like a Washi Tape or something similar
Step 1: mark your ruler with the tape
figure out the unfinished or trimmed size of your HST. In my case the HST should be trimmed to 3‘‘ x 3‘‘.
Now, mark your ruler with a diagonal line from corner to corner by connecting the 3‘‘ points on two sides with your tape.
Step 2: Align the ruler and trim
Lign up the seam with the diagonal line on your ruler and trim both edges of the HST.
Step 3: Press and trim the dog ears
Press your seams open and cut away the dog ears.
Step 4: celebrate
Lean back and enjoy your perfectly trimmed HST.
Since you are now a pro in trimming HSTs, why not train your new skill by making a quilt where HSTs are a part of it?
The Linz Quilt or the Santa Fe Quilt might be just perfect for that!
Have fun and keep on quilting!