Marking Half-Square Triangles
Ashley HoughDescription
Half-square triangles are common units in many quilt designs. Learn what is best to use to mark them and how to accurately mark them so that they come out the correct finished size—Ashley Hough shows you how.
Half-Square Triangles:
How are half-square triangles made?
Before you can begin making half-square triangles, it is important to know what they are and how they are made. First, understand a half-square vs. quarter-square triangle. Next, when making half-square triangles, there are several different methods that can be used. The method shown in this tutorial begins with a diagonal line being drawn on the wrong side of one square of fabric. That square of fabric is then placed right sides together with another square of the same size. You will stitch ¼” on both sides of that line and then cut apart the two units to make two half-square triangles.
How to mark half-square triangles:
Ashley explains why marking when making half-square triangles is very important, because if you are off on the line that you draw, one of your pair of half-square triangles will be too big and one will be too small. Ashley talks about some of the different marking tools that are available, including different pens and pencils and talks about why some are better than others. She explains that you want a marking utensil that easily glides along the fabric, as opposed to scratching it, so that you get a nice, consistent line that doesn’t distort the fabric.
Ashley also talks about ruler placement on the square when marking half-square triangles, and why, depending on the width of the pen or pencil being used, the ruler might need to be placed in a different spot.
Once you learn about the best ways to mark your fabric with making half square triangles using this method- consider learning how to make half-square triangles with jelly rolls.
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3 Responses to “Marking Half-Square Triangles”
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If you hold your ruler tight down onto the fabric I find that it doesn't move and for the width of the pen, if you tilt the point of the pen up against the corner (where the ruler and fabric meet), you shouldn't have a problem with lining up the line. That's what I do and I don't seem to have a problem drawing a straight line. I actually find it easier to draw a sewing line by putting my 1/4" mark on the point and drawing a line 1/4" to either side. I find it easier to sew a straight line with a drawn line verses sewing 1/4" away from a drawn line. But, that's me and not all techniques work for everyone.
Love your tips And your teaching is easy to understand! Loved it, thank you!
Isn't there a way to mark a lot of squares without doing each one individually....I just have to wonder