Working chains!

How do you make your half square triangles (HSTs)? 

Here is my preferred method to make 8 HSTs from one square!

Start with a 6 1/2" square in background and focus fabric, RST (right sides together);

Draw a line on both diagonals (these are cut lines only!); then draw a 1/4" line on either side of the diagonals (these are sewing lines);

Next draw a line in the center vertically and horizontally: (these are cut lines only!) 

Now sew on the first 2 lines you drew 1/4" away from the diagonal: I love chain piecing!

When you get to the end of your squares, don't bother breaking thread; just tug a length of thread out and continue down the other side of the diagonal

 Once you're done the first 2 lines, snip the threads that link the squares.

And repeat the process sewing on the lines on either side of the other diagonal: the sewing is not showing too well here because the thread color is close in value. Snip the threads between your squares.

Now it's time to cut on the lines we drew: you can refer to the first photo but basically, you'll cut the 2 diagonals and the vertical and horizontals running in the center of the squares.

You'll have a neat pile of HSTs ready to iron.

Be careful when you iron these as the sewing line is a bias seam and it can get distorted if you aren't careful.

I like to make the HSTs a little larger than needed starting with a bigger square of fabric so that I can trim them to size before using them in my quilts. It helps with accuracy!

Toodles!

Lorette