Happy Friday everyone. When I started quilting I could not believe how challenging it was making Half Square Triangles (HST). There are so many little things that can affect the outcome of your block. And it's so important to make a square HST so that when you sew them together, your quilt lies flat. So here are my top tips for making your perfect half square triangle

@twyla2575

4 жыл бұрын

Love, love, love your clear and precise instructions presented in such a friendly and engaging way. Thank you!!!

@sewandsow

4 жыл бұрын

Great info...thanks for sharing

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

😊

@lavernegreen8253

3 жыл бұрын

1a

@krystleroy3068

11 ай бұрын

I did a 45 degree star easier than this ! I’m going nuts

The tape on the ruler was the most helpful for me. I could not figure out my new ruler for the life of me 😂. Thank you so much for this helpful video! Love the visuals.

You are so real for this karen. Im telling you. Im 22 and self taught and i always thought i was a supreme booboo head for not getting my triangles right. With this all of a sudden its like learning to run when youve been stuck in a desolate hole for years. Youre a very personable teacher. Keep rockin the free world friend. THANKS!!!❤❤❤

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

🤗

Karen, I wanted to let you know that your teaching and video style are excellent. You have the right amount of verbal information followed by a visual for illustration. If there is room for improvement, I don’t know what it could be. Great work, and I look forward to more.

@chrissys7332

4 жыл бұрын

Lynn Harrell perfect compliment! Agreed!

@deniseluper8078

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree.

@positivevibesonly4526

2 жыл бұрын

I'm a beginner. Karen you are the best one on KZread to watch. You explain things so well. Thank you!

I'm a new quilter, I took my first quilting class and my least favorite thing to do was HSTs. Then, I bought my first pattern (without reading the instructions), but the pattern was rated for a beginner, Then, I bought ALL the recommended fabric. Finally, I got around to reading the pattern instructions and I learned this quilt is almost ENTIRELY HSTs. Holy Cow ! I better go back and watch a couple more of your HST videos before I begin. Thanks for such clear instruction on your videos.

The quilt I made for my first grandchild was all made of HST and I used the method of sewing around the perimeter and then cutting an X through the middle - oh my heavens. Those bias edges were a nightmare and I had no idea that was what was happening. I needed you back then.

I've watched this twice now because I need to make 150 HSTs for a project. It's the pressing that I want to be sure I get correctly. Thanks for this video, Karen. You make it so easy to follow your steps.

I'm an idiot when it comes to math! I was so relieved when you measured up from 7/8 in. to 1 inch. I never knew we were allowed!🤣 Genius..I do that with my checkbook too!😁

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

Ай бұрын

Honestly its okay to go even larger. For beginners I recomment 1 ¼" for more wiggle room

I’ve always drawn the center line then sew 1/4 inch either side then cut. Turns out perfect every time.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

+Heather Cameron I’m green with envy

@Dragon-Slay3r

Жыл бұрын

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts how unfourtunate

I'm working on a pinwheel quilt. I just go all my blocks done but I've stopped for the past week because I was terrified to trip. OMG THAT MASKING TAPE HACK JUST BLEW MY MIND!! Thanks for the help!!

Thank you…. The quilt I want to make is 768 hsts and this is very helpful.

Yes i enjoy these videos i had used the organization videos to clean up my craft room

I just found this video. Excellent explanation.

The masking tape hacks have revolutionised my blocks! Thank you so much x

I have never seen HSTs made this way. Love it.

Hi Karen, I'm a rookie quilter from the UK (my lockdown goal during the pandemic) and I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed and learned from your fab videos! I've done the ugly fabric quilt and just finishing the stash buster quilt. My next step is to build some decent blocks using HST's to build into my next project....

Your tip on using tape to stop slippery rulers will save my sanity from now on! Thank you!

At the ripe old age of 60 I am learning how to quilt. You ideas are awesome! I will watch this video a few more times to let it sink in. Thanks! Your ideas are great keep them coming.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

The best is yet to come

@irisglasspoole2350

4 жыл бұрын

Same her Laureen started at 59 just before I retired at 60. Love your videos Karen

@kerfuffle9312

4 жыл бұрын

I’m joining the quilting wagon too, at the young age of 58🤗. The knowledge of information and content that Karen graciously puts together has been very valuable for all quilters of all ages.

@kathytincler2446

4 жыл бұрын

Hey guys.... how about the ripe almost rotten old age of 72? I have not got my courage up yet but have been watching a lot of vids on quilting. I make jewelry, knit, crochet a bit (just learned) and new to sewing. So far have hemmed (badly) 4 t-shirts, made a quilted type pod holder (badly) & sewed some scrunchies to add to craft fair sales. I love your channel, Karen :D

@maryjoboyle606

4 жыл бұрын

I am 70 and have been sewing for 60 years, but I just started quilting 2 years ago and I'm completely hooked. I've binge-watched hours of videos and have learned so much from Karen Brown, Jenny Doan, Teresa Down Under and Jordan Fabrics. What a fabulous time we live in where we can have the very best teachers available to us 24/7 whenever we want to learn (or re-learn) something.

I didn’t know about the tugging on a 45 degree angle to put the weft back in grain. Great tip!!

Hi Karen. You are a life-saver! I am an absolute beginner and am about to embark on a (queen/king-sized) quilt project made up of HSTs. The pattern uses layer cake but I'm using yardage. I need 80 (10") squares for the project. I want to make a quilt for my 13-year old son, something that's not kiddy or girly. His favourite colour is blue so I thought a blue and white quilt will be good. I decided to use HST so that I can play around with the design. HSTs. It's easy. I can do that (that's what I thought until I watched your video! LoL!)

I just can't get enough of your tips and tricks. Just when I think I know how to do something, you show me a simpler way or a way that teaches me what I am doing wrong. Thank you so much! Keep those videos coming!!

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I’m in the midst of my 1st Mystery quilt with my Pearls group - and there were 288 HST to make. #1 I used the Stripology ruler (borrowed ) for the cutting in the project and I was thrilled at the ease of use and the fit for my short stature! #2 Then I moved the needle 1 - 2 positions to the right of the right of centre position of the needle - NEVER thought this was possible with a 1/4 inch foot. A perfect scant 1/4 in seam! #3 Santa brought me the “Perfect Trimmer” rulers and what a light bulb moment! The trimming was so easy and so accurate. #4 I’ve always “pressed” seams after setting the sewing line- and now add the “finger press “ action prior to pressing. Absolutely thrilled at the consistent & accurate HST that resulted. Three new skills to my quilting and after so many years in the game. Never too old to learn new tricks and when they work and result in perfect units - life doesn’t get better than this. As well I went to the Dollar Store and got the Extra Large baggies that were perfect for the units constructed as I worked my way through the Instalments and the resulting 12 1/2 in blocks just fit them. Grateful for all the hints and tricks you share.

I find it weird that there are thumbs down 👎 whatever 🥴 I guess the world is always going to have some negative folks... as for me 👍👍👍 thanks for the video. I’m going to try HST with some scraps just to see how I do. I’m sure there are HST in my future🤗

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

It also might be bots...sometimes I really wonder

Love the way you marked the ruler to square the half square triangles and then used your ruler to be able to square any size under 6 1/2 inches.

Made a king size quilt with HST a few years ago. Had been quilting for about 2 years and bought a kit to make for my son. Didn’t realize from the picture that it was made completely with HSTs. Had to cut hundreds of them. Maybe thousands!!! I have an AccuQuilt cutter, which made it possible for me to tackle this quilt. I did what you suggested. Cut 30-50 at a time. Sat and sewed 25 or so. Then pressed them. Back to sewing them, and when needed, went back to cutting. Even with the accuracy of the AccuQuilt, this was still a big challenge for me. I still had some problems with my sewing a straight line, usually due to fatigue. The quilt turned out well, and no one noticed my mistakes. I took your advice that “Done is better than perfect”. So thanks for all your tutorials. I have learned a lot.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

👏👏👏

This the best instruction for HST. Thank you.

Thank you so much for all your help! I am a very beginner. Very! I don't know what I would do without your videos.

First time making a quilt and instead of going easy peasy i decided to do a farmers quilt and my first set of blocks are all half square triangles and they are a MESS. Im glad im learning this now!

I love the way your eyes light up when you teach about what you love! I can’t wait to watch more of your videos and absorb your passion for teaching and learning!

Thank you, so inspired by your work, TFS!

You are a great instructor ... pleasant to listen to & understand. Thank you.

Your technical tips are so well thought out and make such a difference in the finished project. Thank you.

Beautiful! Thank you so much!🙌💕 I will apply techniques! Many blessings your way!

Oh my! This is exactly what I need!!! Thank you!

Hi Karen, I’m embarking on my first full sized quilt for a 5’ bed. It’s an HST pattern, and i think I’ve used every tip you have taught me. The squares are cut, now I’m going to sew, so I thought I’d review this video. My cutting has improved, partly it’s practice, but I received a Martelli rotary cutter for Christmas and it’s been a game changer. I’d recommend it to anyone with arthritis. Thanks for all your help, you’re a real star. Keep up the good work! 🥰

Love it! Thanks for the tip!

Thank You!! Fantastic!!

Excellent tips! Thank you so much

Love this. So thoughtful and fun!!

Thanks for these tips! Feeling much more relaxed😎

This is brilliant!!! I love idea of using the painter's tape on the ruler.

I really appreciate and enjoy your videos and teaching style. Thank you!

Never get tired of your amazingly clear and extremely thorough explanations!! WOW Just love it! This beginner thanks you!!!

Thank you for sharing! This has helped me so much.

You are awesome!! Thanks for the HST tips!!

This is so helpful! Thanks Karen!

I’m excited to try this thank you for the clear instructions

Thanks. You’re such a great teacher!😊

Thanks for the great video Karen. Your always showing us awesome tips.

Thank you! Very helpful! I’m learning how to do a basket block with HSTs.

Thank you for your 'tips', most welcomed.

This video was sooooo helpful! Clear, concise, but with a touch of personality. Really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you.

I also find trimming HSTs to be physically demanding. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Thanks for all these tips!

@liliareyes5718

4 жыл бұрын

Sapatos encroche ysacos

Hi Karen, It’s lovely to watch your videos. You give me energy to get sewing. Thank you.

Thank you!!!

One sure fire way to make sure fabric is on grain is to make a snip in the fabric near the cut edge and literally rip it. It will naturally rip along the true grain.

Thank you, this method makes so much sense to me. You’re an awesome teacher.

As always, SSSSOOOO helpful!!! Thank you!!!

I sure wish I could have watched this before I started on my current project. I cut 120 for a pinwheel pattern. The ledge on the ruler would have been a godsend. I'll definitely remember this for my next one. Thank you!

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

Small thing...big difference

Thanks for solving many of my issues. Lots of tips and tricks that I needed to know.

I'm new at this and I'm older, so I can't tell you how I appreciate all these great tips.

@dianejens7054

4 жыл бұрын

We are in the same boat. I'm in my 70's and I've never pieced a quilt on the machine. Sewn all my life. This is different and challenging!

@biddycalvey4926

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve also just started quilting it’s such a lovely hobby, been a sewer all my life but I’m learning amazing new skills

@nikishazechiel6848

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!!!

@smallfootprint2961

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting, all you first time quilters, long time sewers. I don't feel so alone now!

Genius idea for marking both legs of the triangles using the washi tape!!!!

I’m learning sooo much from watching your channel. I really appreciate all that you are doing to put this all together for us. 😊

As always, you are right on! Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge. You have taught me so much through these videos, and I've been sewing for 55 years.

Thank you for your help 😊

I just used your method for trimming my hst's. Worked great. I thought about all 256 3" squares I needed to trim. Figured a better way for myself: I took a square I had trimmed and folded it back to a triangle, layed my little square ruler on the triangle piece, lining it up to the cut edges, looking where the stitch line was. took a bright pink fine line marker and marked that stitch line. I then took an unpressed, uncut hst and lined up the stich line to my pink line and cut away the 2 edges, opened it up and it's perfect. only 2 cuts instead of 4.

Thank you for explaining this so clear. I have had problems with these four years! I always learn so much from your tutorials thanks.

Karen, thank you! I just made my first two HSTs, and they came out perfectly. You are the BEST teacher!

I love watching your videos

I love your videos, I am a beginner and I have learned so much from you! Thank you. I’m so glad I found your channel!!!

such an important subject!!! thank you!!!

Thank- you for the video! Sure helped!

So useful! Karen, your tips are excellent and your explanations are very clear. I'm watching this (and others of yours) again and again.

Thank you for these tips, I was getting so frustrated because my hst's were not coming out, This has been very helpful and I am going to try it.

Your videos inspire me to try on quilting. Love your videos.

I have always wondered how to straighten when you KNOW you have straight of grain after ripping. THANK YOU!! Love your style.

Great video, so helpful.thanks

Great tips. I always make mine a bit bigger then trim them down.

Thanks for sharing. I always learn something new when watching your videos. Appreciate your time and efforts to make these videos.

This is a super helpful video, to say the least. Thank you!

Thank you

Good demo on hst. !!

Thank you for your instructional videos. They're very helpful and you present well. 👍

I have watched a ton of quilting videos from several quilters. And yet no one has shown how to use those darn lines on cutting mat! So Karen thank you so much for that. I would like to share a valuable tip that I came across from a quilter who is called something like a professional pattern piece quilter. after setting her seam on her half square triangles she sprays something similar to sizing and does not use steam in her iron and then followed by using a wooden clapper to press down on that seam for just a few seconds (also she does not use pins she always uses glue and that has made a world of difference as well) it was absolutely amazing to see that I previously thought my half square triangles were flat and hell NO they were not flat because when I used her method I could clearly see the difference. With Karen's permission I could post the link to that video on the "Just get it done quilts" Facebook page. The technique has made a major improvement on my accuracy. (The video is actually an interview with this professional quilter who is also married to a sewing machine repairman so you get twice as much valuable information in one interview)

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

+dcwatashi The are a lot of sewers that use glue instead of pins. My policy is always use what works best for you. The clapper is a great tool to get that really crisp and flat seam. I’d love to see that interview as I love learning new techniques. Can you email me the link at info@justgetitdonequilts.com

@dcwatashi

4 жыл бұрын

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts will do! using glue really made a difference when I was trying to make those pillowcases. The cuff and the trim now line up perfectly

Thank you for sharing ❤️💗💗

Thank you so much, your explanations are Great.

Fantastic tips for HSTS! Great video, as always! Thank you!!!

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Thank you so much for this video

Love your videos!!

I’m watching everything I can on HST before starting on the quilt pattern Postcards from Sweden. Thank you for your video

I am so thankful for all your tips, but today’s HST expertise was golden. You showed me how to do it! Hooray! I’m going to go sew now. And I will press well, no swishing and plenty of taping!

@dcwatashi

4 жыл бұрын

there are a lot of videos out there and they unfortunately keep telling us to iron which is incorrect, when you iron your moving the iron back and forth and they use the term pressing interchangeably. But with pressing the iron does not move You should never be ironing your pieces you should always be pressing. Ironing is for when you're ironing your pillowcase ha ha ha ha. or carefully ironing a fat quarter and even then you have to be careful not to stretch the fabric.

@barbararowe771

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! Thank you!

Thanks for the masking tape hack to help with trimming HSTs! It saves so much time and makes trimming so much more accurate.

Thank you so much for your videos! I'm just starting out, it's all changed so much since I watched my mom ages ago. I'm so excited to learn it all!

Really really good tips. I am ready to get into some HST's!!

Wow! I'm new to your videos and I am in love with information. Yes, I was always having the issues that you show. I wish I would have found you 5-6 quilts earlier. Thank you!

Lovely your method Miles better than others are confusing thanks for this I'm new to patchwork.

I have two packs of charm squares and just chose a pattern that is all HSTs - this video is perfect - thanks!

Thanks for sharing Karen the Measurements is what throws me off 11-8-19

I’m blessed to have the Accuquilt Go Big so I can get accurate pieces just by turning on the power and positioning the die. You’re absolutely right about the stamina needed! I have arthritis in my hands and using the machine is the only way I can cut pieces anymore. Having said all that I’m delighted to come across your channel!!!! I need to make some 10” HST and this method is perfect for me. And adding 1” is genius. Thank you for your fine teaching.