Make Half Square Triangle Units
Use the easy sandwich method to make half square triangle units, but with a few difference in the assembly.A walking foot makes it easier to keep multiple layers from shifting, and it's a good idea to change your sewing machine needle. Replace it again during construction if necessary.
Before you begin:
- draw the typical diagonal lines on the right side of a light 5-3/4" test square.
- Make (2) 3-fabric stacks from 5-3/4" squares. Each stack should contain:
- backing, right side down
- batting: positioned either direction on top of backing
- top: neutral fabric right side up on top of batting
- Sandwich the two stacks, placing backings together. Secure the 6-fabric stack with straight pins.
- Sew a seam 1/2" from each side of the drawn diagonal line.
- Cut the unit apart diagonally, on the drawn line, to produce two half square triangle units.
- Open the units up and trim off the "dog ear" nubs at each end of the diagonal seam. The light and dark fronts of each unit should be separated by the 1/2" seam allowance.
- Each unit should measure 5" square. If units are slightly large, use a square ruler with a diagonal line to trim them. Work from the back, placing the diagonal rule line on the seam to make sure each half of the block is the same size.
If units are slightly small, cut the remaining squares a bit larger.
- Make nine more 6-fabric stacks to produce a total of (20) half square triangle units that measure 5" x 5" each. Remember to use a neutral front in one 3-fabric stack and a green front in the other so that triangle units will be a split of the two.
