Easy HST Marking Technique

3:44:00 PM


With such a great response on Instagram, I thought I would write it up here as a short blog post - I have a quick Tips and Tricks post for you today for marking your half square triangle squares. Two techniques, really, that I've learned along the way (other than the good old pencil/chalk line):

Method #1: Dressmaker's Tracing Wheel

My friend over at Miss Sews-it-All, Erika, mentioned this tip to me while we were chatting one day, and I have to say, it's awesome. Quick, easy, and no pens or pencils to mess around with (mine are always dried up or need to be sharpened, and never get a nice sharp line that I need). Simply use the dressmaker's tracing wheel as you would a marker and draw your diagonal accordingly.

Alternative techniques to marking squares for half square triangle construction

Pin, and sew 1/4" on either side of the marked line as you usually would. These lines are relatively faint so might not be the greatest in low lighting situations.

Method #2: Fold/Press

This is the method I usually use when I'm too lazy to dig out my marker, especially if it's only for one or two HSTs. Simply fold your square in half on the diagonal and press (either with an iron or finger press well).
Alternative techniques to marking squares for half square triangle construction


Pin, and sew 1/4" on either side of the marked line as you usually would.

I hope you enjoyed these tips! Do YOU have any sneaky HST tips you'd like to share?

Special thanks to Erika for sharing her quilty MacGyver side with me!

You Might Also Like

4 comments

  1. This is definitely in the category of "why didn't I think of that?"... I have a lovely vintage marking wheel from my grandmother-in-law, now I can put it to good use! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I use painters tape to mark the lines I need to sew HST. Also I bought one of those sew through templates that have lines marked for sewing HST. Both are quite easy to use and it beats trying to mark lines on squares.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I must admit I get lazy and do the finger press more often than not especially when only doing a few HST's :) need to buy one of those tools though, they look cool

    ReplyDelete

I ♥ to hear from you!

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment or for asking me a question. Rather email me? Reach out at sewathomemummy@gmail.com.

I like to email everyone back when they've commented - so if you're a no-reply blogger, make sure to leave your email address in your comment so I can share the love back atcha!