Half square triangle (HST)
construction is difficult because of the diagonal seam
which is sewn where the fabric has the most stretch, on
the bias. This seam can stretch out of shape during the
sewing and pressing process.
One method of stabilizing this
seam is to support the two fabrics with paper. THANGLES
are papers which do this andhave the
additional benefit of showing you where to sew and cut.
The "add 7/8 inch and cut a
square" method of half square triangle construction is
well known. Unfortunately, one has to remember the
formula and do the math with those pesky 1/8 inches.
Also, this method does not lend itself to strip based
quilting which is the fastest and easiest method of quilt
top construction.
THANGLES are
the ONLY EASY STRIP BASED method for making HSTs.
THANGLES math
is simple....just add 1/2" to the desired finished size
and cut your strips that size. For example, if you want a
1 inch finished HST, you cut 1 1/2" strips and use
THANGLES. It is as easy as making squares because you
use the same easy math. Add 1/2" to your desired finished
size and cut the strips to that width.
The revolutionary
nature of THANGLES is easy to see if you consider
how it speeds up and simplifies the cutting process for a
quilt block that is made of squares and half square
triangles.