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HST / QST question

I'm having problems getting my posts to show up, so please bear with me if = this shows up more than once!

Holidays are over and I'm full tilt into the design a quilt mode.=20

I plan on making two sampler quilts, one set on point using fabrics from th= e Moda Collection for a Cause Legacy line, and another set horizontally usi= ng fabrics from the Kansas Troubles Favorites line. I'm looking at 56 diffe= rent 12" blocks for each, give or take.

So, I'm having a flatline moment: usually happens at around 4 am when I'm o= n call and not sleeping.=20

Designing the blocks using EQ5, I have come to the conclusion that Half Squ= are Triangles (HST) and Quarter Square Triangles (QST) are basically the sa= me thing just at a different angle. For example if I want to make flying ge= ese units: I can use a 2" HST, put the 90=BA angle at the top and add eithe= r squares or triangles to the sloping sides to make a 4x2" unit. But I can = also use a 4" QST and put the 90=BA angle at the top and add either squares= or triangles to the two sloping sides and make a 4x2" unit.

Does this make any sense at all?? Or am I so dense that I'm missing some es= sential point here?=20

So what would be the advantage of using HST's or QST's?

Should I check in to the local mental hospital?

Thanks

Claudia (who really needs to get herself off to bed!)

Reply to
claudia
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Janner France

this shows up more than once!

Moda Collection for a Cause Legacy line, and another set horizontally using fabrics from the Kansas Troubles Favorites line. I'm looking at 56 different 12" blocks for each, give or take.

call and not sleeping.

Triangles (HST) and Quarter Square Triangles (QST) are basically the same thing just at a different angle. For example if I want to make flying geese units: I can use a 2" HST, put the 90º angle at the top and add either squares or triangles to the sloping sides to make a 4x2" unit. But I can also use a 4" QST and put the 90º angle at the top and add either squares or triangles to the two sloping sides and make a 4x2" unit.

essential point here?

Reply to
Janner

You're missing an essential point.

Half Square and Quarter Square triangles refer to block (or block units) and not to triangles all alone per se.

A Half Square triangle unit is a square made up of two 90 degree triangles sewn together.

A Quarter Square triangle unit is a square made up of four 90 degree triangles sewn together.

It seems that you are looking at cutting rather than a finished pieced item.

Frequently patterns use squares and cut them into triangles - either cut once diagonally or twice diagonally to get triangle units. That's a nice cutting trick. People seem to find it easier to cut a square into segments rather than cutting strips and using the angle lines on their rulers.

If you take a square and cut it diagonally once to get the triangles needed for piecing the straight of grain will be on the two shorter sides that form the 90 degree angle.

If you take a square and cut it twice diagonally to get the triangles needed for piecing the straight of grain will be on the long side of the triangle opposite the 90 degree angle.

Which triangle you use in your blocks depends upon where the straight of grain will be most helpful in making a stable and square block. Typically quilters like the outer edges of each block to be on the straight of grain.

Hope that helps clear things up.

marcella

Reply to
Marcella Peek

Howdy!

Excellent explanation. Thanks, Marcella!

Ragmop/Sandy - answering once, wishing there was a "like" button ;-)

Reply to
Sandy E

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