Caper Quilt Along Week 3: Making Half Square Triangles
Welcome to Week 3 of the Caper Quilt Along!
Welcome back to Week 3 - you are here and you are awesome! Are you ready to see the quilt begin to take shape? This will be the most “labor-intensive” week, but after this week - it is literally laying the quilt out. So hang with it! You’ve got this! This is not a quilt you want to leave unfinished! Right?!?!
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TIPS & TRICKS
Today we are going to make our Half Square Triangles (HST). There are a couple of things you should know about HSTs if you have never made them, or if you have and they were wonky. This tutorial is full of tips and tricks and videos to help you out. Be sure to watch and read before you match up your fabrics.
TIP No. 1: Get your fabrics back in flow order. As the image below shows - also in the pattern - lay out your A1 and A2 pieces in color flow order and then begin matching so they “progress” in color theory order. Need a color theory review? Read the tutorial below.
TIP No. 2: One of the reasons that I use the 8-at-a-Time HST method is because it is efficient, but also because it avoids any triangles being on the bias. I find it very important for Quilters to understand bias, so I have created a tutorial for you here.
TIP No. 3: Make your HSTs using a chain piecing method if you value efficiency. I draw my diagonal lines on all the A1 pieces. Then I match them RST to A2 pieces and then I sew one line on all. Then the second line on all of them, etc. The video below will teach you how to make HSTs using the same method in the pattern.
TIP No. 4: After you cut all your HSTs apart, press them flat to heat up the stitches and fabric, and then finger press the seams open. Then use your hot iron to press the seams open. This will give you a very flat seam. If you prefer to press to the dark side, that is okay as well.
TIP No. 5: Don’t skip Trimming! I know it can be the least favorite part, but I recommend putting in a movie and having at it. I alternate pressing some open and trimming to save my wrist a bit. Check the measurements in the pattern and TRIM ALL HSTs to the correct size. This will help keep your seams in line and your quilt square. It is worth it - I promise!
TIP No. 6: I recommend keeping your 8 matching HSTs together to make the layout process more efficient. Hold on to those for next week!
POST YOUR IMAGES
Show us your pretty stacks! It will keep you moving forward on the Quilt Along! Plus HSTs are so lovely in little piles!
Use #caperquilt #jitterywings #caperquiltalong so I can see them!
Still Need the Pattern?
JOIN THE FACEBOOK HIVE GROUP
The HIVE Group is BACK! While I am not a super fan of Facebook, as I launch this new Caper Quilt Along, I must be honest that the most fun I ever had in a quilt along was the All the Good with the Facebook group. So, here we are! Welcome!
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The Jittery Wings HIVE group is a place for quilt encouragement + support! A place for all-level quilter bees. While we all have our favorite ways of doing things as quilters - and humans, there is no one way to quilt - or live. Here we strive to teach new skills without being quilt police. Here we make new quilters. As you are working on quilt patterns - specifically, but not limited to my Jittery Wings patterns - post your images, ask questions, pat yourself on the back for a finish or for learning a new skill. We can't wait to see your makes!
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NOT ON FACEBOOK? That is totally okay. You can tag me on IG using @jitterywings or send me an email for help. I try to respond in 1-3 business days as I often travel for my day job.
Weeks of the Quilt Along
April 16th: Tutorial on Color Choices
May 7: Begin Cutting Fabrics
May 14: Make your Half Square Triangles
May 21: Quilt Layout Using Color Theory for Controlled Improv
May 28th: Quilt Ideas
