HST Placemat - September ASG Challenge

Finished placemat

      The challenge for September was to make half square triangles (HST) by drawing lines on fabric squares and then sewing and cutting.  We were given a chart that had what size HST would be made from different sized squares of fabric.

Fabrics chosen

Lines drawn

     I chose a couple of coordinating 10" squares from my stash so that I could make a placemat for Meals on Wheels.  I drew the lines on the lighter colored fabric and then pinned the two pieces together.

Sewing done

First cut

After second cut

Last cut

     Then using my 1/4" foot, I sewed on either side of the diagonal lines.  First cuts were straight cuts, creating four squares, then lastly the diagonal lines were cut to make 8 HST.  

HSTs created

Trimming to size

     I then carefully pressed, making sure I didn't stretch the bias seam.  Then using my square ruler, I trimmed them to size, in this case 4 1/2" squares for finished 4" HSTs.

Finished

Square in square block

Back

    I sewed four squares together to make a square in square block.  I could have also done a pinwheel block or even made a row of flying geese.  Then using more coordinating fabric from my stash, I made a 14 x 18" placemat.  I did some quilting to keep it all together and added the binding.  It's fun to learn new techniques and be able to use them in a project for charity.  

     I do think I prefer using Thangles to make my HSTs because they get pressed with the paper in place preventing stretching the bias seam but it is always good to know how to do them another way.