HOW DO I?

Make HST half-square triangle paper

This example will show you how to make and print your own triangle papers to create whatever size HST triangles your project needs.

1


Determine the finished size of the triangles

In this example we'll create triangle paper for 3" triangles.


2



Open the HST & HRT paper

Open the paper:
  • Add a new HST & HRT paper with a 3" triangle with Square set ON
  • Set the sewing line weight (dotted line) to fine for easier exact sewing
  • Adjust the seam allowance width, if needed
  • Set Shade Finished Triangle  to ON to make it easier to see the layout

If you get the message "Unable to draw graph for current settings" it may be the rectangles can not fit on the page with the current settings.

Open Page Settings (the tool at the bottom of the tool bar) and set the margins to zero. This will increase the area available for printing the template to the full page size. This adjustment to the margins may be enough to proceed.

If the rectangles still can not be drawn, you'll need to take additional steps to create your templates: adjust the settings for actual size printing and then print on a printer that can handle the size of paper you specified (may require using a large format printer at a copy shop.)


3



Print a test page to confirm your printer and print drivers will print at exactly the right size

Open the Size Check tool and add a scale to the paper:
  • Tap a color to display
  • Choose a guide and set

Print a test paper.

This step is important because sometimes a printer or the print drivers will scale an image (change it's size) as they do the work to print. For this initial test, to reduce the opportunities for scaling to get in your way:
  • Open More and choose PDF
  • Share PDF to a desktop
  • Print PDF from desktop

Measure the size check box and confirm it is just the size you expected. If it is not, read this for guidance on how to make adjustments to print at the exact size.


4



Use the triangle paper to make HSTs

Follow these steps to use your triangle paper:
  • Layer two fabrics with the right sides facing each other
  • Secure a sheet of triangle paper on top of the fabrics
  • Sew along the dotted lines

An inkjet printer (no heat!) was used to print the template onto the plain side (not waxed) of a sheet of freezer paper trimmed to 8.5"x11". 

Here's a brief outline of the process:
• Use a hot iron to the plain side of the freezer paper (placed waxed side down on the fabric) to secure the paper.
• Layer the other fabric below.
• Lightly pin the layers for sewing.
• After sewing and cutting peel the freezer paper away and the pieces are ready to press open.

After sewing the layers:
  • Cut along the solid lines
  • Remove the paper and open your HST

A check of an HST made for this example confirms the HST is exactly 3 1/2" square. This is the unit size needed for a 3" finished size after block assembly.