Half square triangles are a popular component in many different quilt designs. In this video, Ashley Hough demonstrates a fun, new way to make them using a technique known as tube quilting.
Fabric Preparation
To use the method of tube quilting to make half square triangles, you must first start with two strips of fabric. You can either cut a strip of fabric your desired width or you can use a pre-cut strip of fabric. Ashley uses a pre-cut strip of fabric known as a jelly roll for this tube quilting demonstration. Making half square triangles with jelly rolls or other pre-cut fabrics, whether using this method or not, is a great way to save time when cutting out and piecing a quilt top.
Piecing and Cutting
Ashley shows how to align the strips of fabric with right sides together and stitch along both long sides using a quarter inch seam allowance- basically creating a flat tube. Once both sides have been stitched, she shows how to use a square ruler to cut the tube apart to create the half square triangles.
When using the tube quilting method, it is important to have a ruler that has a 45-degree angle line on it as this is what gets lined up along the seam lines that were stitched on either side of the tube. Ashley shows how by moving the ruler along the seam lines of the tube, alternating between the upper and lower seam, multiple half square triangles can be cut from the same tube. Ashley then shows how to either use thicker strips of fabric or piece together multiple jelly roll strips and create a different looking using the same tube quilting technique. Once you’ve mastered tube quilting, try creating a quilting block with jelly rolls to use up any extra strips.
Loved this video and will try. Thank you!
whoops, I just noticed an earlier (very helpful!) comment by MARY; sorry for being redundant…
This is a very intriguing technique that could be a game changer! I’m wondering… am I correct that the sides of these HSTs will be bias edges, and what implications might this have for their use in quilting projects…?
Hi Michele,
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Thanks!
How do I sew the stars together that I got from my tube quilt. Didnt sew background fabric on it . I have the stars done but stumped as to what to do next.
Hello Krys,
Thank you for contacting us.
You can sew them together in a variety of different ways. You could sew them together with just each other, first into rows and then the rows together into however large of a quilt you want. Or, you can sew them together with other blocks of the same size, or other squares of the same size. Lastly, you can sew them together with strips (sashing) in between each of the blocks.
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Lindsay
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
thank u so much. I have so many left over strips & this will b so much fun to do….
What is finished size of hst ? Any math tips for tube size vs finish size?
Dear Dee,
Thank you for your patience, here is the response from the experts:
Hi,
These can be squared up to 3″ finished hsts. For math tips- here is a handy guide for what size of strip to use for specific finished hst sizes:
http://www.quiltineering.com/hst-tutorial-strip-tube-method/
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle
Thank you so much for including instructions for lefthanders. I’ve quilted long enough that I can automatically make the adjustments. But new quilters can surely use the hints to make their experience more enjoyable!
I can’t believe I’ve never seen this before. I’ve been quilting for about a year 1/2 but have only tired triangles once and it was a disaster! This is absolutely fabulous and I can’t wait to try it!! Thank you so much for this video.
Is there a guide to make other sizes hst using this tube method?
Hello,
We do not currently have a guide for that, however here is one I was able to find:
http://www.cozyquilt.com/PDFs/STRBonusGuide.pdf
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Question about jelly rolls: are they pre-washed?
Hi Linda,
No, the are not pre-washed. I generally do not pre-wash pre-cut fabrics, as they are so small.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
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Excellent technique. One supporting step would be to starch materials to support the bias edges to help prevent stretching when you assemble them. All the blocks in this method result in bias edges on the out side. This is just fine, you just have to be gentle in handling and assembling the finished quilt.