Triangle Paper

Do you use triangle papers to make your half-square triangles? I think they are great, particularly when you need to make a lot of hsts. This latest project I have embarked upon requires a slew of half-square triangles, and triangle papers have been recommended. They are a wonderful way to ensure accuracy and produce a large number of half-square triangles with a minimum of effort.

I have four varieties of half-square triangle papers that I have used over the years. All of them have umpteen size options for every size hst you could think of. The first to come to my attention, years ago, were "Thangles". These papers come in a strip that produces six half-square triangles. I like to use them when I have narrow strips of fabric because they fit nicely and use up bits that might otherwise not get used.

Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop has her own brand of triangle paper called "Triangles On A Roll". I'm not crazy about having to cut out the amount I need from a large roll, but the quality of the paper is very good. It is thinner than other brands and tears off super easily.

Lisa Bonejean of Primitive Gatherings has her own brand of triangle paper, which comes in super tiny sizes. There is even be a 1/2" size half-square triangle paper, which is ridiculously tiny. Lisa is known for her very small blocks and these papers that produce accurate teeny tiny hsts are a real boon. These are what I reach for when the size of the hsts is less than 1 1/2 inch.

I think my favorite brand of triangle paper is the Star Singles papers by Spinning Star Designs. I've bought them for years from Shabby Fabrics. I was introduced to them by Paula Barnes of Red Crinoline Quilts. I took a class from her at a quilting retreat and she used them. I like the fact that the papers are square in shape and make good use of fabric scraps. You get 8 hsts from a square of paper. The paper is a bit thicker than Kimberly's Triangles On A Roll, but still tears off fairly well, especially if you use a small stitch length when sewing. 

In between writing assignments, I ran upstairs and sewed my triangle papers for the first three blocks of the Summer Memories sew-along. Now I just need to tear off those papers and press the units. Oh, and sew the twelve basket blocks together!

This week I have spent mostly sitting at my desk writing, with the space heater aimed at my legs. Glad I didn't pack away my cashmere sweaters yet. Our weather has turned very chilly and it has been grey and drizzly. Next week promises to be the same, so I don't know what happened to spring. I may be going back to my dad's house this coming weekend, so if you don't hear from me on Monday, that could be why.

What is your favorite method to make a lot of half-square triangles?

Have a great weekend and I hope it is Spring wherever you are! Or Fall for you gals Down Under.

 

Comments

[Barbara Groeschell]

Thanks for the great information and comparisons. I’ve been drawing a line and then squaring up. Papers sound much easier.

[Nancy Watkins]

I have used the Star Singles only. I like the thought of thinner paper. I may need to branch out. I do find it a bit boring to sew on paper but the end result is fantastic!

[Sandie]

Star singles are my first choice for HST’s too. My only issue with PG’s papers are the stitching lines are all in the same diagonal direction and it seems to waste a lot of thread, and if the fabric isn’t starched heavily enough they get distorted. Laundry Basket quilts also makes HST papers in small sizes, their paper is similar to newsprint and stitching is done similarly to Star Singles.

[Jan]

Thanks for reviewing the various types of HST papers. In the past I drew lines & sewed ¼" on either side. More recently I've used Doug Leko's Simple Folded Corners rulers. I find that although they require more fabric my results are much more accurate. It's warming up a bit in NW Wyoming...a bit. Wishing you a productive weekend with your sisters although that's never an easy task.

[Ina]

It's been chilly here and I've actually enjoyed it? So much easier to walk with the dog in cool weather.

Tearing off paper is good activity while watching a movie or while dinner is in the oven and you can finally sit down with a glass of wine. ;p

I'll be thinking about you this weekend. It's never an easy job.

[Margaret]

Wow, thanks for the great review of HST papers. I’ve often wondered which type would be the best to use - the only one I have experience with is Thangles, which we had to buy for the intro to quilting class. I typically use the “make 8 at a time” instructions that I found on Sew’n Wild Oats blog, which may look lot like your Star Singles, sans paper. I think you quilt is going to be lovely; I hope you do have time this weekend to work on it.

[Sandie]

I commented above with my opinions on HST papers, but was so focused on the ones you mentioned that I forgot to tell you about what I think is an even better option, especially when you’re making larger quantities.It’s a Computer CD by Brenda Hennings called Triangulations 4.0 It contains PDF’s that you can print as needed. I buy a ream of 8.5 by 11 white newsprint and it works wonderfully. It originally only included HST’s in basic sizes, but it’s now in its 4th edition and includes so much more. (HST’s in 1/16” increments, QST’s, Flying Geese, and HST strips all in many more sizes than the original CD) I just upgraded to the new version. It’s available on Amazon for about $20.