Making Pinwheels and HSTs match...(Tutorial)

[Caroline1947]

Usually HSTs dont match up right because they are not cut accurately.In picture 1 ,there are three of them,,labeled as 1,2 and 3

Notice that 1 and 2 match at the top and number 3 has more white showing at the top.





In picture two,if you tried to sew them together ,you can see they dont match,even though the squares are the same size..





In picture three, the two "good" ones match at the point.





The way to get perfect points is to make sure your diagonal line is in the proper place.Press them open well...if you use a little triangle square ruler like Els ,the size you want lines up right on the stitching line,and you cut off two sides...





If you use a regular ruler,you have to get the diagonal line right on the line,trim two sides,turn the patch and line it up on the line again and trim the other two sides...






That will leave you with clean quarter inch seams. When you sew them together,press the bottom and top seams in opposite direction,and you can feel and see the center seams snuggle together. They should look like this..




This is info most of us know, but there are newbies who might not. I remember when I couldnt do it and it was so frustrating!!!! Good Luck!!!

[Cathy32078]

Thank You for taking the time to do this. So clear to understand & very helpful. I've had problems with Pinwheel sometimes, after all of these years.

[Eajosian]

Thank you for sharing...this is great...

[Joannequilts]

Thanks Caroline! Maybe this will help me, too!! I've never taken ANY classes in quilting, and I can't always remember things like this...even though I probably read them somewhere.
You're a sweety!

Joanne:0)

[CaroleJ]

Wow, Caroline...great tutorial! The pictures make it much easier to understand.

[Caroline1947]

I never had classes either,,,just been watching El for 20 years!!!

[Ittybittygma]

Thanks Caroline, I want to start a pinwheel tablerunner I saw in a mag and your pics will certainly help with that. You are indeed an angel for thinking of the rest of us. Happy Quilting.

Hugs, Shirley Mae

[TooMuchFabric]

Carolyn, you did an excellent job with the tutorial. Thank you very much. Jo Ann

[sunsup]

Caroline, how thoughtful of you. I'm sure the pictures and information will be very helpful.

[Caroline1947]

You are very welcome!