Everyone knows that I’m all about working smarter, not harder. I like to let my tools do the heavy lifting and I get the feeling that today’s special guest feels the same! Please give a warm welcome to Kari Carr from New Leaf Stitches. When not teaching, designing or dreaming up new sewing tools, Kari is stitching up a storm.
We are so lucky to have her visit and share this fast trick that will help us transform our scraps into half square triangles at lightening speed.
Take it away Kari:
Do any of you have a bag full of scraps that look like this?
This bag has been stuck in the back of a closet for years. Every now and then I get it out thinking I will do something with those pieces. I get frustrated and it gets shoved back in the closet… out of sight, out of mind.
What is this a picture of? They’re the scraps that were trimmed off when flipping a corner. I know, there are fancy techniques for making half-square triangles and flying geese, but every once-in-awhile flipping that corner and trimming is a necessity, making a Snowball block for example.
But, I solved my problem and I hope you’ll find this scrap-saving tip as easy & sensible as I do.
Back in 2008 I developed the notion, Clearly Perfect Angles. It’s a practical tool that clings to a smooth sewing surface and allows you to sew any 45°angle without drawing a line. Such a time saver! Anyway, the 5/8” seam guide was originally added for garment sewing. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: I use it for this scrap-saving technique more than any garment sewing!
Here’s how it works. If a pattern tells us to draw a line from corner to corner on the diagonal, first of all DON’T! Using the center alignment (a), simply put one point at the needle and follow the bottom point up the center line. Wala! You’ve sewn a 45°angle without drawing a line. (By the way, there are many other techniques to use with the Clearly Perfect Angles, but we’ll save those for another time).
Now here’s the trick….don’t trim the seam yet. Take that piece and place those same points on the 5/8” seam guide. When you stitch the second seam, it will be 5/8” away from your first stitching line.
What you will do now is cut them apart between the two seams.
Hint: you can chain piece to your heart’s content!
Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to write a book for Martingale (Twice as Nice, Quilts with Scrap-Saving Bonus Projects) using this very technique.
BUT, you don’t need a pattern. Once you square up these bonus half-square triangles you can become your own designer. Play with arranging them until you come up with a design you like. And what a fun way to do miniatures!!
Just for inspiration, I’d like to share with you some of the projects that I have made over the years using this technique. You can so easily do this….just use the additional seam guide to create a second seam!!
Warm Welcome | Split Pea Soup | Liberty | Daybreak
Heather, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your sewing series! It’s been fun to learn new ideas from all of the great posts.
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WOW, talk about an easy way to make the most of our scraps! A big Thank You to Kari for stopping by and sharing her half square triangles tip. HST’s are super popular and totally on trend at the moment.
Be sure to check out Kari’s new website for more fun ideas.
ps- Kari is also offering a special 25% discount in her shop for the month of September. Just use code Web25 at check out.
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