Since the Sizzix triangle dies are my all time FAVORITE tool for sewing half square triangles, I’m giving away a Sizzix Fabi and 3 triangle die (a 4 1/2” Assembled Square Die , a 2 1/2” Assembled Square Die , and a 1 1/2” Assembled Square Die).
So you know that I work with Sizzix. They send me stuff and I write posts for them. So I get my Sizzix stuff for “free”. But I must say, I think that buying a Sizzix machine is worth the investment just because of the time it saves in trimming half square triangles (HSTs) and other triangle based blocks. Even the small Fabi machines can cut the HST pieces for you. Such a great investment.
Now, one of the things you are *supposed* to do when you make half square triangle blocks is trim them all so that they are the same size and not wonky.
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| These HSTs took me 8 hours to trim. And to be honest, my wrist hurt a lot. |
Trimming takes me so long. So so so long.
For example, my first version of my B.F.F quilt using Tiger Lily by Heather Ross honestly took me 8 hours to trim all the HST units. There are something like 250 384 HSTs in that quilt. Maybe I’m a slow worker?
So, knowing I was planning on making another version of the B.F.F. quilt, this time with Flower Sugar by Lecien, and another version of my Trilobite quilt using April Rhodes Bound fabric I used my Sizzix HST 2 1/2” Triangle Die, which is perfect for my patterns.
I’m so glad I did. Not only did I save time, I had time to spend on other things and my wrists weren’t sore from trimming hundreds of HSTs. So.
If you are unfamiliar with Sizzix’s die cut triangle shapes, they look like this. Can you see how the triangles have blunted tips? That means there are no dog ears to trim. And since all the pieces are cut so uniformly, you ideally should be able to make the same size HST blocks.
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| I spent NO time trimming these die cut HST. My wrist was not sore. |
Ok, so if you want to shop for Sizzix products click here. I have a coupon for you to get 15% off your total order (I think that’s the discount amount.). Here’s the code: SZB2016.
And finally, the giveaway is Sizzix Fabi machine and 3 different triangle die (a 4 1/2” Assembled Square Die , a 2 1/2” Assembled Square Die , and a 1 1/2” Assembled Square Die).
Leave a comment telling me how much time it takes you to trim HSTs. I need to know – am I a slow worker? I suspect I am, but tell me your thoughts. (To be eligible I need to be able to reach you by email you and you must live in the United States.) I’ll draw the winner on Friday and announce the winner after I’ve contacted the winner.
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I use a Bloc Loc ruler for HSTs which goes pretty quickly. I typically have the tv on in the background so sometimes that distraction makes me slower. It's not a bad thing to go slow. No need to rush "perfection".
Yup, it takes a while 🙂 I usually make my HSTs 1/4" too large and trim down my sewn square to size so I get it perfectly square. Accurate piecing is not my strength.
It certainly would take me quite a while if I were doing that many HSTs! The one tool I have that I find helpful is a small spinning cutting mat, but not having to trim at all would be so nice!
It takes me forever! A rotating cutting mat has been a big help but it's still a slow process for me.
I use the Quilt-in-a-Day specialty ruler when I trim HSTs because you trim before you open and press so only have to trim two sides … still takes FOREVER.
I trim my HST blocks too. I have no idea how long it takes, but it's a slow, painful process. I need a rotating mat!
I also like to trim them up so all go together nicely. I take them to work and trim during lunch break. It does seem to take forever!
It seems to take forever…so I break it up into smaller batches by sewing some, ironing, trim then repeat with another batch. These dies would be fantastic!!!!!
I have been using the bloc loc rulers and they seem to help. But, like you I am a slow worker and do not keep time to how long something takes me. Thanks for the chance to win this fantastic cutter. Maybe, no I know, it would speed up my sewing.
I use a small rotating mat and bloc loc ruler for it which makes it go faster.. and a lot of great music to listen to – takes a long time – I am not fast either!
I trim my half square triangles also. The bloc loc ruler does help, but I just got it so I have many years of slowwwww trimming.
Welllllll, it took me a year….cause it was taking so much time I had to put aside for a while!!!!
I've only made a few at a time and I'm very slow. Sure would love to try the fabi machine. Then maybe I'd make more. Thanks!
It takes a long time to trim them but I bought a set of Bloc Loc rulers and that speeds it up a lot. I would love to win the sizzix, I see all kinds of uses.
I don't think you're slow, or if you are, then I am too! I love the look of HSTs but sometimes don't want to make patterns that take a lot of them because of the huge amount of time involved.
I have never timed how long it takes me to trim a HST, but I can tell you that it is really boring!
I love half square triangles but seldom use them because of the trimmimg. This looks like such a helper.
I'm really slow at trimming. It's not fun, but it makes a big difference!
Hey Rebecca! Thanks for the write up on Sizzix! I've been researching cutting tools! I do dread teimming hst's but if I ever have a huge stack, I turn on Netflix and just get after it! I usually watch a silly sitcom or a movie I've seen before so I don't have to look up from what I am doing!!!
I feel like I'm getting better, but it's still a slow process. I usually trim before I press too.
I've never timed it, but it does seem to take forever!!! I usually have to spread it out over multiple days!
It takes me ages. I only trim because I know if I don't, nothing fits together. I think I am slow; I trim carefully (I've seen/heard of too many slip ups with the rotary cutter to go quickly!). I love HST's and my 'ideas' book is full of lots of quilt patterns using HST's. I've just never actually made any of them!!
I am intrigued, the trimming takes much longer than the sewing for sure and I deal with shoulder and wrist pain so this sounds too good to be true 🙂
You are not alone. Trimming those darn HST is such a chore. I've never timed myself, but they take forever!
It takes me a long time also, but I always feel it's worth it for the accuracy!
How much time, I am not sure but long enough time that I stay away from quilt patterns that have a lot of HSTs. I need this Sizzix.
patsystitch@gvtc.com
As many have stated…too long! I too shy away from patterns that have a lot of half-square triangles. This Fabian would be an absolute jewel!!!
Debbie
ollieami(at)aol(dot)com
Yes it takes me a really long time to trim lots of HST blocks. I still have a zip bag full of them that I made uhmm… a couple of years ago.I have often thought about a fabric cutter of some sort to help with this task. Yes I have. 🙂
tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com
It seems to take me forever as well. When I initially start hst I do the eight at a time method. Then I iron and trim. I would love this giveaway. Thank you for the chance.
This must be the best giveaway ever…I have eyed this for years and never made the financial investment. It takes me forever to square up HSTs and i am terrible at it. My corners never seem to match up and my rows are never even. The saddest part is that HSTs are my all-time favorite most versatile block and even with 4 1/2 years of practice, I still feel like I am not getting any better at it! I made a star quilt with over 200 HSTs and the trimming/ squaring up took me longer than all other parts of the process put together!
buffyh_6 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com
I haven't done enough to know but on the last quilt where I used them it took forever!
I haven't done enough to know but on the last quilt where I used them it took forever!
I don't do many half square triangles – takes long time and they don't always turn out right so no help for me but I'm also not a fast quilter – always trying to cut as close to perfect as possible, sew as close to perfect as possible, etc. Thanks.
What a wonderful giveaway! I usually make my HST oversized, and then press and trim with the appropriate size ruler.
Oh goodness, I am sooooo slow with any kind of trimming – I am always impressed with how fast some of the quilt bloggers I follow go from idea to finished quilt. I do love quilting but it's frustrating to spend so much time pressing and cutting and trimming so I'd love to win the Sizzix!
I like to use the Bloc Loc ruler to trim hst, but it is still a slow process. jsbailey99 at gmail.com
I use a BlocLoc ruler to trim, but it still takes me forever. I've been dying to try the Sizzix! Texasquiltinggal at hotmail
Where can you find the BlocLoc ruler? I haven't had much luck locating them!
it does take time to trim but worth it i think for accuracy. i love the sizzix dies for paper crafting and would love to try it for fabric. thanks for the chance to win.
I love HST, but it takes me HOURS to trim! I never make a quilt larger than a baby quilt because of the time it takes. I would love to use a Sizzix for this. Thanks so much for this great giveaway!
Thank you for your comments on how long it takes you to trim the "dog ears"! I'm a beginner quilter and thought I was taking too long and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong.I appreciate your blog and everything you have done to help us.
Julia (Judie) jmh1jlh at yahoo.com
Love HST but have never really set the clock to see how long it takes to trim…. I usually do a few here and there mostly because ti's boring and my back and wrist hurts after too many:( Have never thought to use a Sizzix… hope to win it so I can give it a try!!!
It takes forever and I too use Bloc Loc to square up
Fabric cutters are such a timesaver. Thanks!
I've never timed myself, but I use the Block Loc rulers and they save a ton of time. Plus I've finally gotten my seam allowance perfected so I don't have to do as much trimming.
I am pretty sure it takes me eleventy million hours. I feel like I am the slowest trimmer!! This looks like something that needs to go on my anniversary/birthday/christmas wishlist!
Ooooooooo……pick me! Pick me! Jumping up and down and throwing my hands in the air wildly! I definitely need this!
I have to sew and trim in batches because not only does my hand hurt, but out of sheer boredom!
Julie.mirdoch@shaw.ca
I love using HST's in my quilts. I tend to sew oversize and trim them in batches – yes, it takes a long time!
It sometimes takes me days! I love HSTs but they can be so time consuming. I have to force myself to stick with it and not move on to the next project.
Oh it takes me forever! One of the first quilts I made had like a billion HST and it easily took me a week to trim them all.
I am embarrassed to say that I normally shy away from HST, because I know how long it takes, and it takes forever. One of my friends just got a Cuttlebug and it takes the Sizzix dies and I cut over 200 2 1/2 inche squares in no time at all, so I can only imagine how easy the HST would be.
Half square triangles are so tedious that I rarely use them. I love so many patterns that use HSTs, but the extra trimming time is honestly a deterrent. I'd love a time-saver like this so I could take on some of those designs!
Half square triangles are so tedious that I rarely use them. I love so many patterns that use HSTs, but the extra trimming time is honestly a deterrent. I'd love a time-saver like this so I could take on some of those designs!
I feel like in pretty slow with trimming. I use a rotating cutting mat, which helps, but my wrist ends up sore because I put so much pressure on the ruler to make sure it doesn't slip. Not trimming would be awesome!!!
I just finished a quilt top with 576 HSTs in it. ?. It took me roughly 8 hours to make them all. That does NOT include pressing, cutting, and drawing lines on squares (about 6 hours), but it DOES include sewing, trimming, and pressing them open.
Now I'm thinking that number may be a little off. I wasn't too strict about keeping track, and I worked on them pretty sporadically over a few weeks.
But still, I hear ya about the sore wrists! And my eyes get sore from staring at the same spot on my ruler for so long too.
I am still fairly new at quilting, so I always feel like it takes me forever to do everything! Thanks for the giveaway!
It takes me forever to do every step in my quilt making regime. Trimming is no different. I would love to try the Sizzix….I've heard great things! ??
Does forever and ever count as a time? So tedious!
such a great giveaway Becca!!
and NO, you are not a slow worker!
I can't imagine how much time it would take to trim that many HST!!!
I just made a Broken Dishes quilt for a Christmas present. I had to hand trim 384 half square triangles too! It took me two afternoons to trim them and my wrists were killing me. My husband thought I was crazy (as it was my choice to trim them all down, I didn't like the finished block size without the trimming!)! LOL, I guess we quilters are sometimes!
I am new to quilting and have just made my very first HSTs. Luckily they are for a tiny project so they didn't take me too long. If I had to make more I'd be at it forever! Thanks for the giveaway!
I am new to quilting and have just made my very first HSTs. Luckily they are for a tiny project so they didn't take me too long. If I had to make more I'd be at it forever! Thanks for the giveaway!
I specifically do NOT track the time I spend quilting…kinda like not keeping track of how much money I spend on fabric. If I don't know then I don't have to admit that I am spending too much time and money on my hobby, right? 😉 But cutting and trimming isn't very fun so I would LOVE a way to speed through that so I can do more actual sewing. 🙂
Just yesterday I got super frustrated because I can only quilt during my son's naps. I have been super lucky to get a few custom quilt orders this year and I'm nearing my deadlines. Guess what? He didn't sleep. And I didn't get all the HSTs cut. But. luckily he's an awesome little dude, so we played in the snow instead! I think if I had this tool I could have done BOTH!! 🙂
I lose track of time when i am working with fabric but it always takes me more time than i think it should. This is a wonderful giveaway for whoever is the lucky winner!
Waayy.. too long! It's one of the most frustrating things about triangles. Love how much more accurate the trimmed triangles are too! Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
Waayy.. too long! It's one of the most frustrating things about triangles. Love how much more accurate the trimmed triangles are too! Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
I would love to try a fabric cutter!
lesley209 at gmail dot com
i am a new quilter and i just cannot get my cutting skills to where they should be. I have dreamed of doing quilts and i finally have a bit of time but i get so frustrated and it takes away the joy of wanting to create. So i guess the answer would be to get it done correctly takes forever for me and believe a cutter will unleash the creativity i long for. Thank you for your consideration.
I can't give you a specific amt. of time, but it takes awhile. I have the ruler to cut the triangles, but that takes a lot of time also. the die cutter would be so much faster.
It takes forever!!! I'm fairly new to quilting, so I am still learning the needed supplies to speed up the process. I have a square ruler that I use to square up, but since it still takes a while, I break it up and cut them when my daughter naps or when she's in bed at night.
It takes forever!!! I'm fairly new to quilting, so I am still learning the needed supplies to speed up the process. I have a square ruler that I use to square up, but since it still takes a while, I break it up and cut them when my daughter naps or when she's in bed at night.
Marvelous giveaway!! And, yes it takes forever to trim the pesky little things ;).
It's a long long process…lol But take your time and do it right… Happyness04431@yahoo.com
as a beginner, it takes me forever to cut hst's and truth be told it takes me forever to assemble a quilt…lol my sister told me I should get one of the awesome little gadgets as she loves hers!
I love quilts with half square triangles but they do take forever. I haven't timed myself but I will typically trim them at night watching tv with my guys and it will take me a good couple few days to get them done!
I love quilts with half square triangles but they do take forever. I haven't timed myself but I will typically trim them at night watching tv with my guys and it will take me a good couple few days to get them done!
I don't time how long it takes because it may discourage me from doing more!!! Thanks for the sweet giveaway :o)
cwayons(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm in the beginning phase of a HST quilt for my son, cutting out rows of fabric and then cutting the rows into squares. If it's anything like cutting out the Dahlia pieces I just finished cutting it's going to be a loong process ? And I don't think I'll ever do another Dahlia unless I have a cutting machine. I don't know much about die machines but you lay out the fabric, it cuts the shapes, then you sew said shapes together right? There isn't a way to sew your squares together then roll them through the machine for trimming? Thanks for the giveaway and a review, it's definitely something I should look into!
My first quilt was HSTs ando it took me nearly 3 years to make the quilt and they were terribly cut so not all my points matched up. The struggle is so real! Thanks for an awesome giveaway!!
I always have to trim and it takes hours!
Well, I have only made a few HST's so far because I can't seem to get them right. I would really love to win this giveaway. I had trouble getting the right angle.
Thanks for chance to win.
Nancy James
forgot email
skysnaina5@gmail.com
TIA nancy
I don't normally trim HSTs. I have learned to cut and sew accurately. The odd one that comes out messed up gets tossed. Don't see any point in measuring and cutting everything twice. A die cutter would definitely speed things up tho'!
I have no idea how it long it takes me; I just know that I don't love the trimming process. I do, however, know that I would LOVE one of these machines…
I cut oversize and trim, and it does take a big chunk of time. I've never done as many as you have, so I don't have an estimate. I'd love to try out the Sizzix method.