Hey Everyone, welcome back to Cool Tool Thursday.  I am going to continue with the half square triangle (HST) theme and highlight a specific tool called Thangles. Thangles come in 15 different sizes to make HSTs ranging from finished sizes of a ½″ to 6″ squares.

What are Thangles

Thangles are pre-printed templates to make HSTs.  They are made to be used with strips of fabric rather than the traditional method of squares of fabric.  There is little to know fabric wastage with this strip method which is very nice.

They come in all different sizes – 15 in total.

Another great thing about Thangles is there is no squaring off but there is paper to remove.  So trade one for another – I suspect that the paper removal is a lot faster than the squaring off process.

The key when purchasing Thangles is to remember that you are purchasing the finished size – the finished size includes the seam allowance.  So if you need 2″ HSTs then buy the package that says 2.0″ finished as the seam allowance is included – when the HST is made it will be 2½″.  I learned this the hard way.

How to use Thangles

Make sure to read the instructions which are included with each package of Thangles prior to starting.

1.  Cut your strips of fabric as per the instructions in the package.  I am making 2″ HSTs so will need 2½″ strips.

Cut strips to size needed.

2.  Place the strips right sides together and place a template on the strips with writing facing upwards.  If using a full WOF strip then more than one template will fit.

Place strips RS together with template on top.

3.  Pin the template to the strips of fabric to ensure no movement when sewing.  Place pins on an angle so they are in line with the sewing lines and won’t be in your way.

Pin template to strip.

4.  Sew along all of the dashed lines.  I usually start with the middle lines and work towards the edges – helps to keep the paper in line better although I do find that sometimes there is a tiny bit of slippage which doesn’t impact the size of the HST.

Sew along the dashed lines.

5.  Cut apart on the solid black horizontal lines.

Cut apart on horizontal lines.

6.  Cut apart on the solid black diagonal lines between the sewing lines.

Cut apart on diagonal lines.

7.  Fold over the triangle of paper on the sewing line.  I find this method of paper removal easier than their method.

Fold over paper on seam.

8.  Place a ruler or straight edge at this fold and tear off the paper.

Use a straight edge as a guide.

9.  Remove the paper along the seam allowance.

Remove remaining paper.

10.  Press the seam towards the dark fabric.

Press seam towards dark fabric.

11.  Trim off the dog ear.

Trim off dog ear.

12.  Each template strip makes 6 HSTs.

Six perfect HSTs from one strip.

So there you have it another way to make HSTs.  The limiting factor with Thangles is they only go up to a 6″ size so if a bigger size is needed a different method will need to be used.

I have only used the Thangles once and that was when I made my Ocean Party quilt with the 196 HSTs in it.  I am not sure which I prefer – squaring off or ripping off paper – neither are really very interesting, brain stimulating tasks.

I am going to have another go with Thangles starting at the end of the month – this time though with the ½″ and ¾″ ones – yep I think I must be crazy.  I am taking part in a Mini Thangles class at Thimbles & Things and of course figured I didn’t need another large quilt so opted for the miniature size – I might truely be crazy by the end. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.  Are any of you keen to join me?

Coolness Factor – Quilts by Jen rates it at a 9 out of 10.

Usefulness Factor – Quilts by Jen rates it at a 9 our of 10.

Happy Quilting!