HST Tutorial: The Bias Strip Method

HST Tutorial: The Bias Strip Method

Alrighty folks, we’re wrapping up this half square triangle series today with a great new technique to add to your repertoire!

HST main

Meet the bias strip method.  She’s perfect for projects where you need a big ol’ stack of the same units.  You want to know the best part?!  The finished units already have their dog ears removed AND are on the straight of grain.  I added this one just for those of you that hate bias edges. (I’m thinking of you Carla!)
Tutorial Bias Strip Method

I learned this technique from Debbie Caffrey’s Cut to It: Strategies for Smarter Quilting Craftsy Course, and I’m using her math to help explain this method. I definitely recommend this course if you’re looking to be a more accurate quilter.

Like the last few methods, we’re going to have a column for the finished and unfinished block sizes.  However, we’re adding a bias strip cut size which we need during assembly.

HST: Bias Strip Method

You can start this technique with any starting rectangle of your choosing. I choose to use a 10″x10″ square to show you how a layer cake can be used.  The bigger squares you start with, the higher your yield of HSTs will be.

Bias Cut Method Step 1
Bias Cut Method Step 2

Bias Cut Method Step 3

This is where we need our cutting chart! Use the bias strip cut size from column 3 in the chart.

Bias Cut Method Step 4

Bias Cut Method Step 5

From this point forward, repeat everything on both strip sets.

Bias Cut Method Step 6

Bias Cut Method Step 7

Bias Cut Method Step 8

Bias Cut Method Step 9

(You can rotate your strips in either direction – left or right.)

Bias Cut Method Step 10

Bias Cut Method Step 11

Bias Cut Method Step 12

Bias Cut Method Step 13

This is a fairly new technique to me.  Is it new to you as well?  I hope you’re willing to give it a shot.

As always, you can look back at the previous week’s tutorials.

November 11th  – Drawn Line Method

November 18th – The Magic Method

November 25th – The Eight at a Time Method

December 2nd – The Strip Tube Method 

December 9th – The Bias Strip Method (you’re here!)