WHEN STARTING YOUR QUILTING JOURNEY, IT HELPS TO START WITH THE BASICS. JOIN ME FOR A QUICK TUTORIAL ON A FOUNDATIONAL BUILDING BLOCK – THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE.
A fundamental block that serves as the building block for countless quilt designs is the Half Square Triangle. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through two easy methods for making HSTs.
Understanding how they’re constructed, trying out different techniques, and exploring layout options are all part of the fun.
What is a Half Square Triangle?
Half Square Triangles, or HSTs as they are often called, are square quilt blocks made by cutting a square in half diagonally to create two right-angled triangles. When these triangles are sewn together, they form a square block with a diagonal seam running through the centre.
HSTs are incredibly versatile and appear in a wide variety of quilt patterns, making them a must-learn for quilters of all levels.
To get accurate results, especially when working with different sizes, it’s important to cut and measure carefully. A rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat will help ensure clean edges and proper alignment.
Fabric Selection and Supplies
The fabrics you choose for your HSTs can really influence the final look of your project. I like to use contrasting colours – usually a light and a dark fabric – because the triangle shape pops more clearly.
You can see this contrast in action in my Simply Charming Pinwheels Table Top Quilt pattern. The difference in tone gives the whole design a fun, dynamic feel.
FABRIC + NOTIONS FOR EVERY PROJECT
From charm packs and jelly rolls to rulers and thread, Fat Quarter Shop is packed with everything a quilter or sewist could need. It’s one of my first stops when planning a project.
Next, make sure you have the essential quilting tools. Here is a list of what I like to have on hand when making any quilting project:
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Quilting Ruler
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron and ironing board or pressing mat
- Pins or clips
- Fabric marker
Investing in quality tools will help you cut your fabric squares accurately and save you a lot of frustration in the process. And to save you some time, you might want to have all your supplies ready at hand with a Portable Sewing Room!
Watch my simple tutorial for Half Square Triangles in this YouTube video! Be sure to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss out!
Continue reading below for step-by-step instructions.
Traditional Half Square Triangle Techniques
There are several methods to create HSTs, but let’s focus on two fundamental techniques.
Method 1: Sewing on the Diagonal
Using this method, you will start with two squares of fabric, generally one light and one dark, as mentioned above. Use the following instructions to create two (2) HSTs.
- Place the two squares right sides together.
- Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of one square.
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the fabric square to prepare for sewing your Half Square Triangles.
- Sew a ¼-inch seam on each side of the drawn line.
- Cut along the drawn line to separate the HSTs.
- Press the seams open or to one side and trim the corners.
- Square up the HSTs to the desired size.
Cut along the drawn line between your seams to separate the fabric into two Half Square Triangles.
Method 2: 8-at-a-time Technique
Using this method, you will start with two larger squares of fabric, again with one light and one dark, as mentioned above. Use the following instructions to create eight (8) HSTs.
- Place the two squares right sides together.
- Mark two diagonal lines from corner to corner, creating an X.
Use the eight-at-a-time method by marking and sewing across both diagonals to create multiple Half Square Triangles quickly.
- Sew a ¼-inch seam on each side of the two drawn lines.
- Cut along both diagonal lines (like an X) and then cut across the middle of the square vertically and then horizontally (like a +) to create eight HSTs.
After sewing the diagonal seams, make four cuts – one horizontal, one vertical and two diagonal – to yield eight perfectly sized Half Square Triangles from one fabric pair.
- Press the seams open or to one side and trim the corners.
- Square up the HSTs to the desired size.
While both methods are accurate, Method 1 is more straightforward. Method 2, the 8-at-a-time technique, can save time when making multiple HSTs with the same fabric combination.
Common Variations and Designs
Half-Square Triangles can easily be combined with other quilt blocks to create a wide range of designs. It’s so much fun to experiment with different layouts, colour arrangements, and block placements to create unique and interesting patterns.
HSTs are often used to form pinwheels, chevrons, and star designs, adding movement and visual interest to your quilts. They can also be used to create a “mock” Flying Geese block!
Half-Square Triangles are an essential element in quilting, offering endless possibilities for creating captivating designs. By mastering the construction techniques and exploring various arrangements, you’ll embark on a journey of creativity and self-expression through the art of quilting. Remember to practice, experiment, and have fun as you create beautiful quilts using HSTs!
Want to remember this? Save “How to Make Half Square Triangles: Essential Building Blocks of Quilting” to your favourite Pinterest boards!
