Half square triangles are basic quilt blocks to use alone or combined with other quilt blocks to make complex designs. They are used in modern quilting, contemporary quilting and traditional quilting. Here are 7 ways to make half square triangles.
7 Ways to Make Half Square Triangles (HSTs)
Here are seven (7) methods to make half square triangles.
I've got my favorites! You'll want to be cautious when working with bias edges, as they can stretch and then cause problems with your quilt later.
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How to Make Half Square Triangle (HST)
Learn all about half square triangles and the basics of making them. Then try some of these methods for making these easy quilt blocks that you can combine with other blocks to create more complex designs.
Half Square Triangles Two at a Time
This is my preferred method for making half square triangles, if you need fewer than eight blocks.
Half Square Triangles Four (4) At a Time
I don't recommend this method. It's easy, but the outside edges of your block are all on the bias and can easily stretch out of shape.
How to Make Half Square Triangles Eight at a Time
I also prefer this method, especially if you need to make lots of half square triangles from the same two fabrics. It's so easy to sew a few seams, cut and voila - 8 quilt blocks!
Charm Pack Half Square Triangles
Making half square triangles from 5" charm packs is super easy if you are using only charm packs in your quilt. If you are making a quilt where you are using 3" or 4" finished squares, you can use this method, but you'll need to trim the blocks to size.
A quick and easy quilt idea is to get two charm packs, one solid and one coordinating prints. Sew them in the HST two-at-a-time method and then sew them all together!
How to Make Half Square Triangles from Jelly Roll Strips
The method I show in this post is used for half square triangles from a 2-1/2" strip -- uses just jelly roll strips! This is not one of my preferred methods for the reasons above -- the edges are bias AND then you need to trim the down the blocks if they are being used with other quilt blocks of common sizes. Other methods are easier and you have more flexibility in your finished block size.
Making Half Square Triangles From Layer Cake
Using 10" Layers Cake fabric cuts to make half square triangles has the same issues as using charm packs -- the blocks do not come out in commonly used sizes. If you've got a few layer cakes that work well together, use the HST two-at-a-time method for a quick and easy quilt!
Which are your favorite methods?
Half square triangles make for great leaders and enders when you are quilting. Cut some squares from your stash and when you start piecing, use one for your leader and another from your ender. Then in no time you’ll have a pile of scrappy half square triangles!
No Waste Half Square Triangles
My preferred methods to make half square triangles are half square triangles from a strip using the first method above. I also like to make HST two at a time from squares or eight at a time from larger squares. With these three methods, you can make HSTs any size and you only need to trim up your final block. There is no waste of trimming off a lot of fabrics or having stretchy bias edges on your HST block.
What are some popular quilt blocks that use half square triangles?
Half square triangles are a very popular component in many quilt blocks and quilt patterns. Here some great blocks to make or use up a stash of half square triangles.
Monkey Wrench Quilt Block uses half square triangles and strip set rectangles.
The cross roads quilt block uses half square triangles and strip sets, too. See how different the same components can look?
The maple leaf quilt block uses half square triangles, solid squares and one split block for the leaf steam.
The swamp angel quilt block uses half square triangles, quarter square triangles and a center square unit.
The card trick quilt block is a traditional block that uses half square triangles, split quarter square triangles and a center quarter square triangle unit.
Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy. Also, check out our article that covers popular quilt patterns.
