Half square triangles are incredibly popular blocks in quilting, as you have seen in The Bee Hive! This week, we’re looking at a few different ways to make half square triangles, or HSTs, to help you improve your skills, your confidence and your accuracy! On Monday, we had a quick recap of how to create the standard and alternate half square triangles, so let’s double the amount again today and find out how to make 8 HSTs from 2 squares of fabric!
HST Math
If you’re wanting a quick way to make 8 half square triangles at a time, then this is the tutorial for you! The bonus of this method as opposed to using the alternate (4 HSTs) method, is that all of these triangle units have the straight grain on the edge, instead of on the bias.
Essentially all you’re doing is making four lots of the standard (2 HSTs) method but in one go. You’ll notice the math is similar too – take the finished size and add 7/8”, except this time, you double it. Like for the standard math chart, I have used the minimum beginning square size, however if you’re like me and prefer a little bit of extra space so you can trim it for better accuracy, just round it up to the nearest 1/2″ increment (ie. round up the 3/8” to 1/2″).
HST Tutorial
Step 1. Place your squares of fabric right sides together. Draw two lines, along the diagonals of the square. You may wish to pin your squares together at this stage.
Step 2. Sew 1/4″ away from the line on both sides of each line.
Step 3. Cut along the drawn lines, and then again along the vertical and horizontal halfway lines.
Step 4. Trim to the correct size and press your HST open. I prefer to press seams towards the darker print so that there’s no worrying about it creating a “shadow” behind the lighter print.
Patterns
Using this HST tutorial to make 8 half square triangles is awesome when you need to make lots of the same HSTs for a project!
If you’re making the outer HSTs all the same for the Double Star block, you could use this method and make them all at once!
The Christmas Wreath block would also work well for this HST tutorial to make a more scrappy block.
Other HST tutorials:
– HSTs: Two and Four Methods
– HSTs: Strip Method
– HSTs: Triangle Papers
Allison Reid says
Thank you for this tutorial! I’ve never seen how to make eight HSTs all at once – very clever! I’ve posted this straight to my HST Pinterest board. Thanks again, Allison
Alyce says
Glad to be of assistance!
Teje says
Hi and thank you for this tutorial! I use hst a lot and make usually 4 in time. How I never thought this? Helps a lot in future. I think I go to make few … x Teje
Alyce says
Hi Teje 🙂 It sure is useful!
Paula Budinger says
This is a great idea, especially eliminating bias edges. It may even inspire me to try some more HSTs, which I gave up on recently due to frustration.
Alyce says
Oh no, don’t give up yet! They’re so versatile and a very popular patchwork unit!
Sue says
Thanks for this Alyce – what a time saver!
Alyce says
No worries!
Jayne says
I am loving this series! Especially making 8 at a time. So excited to try that! Thank you!
Kayt says
You’ve just blown my mind! Love, love, love the idea of making 8 at a time with no bias edges. I’m going to be HSTing my fingers off from now on 😀
Elaine Martin says
Thank you for this tutorial, would never have thought of this myself. Just used it for the first time and it was so quick to produce a large number of hst. Brilliant.
Deanna says
What a great timesaver! Now that Bonnie Hunter has her 2015 mystery running, and I have to make nearly 300 of these HST for the first clue, this will soooooo lighten my load. Thank you!