Half square triangles? This sounds like a bit of a contradiction in terms, but actually, if you think about it, a square, cut in half diagonally, creates two triangles. It is far easier to create triangles for quilting in this manner than to cut triangles separately and then sew them together. The actual stitching is also simpler this way than sewing separate triangles together along with an unstable, stretchy, bias-cut edge.
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Half Square Triangles
Half square triangles are typically abbreviated to HST in most quilting patterns. They can be made in any size to suit the patchwork masterpiece you are creating.
Half square triangles can form a basis for many varied quilt blocks and are extremely versatile. They are one of the most popular units used in patchwork. They are also a great way to contrast two fabrics. Fabrics can be contrasted with patterns in a similar color, or be completely different colors.
If you are new to quilting, read my article on quilting for beginners for a great overview to this fantastic hobby.
Half Square Triangles – Supplies
- FABRIC – Quilting fabric and tightly woven cotton fabrics are best for making your half square triangles. You can use some of your scrap fabrics to make a quilt or purchase pre-cut bundles of layer cakes or charm squares. Fat quarters are also a good way to purchase fabric and maximize the number of patterns in your quilt. For quilting, choose smaller patterns so you can not cutting into the designs.
- THREAD – Strong thread suitable for quilting.
- PRESSER FOOT – You can use your all-purpose sewing foot and mark the stitching lines or use a foot with a 1/4 inch guide. A walking foot is also useful for eliminating puckers.
- CUTTING RULER, MAT & ROTARY CUTTER – Accurate cutting is essential for great results and a quilt that has matching seams.
How to Make Half Square Triangles
Here are 3 methods of making half square triangles. They vary in the amount of squares you end up with
- Method #1 – 2 patches
- Method #2 – 4 patches
- Method #3 – 8 patches
Method #1 – Traditional 2 Patch
This method is the traditional method and produces the best quality half square triangles. It is however the slowest method which may not be ideal if you are making a large quilt.
- PROS – Accurate and good quality
- CONS – Slow
2 Patch Sizing
Now of course you want to work out what size squares to start with, to end up with the correct size pieced square for your final block.
Formula
To do this you need to determine what size your finished square needs to be, then add 7/8 inch (2.2cm) to your original square for seam allowances.
So if you want a 3 inch (7.6 cm) square in your final block, your original squares must be 3 7/8 inches (9.4cm). On occasions, it may be easier to just add a full inch (2.5 cm) and trim your blocks down when squaring them up.
Here are some common half square triangles and the measurements for the square you need to start with.
| HST FINISHED SIZE | CUT SQUARES SIZE |
| 1″ (2.5cm) | 1 7/8″ |
| 1 1/2″ (4cm) | 2 3/8″ |
| 2″ (5cm) | 2 7/8″ |
| 2 1/2″ (6.3cm) | 3 3/8″ |
| 3″ (7.6cm) | 3 7/8″ |
| 3 1/2″ (8.9cm) | 4 3/8″ |
| 4″ (10cm) | 4 7/8″ |
| 4 1/2″ (11.4cm) | 5 3/8″ |
| 5″ (12.7cm) | 5 7/8″ |
| 5 1/2″ (14cm) | 6 3/8″ |
| 6″ (15.2cm) | 6 7/8″ |
2 Patch Sewing Instructions
Step 1 – Cut out Squares
First, measure out and cut out your squares. A rotary cutter is ideal for this. Don’t forget to include your seam allowances!
Step 2 – Mark the Diagonal
Draw a diagonal line on the back of one of your squares. Use a marker that won’t bleed into your fabric and can easily be removed.
Place your two contrasting fabric squares right sides together. Be precise when matching up your squares.
Step 3 – Stitch
Pin your squares together, then sew a ¼ inch (6mm) seam on either side of your diagonal line. You can draw stitching lines for yourself, or simply use your sewing machine foot as a guide.
STITCHING TIPS: Use a small stitch length of 1.5 so you don’t have to backstitch at the ends. This has the advantage of reducing bulk. This method is ideal for string piecing, where you prepare quite a number of squares in advance, and then sew along your diagonals one after the other without cutting the thread between pieces. This saves a lot of time. Be sure to remember to stitch on both sides of your diagonal line.
Step 4 – Cut the Diagonal
Cut along your diagonal line, open out, and you will have two half square triangles.
Step 5 – Press
Press these new squares you have created, and square them off neatly to make sure your seams match up perfectly when you are putting your final block together.
PRESSING TIPS
- When pressing, don’t move your iron along the fabric, as this can distort your bias seam. Just place your hot iron on top of your seam.
- Don’t be tempted to skip the pressing and squaring off, you will be glad you took this extra time later!
- If you are using a light and a dark fabric, press your seam towards the dark side so that it doesn’t show when you turn your block over to the right side.
Step 6 – Trim
After pressing, your squares will need a trim.
When you open them up, you will find little dog ears from your seam allowances. Trim these neatly as well as checking that the final size is accurate.
Method # 2 – Quick 4 Patch
This method will give you 4 patches of half square triangles at once. You will need to use slightly larger squares to start off with so your final patches don’t end up too small.
- PROS – Faster for making large quantities
- CONS – Once you cut through the stitching there is a chance that the stitching will unravel. This can be partly solved by using small stitch lengths. Also due to rounding in the formula, you will need to cut down the final squares slightly.
4 Patch Sizing
Here are some common half-square triangles resulting in 4 patches and the measurements for the squares you need to start with. There is a small amount of rounding in these calculations so check your finished sizes and trim accurately at the end.
Formula
Cut Square = Finished Size / 0.64
| HST FINISHED SIZE | CUT SQUARE SIZE |
| 1″ (2.5cm) | 1 5/8″ |
| 1 1/2″ (4cm) | 2 3/8″ |
| 2″ (5cm) | 3 1/8″ |
| 2 1/2″ (6.3cm) | 4″ |
| 3″ (7.6cm) | 4 3/4″ |
| 3 1/2″ (8.9cm) | 5 1/2″ |
| 4″ (10cm) | 6 1/4″ |
| 4 1/2″ (11.4cm) | 7″ |
| 5″ (12.7cm) | 7 7/8″ |
| 5 1/2″ (14cm) | 8 5/8″ |
| 6″ (15.2cm) | 9 3/8″ |
4 Patch Sewing Instructions
Step 1 – Cut out Squares
Cut 2 squares using the formula or chart above.
Step 2 – Mark the Diagonal
Draw diagonal cross lines on the back of one of your squares. Use a marker that won’t bleed into your fabric and can easily be removed.
Place your two contrasting fabric squares right sides together. Be precise when matching up the edges of your squares.
Step 3 – Stitch
Pin your squares together, then sew a ¼ inch (6mm) seam all the way around the outside of the square. Use a small stitch length since you will need to cut through the stitching and you don’t want it to unravel.
Step 4 – Cut the Diagonal
Cut along your diagonal lines, open out, and you will have four half square triangles.
Step 5 – Press and Trim
Press these new squares you have created, and square them off neatly to make sure your seams match up perfectly when you are putting your final block together.
METHOD #3 – Quick 8 PATCH
If you are piecing together a large quilt, there is an even faster way to make these half square triangles. The problem is, what you gain in speed you lose in bias stability and more complex size calculations! With this method, you can create eight half-square triangle blocks at a time. For those who want to give it a go, here is the method:
- PROS – By far the fastest method
- CONS – Lots of cutting and measuring is needed. You will need to trim the final squares due to rounding in the formula.
8 Patch Sizing
When sizing your squares for this method use the formula or follow the table below.
Formula
Cutting Size = (finished half square triangle + 7/8 inch) x 2
| HST FINISHED BLOCK | CUTTING SIZE |
| 1” | 3.75” |
| 2” | 5.75” |
| 3” | 7.75” |
| 4” | 9.75” |
| 5” | 11.75” |
| 6” | 13.75” |
| 7” | 15.75” |
| 8” | 17.75” |
| 9” | 19,75” |
| 10” | 21.75” |
8 Patch Sewing Instructions
Step 1 – Cut Squares
Place two equal size squares of fabric right sides together. Remember that you will be need large squares here, as each one will be cut into eight pieces.
Mark your square on the diagonals and through the center, as shown in the picture below.
Step 2 – Sew the Diagonals
Sew your ¼ inch (6mmm) seam on both sides of the diagonal lines, all the way across the square.
Step 3 – Cut on the Diagonal, Up and Down
Cut the square into eighths along each of the marked lines.
Step 4 – Press and Trim
Continue as before for trimming and pressing when making the single square units.
What completed blocks can I make with my half square triangles?
You can see from all these examples what a very versatile little block this is. If you add in a few solid squares, you can create even more blocks.
Here are just some of the most popular blocks that use half square triangles.
- Diamond shapes
- Negative image diamonds
- Zigzag
- Diagonal stripes
- Trapezoid shapes
- Flying geese
- Broken dishes
- Pinwheels
Half Square Triangles – In COnclusion
Once you have completed all your quilt blocks you can decide what your finished object is going to be. Will you make a teeny little mug rug? Or something in between like cushion covers, tote bags or a table runner? Or will you go all out and create a full-blown quilt?
You can coordinate your fabrics to fit in with your décor, or create a wonderful gift with a friend or family member’s favorite colors. The choice is yours! There are endless possibilities with these half square triangles! Enjoy experimenting with this handy quilt block.
More Quilting Articles
You can use the how to make a baby quilt tutorial to make a quilt with half square triangles instead of square patches. This easy tutorial can be used to make a quilt of any size.
Baby Quilt Quilting for Beginners Quilt Sizes Quilting Tools
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