Why not practice making HSTs with one of these projects published in Make Modern magazine! Below are some of my all-time favourite beginner-friendly modern quilt patterns featuring HSTs. Check out our Beginner-Friendly Pattern Gallery for more beginner-friendly modern quilt projects.
How to make Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)
Tips
Posted on 12th September 2022
Half square triangles (HSTs) are one of the most popular units for quilt blocks due to the versatility of designs that they can create when a bunch of them are arranged. From stars, to diamonds, to chevrons, these little guys can pretty much do whatever you want them to do! Follow this tutorial to learn how to make quick pieced half square triangle units, two at a time.
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Step One
Half square triangle (HST) units are basically two 90 degree triangles sewn together. However, rather than stitching two triangles together, it’s much easier and more accurate to start with two squares of fabric to make two HST units. This is the most common method of making HSTs – you’re working with the grain of the fabric, meaning there is less chance of stretching because the edges are not on the bias.
The first step, after working out what size HSTs you want to make, is to cut two equal-sized squares of fabric and place them one on top of the other, with right sides together. On the back of one of the squares (usually the lighter fabric), mark a diagonal line with pencil or hera marker to dissect the square into two triangles.
Step Two
Sew a seam one quarter of an inch (¼”) away from the drawn line on both sides of the line. Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut on the drawn line and open each piece up to yield two HST units.
Step Three
Press your HST units open, pressing seams either open, or toward the dark fabric (this is usually recommended as it will help you to nest your seams when you sew them together later).
Step Four
Using a quilt ruler, trim your HSTs to the required size, making sure that the diagonal line is exactly in the centre of your half square triangle unit. If you have lots of HSTs, it can be tempting to skip this step. However, it’s important for accurate piecing, and will make your finished quilt look a lot tidier. A rotary cutter and a rotating cutting mat will make this step easier, and you can even buy special HST quilt rulers for increased accuracy and to speed up the process.
Handy HST Math
When making HSTs this way, your squares at the beginning should be ⅞” bigger than the finished size of your HST block. However, we recommend that you add a whole inch, leaving yourself some excess to trim at the end, and making your finished HSTs more accurate. Use this handy chart, originally published by our Maths & Methods Columnist Alyce Blyth from Blossom Heart Quilts in Make Modern Issue 3.
There are many other ways of making HSTs – four at a time, eight at a time, and even strip pieced HSTs. Each method has pros and cons. This two at a time method is the most common, and usually what we recommend for beginners, or when you need large HSTs. However, if you need to make lots of small HSTs, you may like to try an alternate method.
Wrecked Angles Quilt
Published in Make Modern Issue 41
By Audrey Mann & Diane Brinton
Purchase Issue
Once you’re done making your quilt top, get some inspiration for how to quilt them with our favourite motifs for quilting HSTs by our Quilt Like a Rockstar Columnist HollyAnne Knight in Make Modern Issue 39.
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