How To: Create 8 Half Square Triangles at Once

Sunday, August 23, 2015

For quilts that are made up entirely of half square triangles, you can make even more identical HSTs at once. My previous tutorial describes how to make 2 HSTs simultaneously, but I've got plans for a different quilt involving tons more of the little half square triangle buggers. This tutorial is adapted from Karen Walker's on craftsy.

1. Cut Two Squares ((finishedSize+1")*2)
   The finishedSize is how large the square will be in the quilt. In this case, my finishedSize will be 4", but with seam allowance this tutorial will produce 4.5" squares. So, these two large squares here are 10".
   
   
2. Draw 2x 45 Degree Lines Across Wrong Side of One Square
   
   
3. Layer Squares, Right Sides Together
   
   
4. Sew 1/4" Seam On Both Sides of Both 45 Degree Lines (4 seams)
   
   
5. Make 4 Cuts, Splitting the Square In Eighths
   (I like to cut horizontally, vertically, and then the two 45 degree angles last)
   
   
6. Iron Half Square Triangles, Seams Open
   
   
7. Trim Half Square Triangle to Desired Size
   In this case, 4.5", because my finished size is 4", with 1/4" seam allowance on each side.
   
   
8. Done 8 half square triangles! Keep going!