Choosing a half-square triangle method
There are many different ways to stitch half-square triangle units. Every quilter should know more than one way to make this popular quilt shape.
But once you know different methods of construction, how do you decide which one to use for your project?
These questions will help you decide what method you should use for your next HST project.
Do you have a favourite method?
Yes
Then use that one. Don’t let quilt police tell you that there is only one way.
No
Go to next question.
Do you have small fabric sizes?
Yes
If your fabric is narrow, you might need the strip piecing method.
If you have small squares, you might need the four at a time method.
(Note: When you have other options, I don’t recommend these methods. The outer edges are on the bias, so they can be difficult to work with.)
No
Go to next question.
Are you brand new to half-square triangles
OR
Do you struggle with half-square triangles?
Yes
Try the easiest ever method.
This method has no tricky math and gives accurate results
No
Go to next question.
Do you have a cutting machine (and die for the size you need)
or
Are you very accurate with cutting and stitching?
Yes
Try the obvious method.
This method is just cutting triangles and sewing them together.
No
Go to next question.
Do you need a lot of HST units?
Yes
Go to next question.
No
Try the most popular method.
This common method gives great results but only makes two at a time.
Do you like squaring up the finished units?
Yes
Try the 8 at a time method or the grid method.
Both of these methods are useful for making large numbers of units, but they require trimming the pieces to square them up.
No
Try paper piecing.
Paper piecing gives the perfect size with no need to trim the finished pieces.
Whatever method you use, practice will make it easier to get accurate half-square triangles.
Enjoy using these in many different projects.
Blocks with half-square triangles
Show off your triangle piecing skills in these versatile blocks.
Quilts with half-square triangles
After making these quilts, you will become an expert at half-square triangles.
Making Memories
Making Memories is a quilt that is made with only squares and half-square triangles.
Twinkle Sampler
If you’re ready for a challenge, Twinkle Sampler uses half-square triangles, but also other triangle units like flying geese, quarter-square triangles and split half-square triangles.