Making half-square triangles with the “Four at a Time” Method
Some quilt designs require a LOT of half-square triangle units. In that situation, it can be nice to make a bunch at a time. This method lets you make four at a time.
This might seem like a good idea, but it is only useful in certain situations.
The big problem with this method is that the edges in the finished pieces are on the bias. This will make them prone to stretching and difficult to work with.
This method is helpful if you have limited size and shape of fabric to work with, but otherwise, I recommend using other half-square triangle techniques.
See it All
Below you will find:
- video
- written tutorial with pictures
- evaluation of this method
- blocks that use half-square triangles
- quilts that use half-square triangles
Tutorial
Follow these steps to make half-square triangles four at a time.
Cut squares of fabric
For a 4″ finished unit, begin by cutting two 7-1/4″ squares.
For other sizes, the formula is:
size of square to cut = finished HST size (w/o seam allowances) x 1.8
Mark the corners
Mark 1/4″ in from the corners on the wrong side of one of the squares. This step is optional, but helpful especially if it’s your first time trying this method.
Stitch
Put the squares right sides together and sew all the way around the square with a seam 1/4″ from the outer edge, using the marked corners for accurate turns.
Pinning the squares together with help them not to shift while you are stitching them.
Cut
Cut the square from corner to corner on both diagonals.
Press
Unfold and press and you have four half square triangle units.
Trim
They will be a bit big, so a little trim will make them the perfect size as well as removing the dog ears.
Align the diagonal seam with the 45* angle line on the quilting ruler. Cut off a bit to make sure the edges are straight. Then turn the piece and trim the other corner to make it the exact size.
Finished Units
Once they have been trimmed, they will be the perfect size to use in your project.
Evaluation of the Four-at-a-Time Method
What’s Good
- fast
- makes 4 at a time
- little waste
What’s Not Good
- bias edges
- squaring up is tedious
- sometimes squares shift during stitching
When to use this method
- patterns require a lot of HST units
- you use a lot of starch before cutting
Rating: 2 out of 5
I know many people love this method, but I don’t prefer it. I don’t think the pros outweigh the cons. Bias edges stretching during construction can be fatal to a quilt.
Blocks with half-square triangles
Use your triangle units to make these blocks.
Quilts with half-square triangles
These quilts use half-square triangles along with other shapes to make beautiful quilts.
Twinkle in Blues
This quilt is a two-colour, medium sized version of the Twinkle Sampler Quilt Pattern.
Making Memories
This large version of the Making Memories quilt pattern is another two-colour quilt.
Pink Nine Patch Sampler
This is a sampler quilt with six different nine patch variations. Get free instructions to make your own Nine Patch Sampler Quilt.
Scrappy half-square triangle quilt
This is a scrappy quilt I made for my son. It is just half-square triangles made with a lot of different fabrics. The design comes from the light and dark layout.