How to make Half Square Triangles 2-at-a-time

When I started to quilt, one of the first terms I fell across was „HST“. And oh boy, did I felt lost in the quilting universe. I asked myself: „What the hack is a HST?“ Well, thanks to Google I learned that HST means „Half Square Triangle“. Did that help me? Not really, because now I was asking myself „What is a Half Square Triangle?“ After further research on the internet, a light dawned on me and I was fascinated by that simple yet brilliant and versatile quilt block.

HSTs are probably the most used quilt blocks when you look at quilt patterns. They offer endless possibilities and are easy to make.

Now, what exactly is a Half Square Triangle? It is a square quilt block unit made from two right-angle triangles and each triangle forms one „half“ of the square.

This tutorial includes a conversion chart and I show you the easiest way to make them – the 2-at-a-time method.

There are actually 3 different ways how you can make Half Square Triangles (HSTs) - the 2-at-a-time, the 4-at-a-time and the 8-at-a-time method. The most beginner friendly way is the two-at-a-time method - and perfect for quilts with lots of different HSTs and for scrappy quilts.

Are you ready to make some Half Square Triangles with me? Well, lets get started:

**You need:**

2 squares of differnt fabrics
any kind of marker (I use a pen)
ruler
rotary cutter
pins (optional)
the obvious like sewing machine, cutting mat, thread,…

Fabric MATH and sizes:

Don’t worry I’ve got you covered - below you find a cheating chart with all the info you need for making your Half Square Triangles. Basically the math for HSTs 2-at-a-time is super simple: just add 1’’ to the finished size of your HST. (finished means the size of your HST without seam allowance - so the size of your HST after piecing; unfinished means the size of your HST with seam allowance - so the size of your HST before piecing)

Example: your finished HSTs should be 4’’ then you have to cut two 5’’ squares (quite easy, right!)

If you are just starting out and feel safer with a bit more trimming space then I suggest you add 1 1/4’’ to the finished size of your HSTs.

**Step 1**

Cut 2 squares to the desired size

**Step 2**

On the wrong side of one square draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

**Step 3**

Place two squares right sides together and align their edges. Pin in place.

**Step 4**

Sew 1/4’’ away from the drawn line on each side.

**Step 5**

Cut along the central line to make two units.

Final Step: Trim your Half Square Triangles to your required unfinished size. See THIS TUTORIAL for a super fast and easy way for trimming your Half Square Triangles.