Hi All! Today I have a great little tutorial for you on how to make an easy half square triangle quilt block.

What is a Half Square Triangle Quilt Block?

Also known as a HST, a half square triangle uses two triangles sewn together to form a square. After a typical square or rectangle block, it is a great basic beginner blocks to learn to make quick quilts that have a ton of versatility.

Many star and mosaic blocks are built using a HST somewhere in the quilt block so learning how to make them quickly will definitely come in handy later in your quilting career.

In this tutorial I’m going to show you how to make 2 HST’s at the same time and save yourself time cutting and sewing on your next quilt!

Where to start…

We start with 2 square of the fabrics you want in your half square triangle, right sides together. They will need to be cut 1 inch larger than the final size you want the block. 

If you read other tutorials they will likely tell you to cut your squares 7/8 of an inch larger than your desired block size. 

By cutting it 7/8 inch larger your blocks will come out perfectly the size you want after sewing. But if you are like me, getting that perfect 1/4 inch seam allowance is generally easier said than done. 

By going the extra 1/8 of an inch, you give yourself a bit of wiggle room to trim the blocks down to the perfect consistent size.

It’ll add an extra step to trim the blocks down, but saves you the hassle of working in bulk when your blocks are different sizes later.

Neither way is wrong, just a preference, so I’ll leave it up to you which measurement you prefer.

Before we sew

Before you start sewing, take your trusty quilting ruler and draw a line with a pen from corner to corner on the back of the lighter of the two fabric squares. 

This is going to serve as a guide for us when we go to sew.

Now we’re ready

Head on over to the sewing machine and sew 1/4” on one side of the line you drew on each set of squares

Now turn the chain around and sew 1/4” down the other side of the drawn line. 

Time to finish it up

Using your rotary cutter and quilting ruler, cut right on the line and separate your two new half square triangles!

Head on over to the iron and give them a press open and trim them down to your final size. 

And Off You Go!

Now you have two new beautiful half square triangles to use in your quilt! 

Wash rinse repeat for the amount of blocks that you need for your pattern.

You can use them as a part of a bigger block, or you can make entire quilts out of just half square triangles.

The options are limitless so its time to get creative. 

Want to see how I used mine? Check out my quilt reveal for a chevron baby quilt!

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Till Next Time!