How to Make
Individual Half Square Triangles

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Half square triangles are one of the standard units for patchwork piecing.

Quilting books also refer to them as a triangle squares or abbreviate it as 'HST'.

This unit is a square made from two equal right triangles.

The diagonal seam through the middle is on the bias while the outside edges are all of the straight of grain for stability.

In this lesson you'll learn how to make individual half square triangles, plus a bonus to use in another scrappy project. 

Let's get to it.

The Technique

Step 1

In this example, we want a 3-1/2" finished HST unit, so we cut two squares 3-1/2" plus 1/2" or 4" x 4".

Step 2

Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the lightest square.

This line need only be as dark as you need to see it. Take care not to 'pull' on the bias with your pencil. (I've used the Bohin Mechanical Chalk pencil in white in the picture below. This chalk pencil is my first choice for a marking tool because it produces a consistently fine line.

Step 3

Layer the two patches right sides together, aligning all the edges. Stitch on the line from corner to corner.

Step 4

If you're a scrap quilter, then stitch a parallel line, 1/2" from the first. This creates the 'bonus' triangle with enough fabric for seam allowances for both units.

Note the scrap piece of fabric. Sometimes your sewing machine wants to 'eat' the points of these squares. To eliminate this problem start by sewing onto a scrap first and then onto your squares. I call this scrap a 'spider', others call it a 'bunny tail' or anchor cloth. I'm sure there are more names...

It also helps to starch your quilt fabric before stitching.

Step 5

Press the unit flat to set the seam.

Step 6

Cut the sewn squares in two between the stitching lines.

If you chose not to create a bonus unit, then trim away the excess fabric 1/4" from the stitching line on one side.

Step 7

Finger press along the seam line to minimize the chance of a tuck forming. Press flat with your iron and trim off the dog ears. The dog ears have been trimmed from the larger triangle square (below, left), but not from the smaller, bonus unit (below, right).

The final triangle unit is 4" unfinished (the same size as the cut squares because you stitched down the center diagonal) or 3-1/2" finished. The bonus unit is approximately 3-1/4".

Admittedly, at some point, the bonus triangles just get too small.

But with larger half square triangles, you end up with a nice bonus unit with little extra work. Keep them neatly stored and trim just before using in your next scrap quilt.

Itchin' to stitch?

Now that you've got two different methods for making HST's, check out our Free Quilt Block Patterns library and put your skills to good use!