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How to make the Perfect Half Square Triangles

Half Square Triangles or HSTs are one of the most common quilting block units.How to make a Half Square Triangle in Quilting

Watch this video or read on to learn how to make half square triangles.



COMPLETE VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE! The video below is a preview with no audio, to watch the whole video tutorial, click the link How to make the Perfect Half Square Triangles to watch in Youtube.


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STEP 1:
To make half square triangles, first you must determine the size squares you need to cut.

In order to get the correct finished square size, most people will cut the fabric squares 7/8 inches larger then the finished square size they want. For instant, if you want a finished square size of 3 inches, you would cut fabrics squares 3 7/8 inches.

However, I like to cut the fabric squares a little larger because the half square triangles units may distort when sewing them the units together. By the unit being larger, I can trim the unit to the correct size. I prefer to cut the squares 1 inch larger than the finished square size. So if I want a finished square size of 3", I cut the fabric square 4 inches.

After determining the fabric square size, cut two squares of contrasting colors. Usually you use a light and a dark fabric.

STEP 2:
On the wrong side of the lighter fabric, with a pencil, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Half Square Triangle

STEP 3:
Place one light square and one dark square with right sides together, aligning all four sides. Pin in place.


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STEP 4:
Sew 1/4" away from the marked line on each side. If you have a 1/4" quilter presser foot, this is very easy to do. If you do not have a 1/4" presser foot, you will need to draw the sewing lines on the fabric.

STEP 5:
Cut the unit in half along the center line.

Half Square Triangle

STEP 6:
Before opening the unit, place the triangle square up ruler on the triangle unit and match up the marking for the finished block size along the seam. Trim as needed.

Half Square Triangle
We have also discovered this Trim-Lock Quilt Block Trimming Tool that makes trimming half-square triangle blocks quick and easy!  This tool is used after you've pressed the block open.  Click the link to view the demonstration for this Trim-Lock tool.

STEP 7:
Press the seam to set the seam. Then open the block, right side up. With the tip of the iron, carefully press along the seam making sure the seam allowance in the back is pressed toward the darker color.

STEP 8:
Cut off the dog ears. Dog ears are tiny pieces of fabric that stick out at the corners.

STEP 9:
Check the measurement again. The unit should measure 1/2 inch wider and taller then the desired finished unit size.

Half Square Triangle
 A Half Square Triangle

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Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

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Quilting Tutorial - Half Square Triangle - Pin


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