Half Square Triangles made easy!

In preparation for the release of my free Snapdragon quilt pattern, I wanted to make sure you had a one stop reference for all things half square triangles.

In the pattern, I show you how to make 8 HST out of one larger square but there are many ways and tricks to making them.

Here are a few that I have found to be useful:

One half square triangle at a time:

This is the simplest of the ways to make them. Simply cut your 2 squares to the desired size of HST. Draw a line diagonally across the back of one square. Put right sides together and sew on the drawn line. Trim away the excess on one side of the sewn line, leaving 1/4” for the seam allowance, and press.

Two HSTs at a time:

Cut 2 squares to the desired HST size + 3/8”. If you want a 3” HST, cut the squares to 3 3/"8”. Draw a diagonal line across the back of one square. Place right sides together and sew a line 1/4” on either side of the drawn line. Cut along the drawn line and press the 2 HSTs.

4 HSTs at a time:

Cut 2 square to 5 1/2”. With right sides together, sew a straight line along all 4 edges. Cut the square diagonally from opposite corners twice to make 4 HST and press.

*this way causes your HST to be cut along the bias and therefore are prone to stretch. Make sure to starch well to help keep their shape.

8 HSTs at a time:

Cut 2 8” squares. Draw 2 diagonal lines across the back of one square. Sew 1/4” on either side of both lines. Cut along the drawn lines and down the vertical and horizontal mid lines of the squares. This will give you 8 HSTs that you can trim to be 3.5”