Half-Square Triangle Quilt (HST)

Half-Square Triangle Quilt (HST)

Skill: Confident beginner • Time: Weekend+ (piecing and quilting)
Sizes (approx.):

• Throw: 60″ × 72″ (e.g., 48 blocks at 12″ finished)

• Twin: 70″ × 90″

• Full/Queen: 85″ × 95″

Materials

• 2–3 coordinating quilting cottons (solids or prints)

• Batting (to match quilt size)

• Backing fabric (wideback or pieced yardage)

• Thread, sewing machine

• Rotary cutter, mat, quilting ruler

• Marking pen/pencil, iron

• Binding strips (2½″ wide)

• Pins or clips

Steps

1. Cut fabric squares
   Cut equal numbers of squares from each fabric (e.g., 7" x 7" to yield trimmed 6½″ HST blocks).

2. Make half-square triangles (HSTs)
   Pair two squares right sides together.
   Draw a diagonal line on the back of one.
   Stitch ¼″ on both sides of the line, then cut on the line.
   Press and trim each HST to uniform size.

3. Arrange layout
   Lay out your HSTs in your chosen design — pinwheel, chevron, diamonds, or zig-zag. Snap a photo to remember placement.

4. Assemble the quilt top
   Sew blocks into rows using a ¼″ seam allowance. Join rows; press seams open or to one side.

5. Layer the quilt
   Place backing (right side down), batting, and quilt top (right side up). Pin or spray baste.

6. Quilt the layers
   Quilt in straight lines, diagonals, or echo patterns using a walking foot for best results.

7. Trim and bind
   Trim excess batting and backing. Bind the quilt with 2½″ strips using your preferred method (machine or hand).

Pro Tips

• Use a square ruler to trim every HST block for precise points.

• Press carefully — bias edges on triangles can stretch.

• Solids, ombrés, or low-volume prints give modern contrast.

• Chain-piece units in bulk to speed up sewing.

• Use sashing or borders to expand smaller layouts.

FAQs

Can I make this scrappy instead of matchy?
Yes! Use different light and dark fabrics for bold contrast. Great for stash busting.

Do I need to trim every HST?
Yes — it’s the best way to get sharp, accurate points in the final layout.

Is this good for beginners?
Absolutely. HSTs teach cutting, sewing accurate seams, trimming, pressing, and layout planning — all in one approachable project.

Suggested Layout Ideas

• Chevron / Zig-Zag

• Pinwheels

• Hourglass blocks

• Diamond Radiating Center

• Rows of Arrows or Mountains

Callouts to Feature

• “Half-square triangles: your next favorite building block!”

• “Geometry meets creativity — no two layouts ever look the same.”

• “Make it matchy or make it scrappy — HST quilts flex to your style.”

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