how to make magic 8 half square triangle units

tutorial for half square triangles

how to make magic 8 half square triangle units

By Hatun Comak → Monday, June 8, 2020

If you are in need of making many many half square triangles, the magic 8 method is the right way to make them. With this method of doing half square triangles, you make eight HSTs at a time. There are some other methods to make half square triangles, where you make two or four HSTs at one time also. Half square triangles are one of the most used quilt blocks, either with other pattern combinations or alone. It is good  to know how to make these HSTs in a paractical way.
In this tutorial I will show you how to make 8 half square triangles at one time. 

You need two same size squares of fabric in different colors. I used 10" squares here. Mark a diagonal line across both diagonals on the wrong side of the fabric. It is shown in the image below.

Sew along with 1/4" seam allowance on both sides of the marked lines.

Using your rotary cutter, cut the square into eight. You will cut horizontally, vertically and diagonally.

Now you have 8 half square triangles. Open the blocks and press with finger or iron, seams open. Or you can press the seams through the dark fabric.

Trim the exess pieces, using your rotary cutter and ruler. The finished size of each HST unit meaaures 4.5 ".

You are done! Now 8 HSTs are ready to be assembled in a quilt.

Finally below is a cutting chart for half square triangle units for the magic 8 method.

I hope that this tutorial will be useful for you. Enjoy it!

Have a look at the video also to see the tutorial

There are many quilt patterns made by using half square triangles. Below is one of my quilts made by using half square triangles. You cam hava a look at it if you are looking for some inspiration.

Pinwheel Quilt

how to make half square triangles for quilts

tutorial for half square triangles

how to make half square triangles for quilts

By Hatun Comak → Sunday, September 30, 2018

Half square triangles (HSTs) are probably one of the most frequently used patchwork components. There are various ways of making these HSTs, but this technique is the favourite one for quilters. In this technique, briefly, you sew two squares of fabric together  diagonally . When you cut, you have two identical HSTs.

      Here is the tutorial to make half square triangles easily.

1. Cut the squares according to the measurements and colors needed. Here I use 2.5"x 2.5" squares. When you sew them, you have 2"x 2"  HSTs.
   
2. Pair two squares, right sides together. Use a pencil to draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of the fabric.
3. When calculating the HSTs you need to remember that each pair of squares produces two triangle square units.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Sew two squares together a quarter inch from the guide line. Sew both sides of the line.
   
5. Cut along the guide line so you have two triangles.
   
6. Open up one unit and press carefully, seams open. 
   
7. Trim the "ears" in the corners, and you get 2" squares. 

What to do with HSTs? Below are what I have done with HSTs so far.

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Pineapple Block

Apple Quilt Block