HST - 8 from 1
TUTORIAL
The ‘Half square triangle’ or ‘HST’ method, I find is a quick and accurate way to create half triangle squares so commonly used in quilting patterns. Basically, you sew two squares of fabric together, and then cut producing identical half triangle squares. Simple! The bonus of this method is there is less likelihood of your square distorting as the bias seam is enclosed.
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I prefer to cut my initial squares a little larger than most quilters and then square them up at the end. I use this formula – double the finished square size & add 2inch. This allows me to trim down accurately & gives me a precise block at the end and makes assembly SO much easier.
Preparation is key! Materials required for HST 8 from 1
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Sharp pencil
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Fabric – at least two different materials
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Thread
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Rotary cutter
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Square rotary ruler
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Cutting mat
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Straight Pins
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Iron & ironing board
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Sewing machine
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¼ inch foot – not essential but certainly a helpful tool
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Step 1: Cut out squares
Determine what size triangle square you want to create, and then double it & add 2 inch to it. For example; for an unfinished 5 1/2 inch triangle square, I would cut the fabrics at 12 inch square (finished size = 5, double this = 10, add 2 = 12).
Select your two fabrics, and cut your two squares out.
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Step 2: Mark up the squares
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Using a ruler and pencil, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the reverse side of the lightest fabric. Repeat for the other corners.
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You can use a pencil or pen it doesn't matter, just as long as it does not bleed into the fabric. This will be a cut line later on, so will not be seen on the finished side of the quilt.
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** If you don’t have a ¼ inch foot, using a different colour, draw two more lines a ¼ inch from the diagonal line on either side. These outside lines will be your sewing lines.
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Step 3: Sew & cut squares
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Place the two squares right sides together, edges matched and pin. With your quarter inch foot on your sewing machine, sew along either side of the drawn line.
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Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut along the central diagonal lines (the pencil lines) plus the central horizontal line & the central vertical line.
Ensure you cut through both layers of fabric.
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** If you don’t have a ¼ inch foot, sew along the outside lines which are in a different colour.
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Step 4: Press and trim
You now have eight half triangle square blocks. Open these up and press the seam towards the darker fabric.
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**You can use steam to set and iron open these seams.
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Using your ruler and rotary cutter, trim the squares to the desired size.
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** Using a square ruler with a line on the diagonal makes it easy to trim back.
Whilst it may take a little longer to create your half triangle squares using this “oversized” triangle method, I find it makes it quicker overall as the blocks are exact.
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Give you completed block a good iron.
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Congratulations! You have a finished block.
This is not a step to miss, even if they look close to the right size.
Don't skip it! This right now makes or breaks your quilt!
Okay a little dramatic, but it is important.
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TIPS:
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Accuracy is important, check that you have a nice sharp blade and a clean cutting mat.
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Make sure your seams are straight! A wonky seam will result in a wonky HST.
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Pressing is your friend. Use it and use it often! Finger pressing will not do the job with HST!
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Trimming... this comes back to accuracy. Trim carefully & accurately. AND most importantly, don't skip this step!
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Don't rush, you'll be rewarded with beautiful, perfect squares.
Quilt patterns that use HST:
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