Making Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)
This BOM uses lots of HSTs! Below are directions for three
popular methods for making these units. My cutting instructions
call for squares large enough for methods A and B. Method C uses
squares that are 1/2 inch smaller - if you prefer this method just cut
your squares 1/2 inch smaller (for example, 3.5" instead of 4").
You will be sewing on the bias with any method
- be careful not to stretch the fabric as you sew.
Method A
1. Draw a diagonal line on the back side of the light fabric squares.
2. Sew 1/4" from each side of drawn line.
3. Cut on drawn line.
4. Open and press.
5. Trim to exact size needed.
Method B
1. Cut the squares in half diagonally.
2. Stack 2 triangles right sides together.
3. Sew on long side 1/4" from edge.
4. Open and press.
5. Trim to exact size needed.
Method C
This method gives you a small bonus HST for every regular size HST
made. The drawback is that there is no margin of error so you
must cut and sew accurately. The pinked edges on most "jelly
roll" strips fray and make this more challenging, but it's not
impossible. (Note: measure width of jelly roll strip from pinked
tip to pinked tip, not from dip to dip.)
1. Cut your squares the desired size of the unfinished HST
required. If you need 2.5" unfinished HSTs, cut 2.5" squares.
2. Draw a diagonal
line on the back side of the lighter square. Draw another line
1/2" from the first.
3. Sew on each line.
4. Cut halfway between the two lines of stitching.
5. Press open.
Trim small bonus HST to desired size.
Method D
This method makes 8
HSTs with just 4 lines of stitching. It's a great method to use
when making miniature blocks.
1. Cut squares twice the size needed for methods A and B.
2. Draw 2 diagonal lines on the back side of the lightest color
square.
3. With right sides together, stitch 1/4 inch from both sides of
both lines.
4. Cut in half
vertically and horizontally.
5. Cut each
small square in half diagonally. Press each unit open and trim to
desired size.
