4 Ways to Make Half-Square Triangles

Half-square triangles are a fundamental building block in quilting, used to create intricate designs and patterns! In this blog post, we'll show you four different ways to make half-square triangles whether that's by one at a time, or eight at a time! Let's go!

 

1 HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLE AT A TIME:

1. 2 squares at cut size (see example below).
2. Draw a line from corner to corner.
3. With right sides together, sew directly on drawn line.
4. Cut 1/4" away from sewn line.
5. Press open.
6. Square up to CUT size.

EX) If you want a 2" FINISHED half-square triangle, you will need to cut (2) 2.5" squares.

 

 

2 HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLES AT A TIME:

1. Cut (2) squares at cut size + 1" (see example below.)
2. Draw a line from corner to corner.
3. With right sides together, sew 1/4" away from each side of the drawn line.
4. Cut down the center, directly on the drawn line.
5. Press open.
6. Square up to CUT size.

EX) If you want 2" FINISHED half-square triangles, you will need to cut (2) 3.5" squares (2.5" + 1" = 3.5")

 

 

4 HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLES AT A TIME:

 

1. Cut (2) squares at cut size X (times) 2 (see example below).
2. Place right sides together and sew 1/4" around all 4 sides.
3. Cut at each diagonal.
4. Square up to CUT size.

EX) If you want 2" FINISHED half-square triangles, you will need to cut (2) 5" squares (2.5" X 2 = 5")

 

 

8 HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLES AT A TIME:

1. Cut (2) squares at cut size X (times) 2 + 1 (see example below).
2. Draw a line from corner to corner from both diagonals.
3. With right sides together, sew 1/4" away from each side of the drawn lines.
4. Make (4) cuts: vertical, horizontal, and down both diagonals.
5. Press open.
6. Square up to CUT size.

EX) If you want 2" FINISHED half-square triangles, you will need to cut (2) 6" squares (2.5" X 2 + 1 = 6")

 

As you can see, there are lots of different ways to make half-square triangles! Try out one of these methods the next time you need half-square triangles!

 

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