Hella Basic Blocks: Half Square Triangles
Join me in making a Hella Basic Block! This month’s focus is on Sarah’s favorite simple block, the Half Square Triangle or HST. This tutorial will work through both block assembly and will offer three sizes of block and will include tips and time saving tricks to make this block come together fast! Perfect for tossing together a quick and easy quilt, or sharing with your quilting bee for a block of the month!
Here’s what you need to get started:
FABRICS
Two contrasting colors from scrap piece up to 3/4 yard each depending on size of block and piecing method.
TOOLS
Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
Ruler
Sewing Machine
Coordinating Thread
Pencil
Scissors and/or Snips
Straight Pins or Clips
Iron and Pressing Mat
Fabric Cuts
Cutting instructions below create either two (2) half square triangles, or eight (8) half square triangles.
Block Construction
Follow instructions below for either the two-at-a-time method or the eight-at-a-time method.
Create two-at-a-time Half Square Triangles (HSTs) by first marking a diagonal guideline across the wrong side of one of the starting squares. Layer the squares right sides together and sew 1⁄4″ away from each side of the marked diagonal line. Cut along the marked diagonal line to create two pieces. Press seams open or to the side depending on preference. Trim each HST to the correct size.
Create eight-at-a-time Half Square Triangles (HSTs) by first marking two diagonal guidelines across the wrong side of one of the starting squares. Layer the squares right sides together and sew 1⁄4″ away from each side of the marked diagonal lines. Cut along the marked diagonal lines to create four pieces. Cut each of the four pieces in half to create eight (8) HSTs. Press seams open or to the side depending on preference. Trim each HST to the correct size.
Trimming HSTs
Project Ideas
This block comes together so fast and can easily be made into a quilt top. See below for layout ideas based on block size as well as options for mixing and matching to create a one-of-a-kind piece!
Throw Size Quilt
Mixing and Matching
Because the blocks are sized to be multiples of the largest block (6, 9, and 18), it is easy to add up smaller blocks to join alongside a larger block. The possibilities are endless!
More Ideas and Inspiration
Fun fact: The first quilt I ever made was a HST baby quilt for my son! I still love to dabble in creating HST projects. They’re just so satisfying! Here’s some of the recent creations I’ve made using HSTs.
This quilt is the first Mix and Match example from above, using all three, six, and nine inch HSTs. I opted to play with color placement to create a dynamic effect. I especially love the way the blue HSTs give some texture around the edge!
Fabric collection is First Blooms by Riley Blake Designs.
This quilt uses six inch HSTs in a 11x11 grid. This was a project I completed for Riley Blake Designs using their Sunsetridge collection and I opted to highlight the prints against a creamy white background color. I find that using a solid color adds contrast and allows the prints to be the feature of the quilt. I arranged the colors in a gradient and I love how it flows!
This double sided table runner uses three inch HSTs in two contrasting fabrics. One side is the same print but in two different colorways, and the other side is two different prints. I arranged the HSTs in a pinwheel style arrangement and I think it gives some great texture and flow to the two fabric runner. The runner is arranged in a 16 x 4 grid, measuring at 48” x 12”. It’s perfect for your tabletop!
Fabric collection is Morning Meadow by Riley Blake Designs.
Congratulations on creating your Hella Basic Half Square Triangle Project!
Share your progress and makes on social media using the #HellaBasicBlock and #SarahJeanMakes hashtags. Please tag me at @SarahJeanMakes so I can cheer you on!
