What is an HST or Half Square Triangle Block in Quilting?

This is one of the fundamental building blocks of patchwork, and one of the easiest ways to get started with this wonderful craft. By making squares which are each comprised of two triangles, you can create an incredible variety of blocks in an infinite combination of designs! We'll show you how to make perfect HSTs in six simple steps.


This post is sponsored by Janome

JanomeRGB-1


1

Pair

Cut two squares of fabric of the same size and place them right sides together.

Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-12.04.08


2

Mark

With the wrong side of the lighter square facing up, draw a diagonal pencil line from one corner to the other.

Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-12.04.15


3

Stitch

Sew a straight line, ¼" away from and parralel to the drawn line and then repeat on the other side of the line.

Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-12.04.23


Paula's Top Tip!
I always make my HST units a bit bigger than needed so that I can trim them down


4

Cut

Cut on the marked line. Tou will now have two HSTs for each square.

Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-12.04.32


5

Press

Open out and iron the seams towards the darker fabric.

Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-12.04.39


6

Clip

Trim these HSTs to the required size.

Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-12.04.45


HST Projects to Try

Find the complete step-by-step instructions for these three beautiful patchwork projects and much more inside the Quilting & Patchwork Encyclopedia. DOWNLOAD FREE HERE.

Downloadable ID: 372

If you liked this, you might also like...

How To Use a Rectangle Quilting Ruler

rectangle-quilting-ruler-tutorial-1

Expert Guide to Pinning: How to Pin Curves, Pin for Sewing, Pin for Overlocking and more!

pinning-collage

Quilting Glossary

q3