Eight HSTs Method (Half Square Triangles)

Do you have a quilt that needs a lot of HSTs (Half Square Triangles)? Making two at a time seems tedious, so why not make eight at a time?!

 Some people refer to this as the Magic 8 method. I find it super easy to make multiple blocks at a time. 

 Eight HST

 First you will need two squares of fabric.  

To figure out the size, take the finished size of the HST that you need, add 1 inch then times by two. For example, I need 1 1/2 inch finished size squares. So I add 1 inch ( = 2 1/2 inches) and times it by two. So I will need two squares of fabric that are 5 inches square. 

On the wrong side of one square, draw four lines as shown in the picture. Two diagonal from corner to corner. One vertically at the halfway point. One horizontally at the halfway point. 

Eight HST at a time

 Place both squares right sides together. Using a scant 1/4 inch seam, stitch on both sides of both diagonal lines. 

(A scant 1/4 inch seam is a seam that just short of a full 1/4 inch seam.)

Scant 1/4 inch seam

 Here is what it will look like after stitching. 

Eight HST at a time

Cut on all written lines. 

Eight HST at a time

Open up the HSTs and press to the dark side. Trim to the desired unfinished size. 

Eight HST at a time

There you go! There are lots of ways to arrange HSTs to make lots of different shapes. Here are just a few. 

HST sample layout

HST sample layout

HST sample layout

HST sample layout

HST sample layout

I hope you find this helpful.

Have fun quilting!


27 comments

  • I’m making a chevron snd this method will be perfect!!

    Kat
  • This is so slick. Thanks for sharing. The next quilt I’m planning has lots of HSTs. This will save me a lot of time.

    Pat
  • Thanks for the very useful knowledge. I’m a beginner at quilting, still need to learn a lot. your pattern is very clear and easy to learn

    Sandi
  • Thank you so much for your great lessons on hsts I love this method I will certainly try it thanks lyn

    Lynette Jones
  • Thank you so much I am learning shortcuts now will be very handy.

    Dorothy

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