Half-Square Triangles 8 at a Time

When you need eight identical HSTs, it is faster to make them all at once, rather than 2 at a time. The speed is because you are drawing fewer lines and stopping and starting your sewing machine fewer times. You can also use this method to do the first step of multiple QSTs, because the first step of making QSTs is to make HSTs. There will be a difference in the math, depending on whether your ultimate goal is to make HSTs or QSTs.

Math:

• For HSTs, add ⁷/₈" to the desired Finished size of the HSTs, then multiply by 2.
  • Example: You need 3" Finished HSTs.
    • 3 + ⁷/₈ = 3⁷/₈
    • 3⁷/₈ × 2 = 7¼.
    • The measurement you need to remember is 7¼"
• For the first step of QSTs, add 1¼" to the desired Finished size of the QSTs, then multiply by 2.
  • Example: You need 3" Finished QSTs
    • 3 + 1¼ = 4¼
    • 4¼ × 2 = 8½
    • The measurement you need to remember is 8½"

Cutting Instructions:

    Cut one square each of two different fabrics using the measurement you calculated above.

Sewing Instructions:

1. On the back of one of these squares, draw both diagonal lines as well as the vertical and horizontal center lines. If you now look at one quarter of this square, it looks just like the squares with the diagonal line from making HSTs 2-at-a-time.
2. Stack the two squares on top of each other, right sides together.
3. If necessary, pin the squares to keep them from slipping. This is recommended if the squares are very large.
4. Sew ¼ " on each side of the diagonal lines. Do NOT sew on or beside the vertical and horizontal center lines.
5. Cut the HSTs apart by first cutting on the vertical and horizontal center lines, then cut on the diagonal lines
6. Open the HSTs, press the seam allowances to one side, then trim the dog-ears.
7. If your ultimate goal is to make QSTs, now go to Step 2 of the Quarter-Square Triangle Tutorial.