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Home Fabrics Sale Fabric Fat Quarters Kits Patterns Notions Batting Books Secrets Quilts Articles Free Blocks What's New Ideas & Tips Links Events E-mail Us Help Site Map QuiltBug Quilt Shop 169 Main St, PO Box 273 Esperance NY  12066 We are on the border of Schoharie and Schenectady County Ph: (888) 817-6577 or (518) 875-9400 Fax: (518) 875-9401 Go to map Visit Duanesburg! Store Hours Mon - 10 - 8 Tues - Sat: 10 - 5 (classes may run later) Join our mailing list Name: Email Address: Password: Choose a Newsletter: QuiltBug News Delivery Format: HTML TEXT AOL Text Manage Subscriptions     Tell a friend about this site: Member:

 Half Square Triangles

Tips, Tools and Techniques

Hundreds of quilt blocks include Half Square Triangles (HSTs.)   This block is made of two triangles, each representing half a square, hence the name. The challenge is to quickly and accurately make these triangles in the quantities needed for a quilt.  

The traditional method for making HSTs is to cut two differently colored squares in half on the diagonal, swap them, then sew them back together on the diagonal.  The Marti Michell templates are made for this purpose.  They are placed on a strip of fabric with the blunt end against the cut side.  (see picture below) When the triangles that are cut out with this template are sewn, the "dog ear" will already be cut off.  Rotating the template avoids waste.

Easy Angle Ruler This ruler is designed to be used for half square triangles.  Lay it over a strip of fabric (matching the line on the ruler) to cut your first triangle (click on the picture thumbnail to the left). Then flip it to cut the second one (click on the picture thumbnail to the right).   The numbers along the side of the ruler give the size of the HST you will make using each of the strip sizes shown.  Fast - Accurate Triangles can now be cut from the same strips used for squares.  You can even use the lines on this ruler to cut the squares.  Designed with 1/4in seam allowance. Order the Easy Angle Ruler (up to 4 1/2") for $6.95 Order the Easy Angle Ruler (up to 6 1/2") for $9.95 Order the Easy Angle Ruler (up to 10 1/2") for $12.95

The Omnigrid 96 and 98 The Omnigrid 96 (left) works much like the Easy Angle Ruler.  To use just layer a light and dark strip right sides together and use the ruler to cut out triangles. The 1/4" seam allowance is already calculated for you.  To make  2 1/2" HSTs, you would use the 2" line.  Because of the blunt end on the ruler, your triangles will already have the "dog ear" cut off. This makes them easier to feed through the machine as the tiny triangle point doesn't get caught in the feed dogs.  Made from a durable, premium quality acrylic plastic and laser cut for a smooth edge that allows for easier, deeper cutting of fabric layers. The patented double line effect is printed in black and yellow which allows the user to see the grid on both dark and light fabrics. Designed for left and right handed users. The Omnigrid 98 (right) works the same way, but it cuts quarter square triangles.  Order the Omnigrid 96 Ruler (HSTs up to 6") for $13.69 Order the Omnigrid 96L Ruler (HSTs up to 8") for $12.59 Order the Omnigrid 98 Ruler (HSTs up to 6") for $10.49 Order the Omnigrid 98L Ruler (HSTs up to 8") for $12.59

Another method of making half square triangles is to place two squares right side together, draw a line on the diagonal of the lighter square, then sew 1/4" from this line on both sides. Cut on the diagonal line and you will have two half square triangles. The squares you start out with should be 7/8" larger than the finished size of the final HST.  The Quick Quarter ruler (below) is made to help with this.  It is exactly 1/2" wide so you can draw the sewing line, and has slots in the center so you can draw the cutting line.  Order the 8" long Quick Quarter Ruler for 2.85 or the 12" long Quick Quarter Ruler for 3.90

Thangles are a method of paper piecing HSTs using this same general principal.  With Thangles you cut strips rather than squares.  (Click on the demo card to the left.) You pin the paper to the two strips, sew on the dotted line and cut on the solid line.  Fifteen sizes are available.  For more details or to purchase Thangles, click here.

The Wondercut Ruler No drawing lines or pinning papers with this method!  Use the lines on the long side of the ruler to cut strips, then sew the strips together the long way, making a tube. Use the diagonal lines on the corner of the ruler to cut triangles from this tube.  Open them up and you have HSTs.  For more details and quilt block ideas, visit the Wondercut Ruler website.  Order the Wondercut Ruler for $17.50.

Square in a Square ruler.   This is an amazingly versatile ruler, used for making a variety of blocks. Complete and detailed instructions included with the ruler. Order the  Square in a Square ruler for $19.95 Although both the square in a square ruler and the wondercut ruler produce half square triangle blocks which have the outer edge on the bias, the fact the seam is sewn on the straight of grain keeps the blocks stable.

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