5 Ways to Make Perfect Half Square Triangles! How to Choose the Best Method + Worksheet Download!

[@joyphillips3069]

I like trimming my half Square triangles with a special ruler I have before I open them up to iron them I trim them while they're still folded and it's so much faster cuz you've only got two sides to trim

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I've seen those but never tried one! Only trimming two sides is a big timesaver though.

[@lysetterivera9452]

I do the same thing. Much easier.

[@elsiemontgomery5866]

Me too. I make them using long strips and then use ruler to cut to size.

[@cindyg1243]

OMG Thank you for this video. I needed to make 96 HSTs, all from only 2 fabrics, and your 8 at a time saved me so much time and figuring. I did test it out on practice fabric first because I needed a specific size finished block of 4 at a time, but so easy and so fast. After cutting twenty-four 13" blocks, I sewed the 12 in 30 minutes. Now to cut and iron.

[@joshuaharper372]

Your loud quilt top looks like it would make a good (pieced) quilt back. I have done that before if a top didn't quite turn out as expected.

[@Maria_O]

Great idea!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Yes!! What a great idea!! It even turned out pretty decently large, so I'm sure I'll have a quilt top that will match up with it at some point.

[@wendynorman6965]

Joshua did you have a problem squaring your back? I tried to use a pieced backing for a quilt and although I was careful to match up centres, when I started to quilt the front, the lines were way off on the back. Did you manage to overcome this problem?

[@Marla.22]

Great Idea

[@tfrankum01]

Just came across your station and love watching you! Your voice is so soothing. Very enjoyable and informative videos!

[@armeyf]

I just wish i knew what fabric you're using. I love that!

[@sarah-bethhogg]

Every Tuesday is a good day - because that's when your videos drop. :P Really great and useful tutorial. One question I do have is about directional fabrics - because depending on the direction, 4 at a time or 8 at a time can help with that. Also, I use the tool (the Quick Quarter II Quilter's Rule or it is sometimes also called a Quarter Inch Seam Marker)...you line up the corners in the peek-a-boo opening (on my preferred type) or the centre line on the other of the tool and then draw the lines on either side. Although I have to draw 2 lines instead of 1, it means I can sew on a line instead of using the line as a guide and it really doesn't take any longer to draw 2 lines instead of 1. Also, for some reason, bloc loc rulers are hard to find in Canada lol. Have a great week.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I've seen that little quarter inch ruler! It does seem super handy, especially since its hard to use the seam guide with the multiple at a time methods. I love the mindlessness of just sewing on a line :)

[@rajanimarathe1524]

Very nice

[@rebeccafoster-faith6647]

You missed the two "strip" methods. One - sew 5" strips together along both sides. Then use triangle to cut along seam. Results bias edges but gives you ALOT of HSTs Fast and Square. 2 - I use creative grids 4 in 1 hst ruler for this. Tricky to explain but ill try. Layer 4.5 strips together but do not sew. Cut fabric sets of triangles so that hypotenuse is on angle and sides are in straight of grain. Result is unattached hsts (like your method #2) but with blunt tip. I like to pin at this point so they don't shift and then use them as leaders and enders.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I totally forgot about the strip method! I've seen it used to get a bunch of HSTs from jelly roll strips! I like your method--it sounds right up my alley!

[@elsiemontgomery5866]

It’s my favorite and easiest for me!

[@louradelaney8074]

This was very interesting, but let’s NOT do the math 🤷🏼‍♀️ I must admit, you showed a Pythagorean triangle and my brain just started going ‘la la laaaaaaaa’.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

lol. I know--i'm sorry!! I know quilt math isn't everyone's favorite!!

[@louradelaney8074]

Tiny Orchard Quilts not your fault, I flunked maths so many times at school 😂

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

@@louradelaney8074 lol. I felt that way about every single foreign language I've ever tried to learn.

[@donnarichey144]

I don't know if you know or not, but there are so many commercials on here. By watching other video's they didn't know that, you have to go in and uncheck a box or something so you don't get all of those. There is like 5 or 6. It gets to be old when watching video's.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

How annoying! There definitely shouldn't be so many. I don't have a lot of control over where videos are placed but I'll see what I can do.

[@donnarichey144]

@@TinyOrchardQuilts I have told others because they were not aware of all the pop ups. Most are like 6 of them. You must have to go in somewhere to uncheck a commercial box or in to default. Not sure. I know its not you. Its just like fb too with all the things too. Everyone is so greedy with trying to get more money for everything. Just like tv when they went to digital. Its not fair the elderly like the old way and it was free. Its so expensive. Ugh. God Bless. I just found your video's and enjoy thank you.

[@AmeliaFranke]

It seems easy when I listen to you , like my friend said I just have to focus on it 😊

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

It’s all practice :) we all went through that learning curve and one point! ❤️

[@charlotted6247]

Great great great lesson on HST. That happens to be exactly what I needed also !!!! Love the back wall and the green chair--- love love love the green chair!!!

[@juliamandeville7503]

I downloaded the printable back in November of 2020 and I am relooking at it and the formula/directions for the 4-at-a-time HSTs is wrong -- has the same sewing directions as 2-at-a-time and the formula is not as clear on the printout as in the video -- Formula should note, that c is the diagonal length of the initial square size and that from the finished HST size (f), c=((2x(f+.5))+1); therefore [shown as a MS Excel formula with the rounding to the next 1/4"]: CEILING(SQRT((((2*(A2+0.5))+1)^2)/2), 0.25)

[@airmom8716]

Your information is great. You really need help with your filming presentation...... Do you mind if I give you some good advice? First, I am having an uncomfortable feeling watching your facial shots because they are SO CLOSE UP especially when you use the same screen space to suddenly fling the fabric squares on either side of your face! IT is just too much crammed into that small area of the screen and leads toward where you can"t really see the fabric well there. In Summary: The facial shots: way too close up. Try panning back and adding your body also. The mat presentation is good. The time with just you talking alone becomes rambling very soon.... It is too much for a beginner to understand without any demonstration. Your goal is to teach right? Try grouping demonstration with talking at the same time and you won"t be overwhelming with JUST the verbal information alone. You have a wonderful engaging face on camera! I like watching you. Some of your speech at times snips off the words and could use better diction. You obviously have some very useful information! I would redo this video and use the pointers to end up with a fabulous presentation! I am sure you will get more satisfied viewers in the future and your following will grow!

[@wendydavis940]

This is brilliant! Thanks for putting this together!

[@cr2884]

I love audio books. Did you know you can get a free library card and get free audio books as well. I have 2 Library cards. Each library has different books and different wait lists. Just fyi.

[@gigiontube]

I heard soooo many times HST that it still rings in my ear after an hour of watching your video. Please don’t repeat so many times the same words. For instance, if you say… Another method to obtain “these”…. We know what you are talking about… not need to hear it over and over again. Anyway, thanks for your effort to make this video. 🤗

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

So how about stitching on both sides of the diagonal like you did when making 8 at a time, but only cutting the diagonals. Then you get four HSTs but the outside edges are no longer on the bias. If you have a directional fabric you might get mirror image HSTs ???

[@AlexaY82]

Here's a math shortcut: If you know the length of the smaller side of the triangle, just multiply it by 1.4142 to get the diagonal. Works for all half square triangles. (Doesn't work for half rectangular triangles.)

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thats a great tip! :)

[@JudiStull]

Thanks for explaining the math. I usually just guess. Lol

[@rebeccafoster-faith6647]

Oh- and there is also the sheet method where you can make ... 20 ish at a time from fat quarters. Lots of marking and cutting but similar approach to 8 at a time method.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

woah!! I've not seen this! Im going to look for it!

[@stormyg1945]

You lost me with the Pythagorean theorem. No one wants to do that! Too complicated. I hated geometry in high school - now I know why!

[@patriciacarnie3959]

I just stumbled across your video today for the first time and I subscribed! You have so much personality, it makes for interesting viewing. I love making HST units and enjoyed this video. I tried using the hst paper in a class I took where the hst were 1 1/2" unfinished and 1" finished. I couldn't have succeeded without those papers. They make for exact hst. I'm a 76 yo grandmother and 2" finished are about my limit.

[@JessicaSmith-gd1fu]

You are such a good teacher! As for the loud quilt, I am personally itching to get out the seam ripper and save that fabric for another day. On the other hand, I have also done what Joshua Harper suggests with my less successful outcomes. Thanks for all the careful thought and work you put into your videos.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I was tempted to take it apart but I do have a lot more of this fabric!! I think I'm going to take the suggestions and use it as a backing for another small quilt :). My daughter will probably love it!

[@lindawalter4055]

another way to make your HSTs all different or scrappy is using the Accordion style HST bye Eva Paige. I love this method for some projects. I do so enjoy all of your tutorials.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Those little ends of the diagonal cut pieces get stuck un the needle hole of your sewing machine and for that reason I truly hate to do them that way.

[@DesignsByGigi]

My favorite that I do is the 8 at one time! ❤ thank you for the video!!!!!!

[@gwynwellliver4489]

Use what you made as a backing. Love the colors.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

That’s a great idea. I do love the prints!

[@janeneathey8977]

Thank you so much for all your great tutorials, they’re so helpful for a newbie like me. Please could I ask if you’ve done anything on pressing seams? I was interested to hear that you press your seams open and I would love to hear your pros and cons for open and “to the dark” seams. Thanks again xxx

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Try as I might, the worksheet will not download and yes, I did enter my email!

[@leavesongrass]

I love your green chair! You should do a separate video about the 8 at a time HSTs because it’s not as common. I have found the paper backing method you mentioned to work really well for small triangles.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks!! The chair is from ikea--I wish it came in green still! I can see how the paper would work really well for small triangles! It would add a little bit of stability to the fabric :)

[@stormyg1945]

Geometry is just way too hard! Too many steps! Glad there are other methods!

[@elsiemontgomery5866]

I didn’t see the strip method!!!!!! I think that is the fastest and easiest.

[@Jotham2]

I am so laughing. Good job on the explanation.

[@okiegirl97]

Ooh, have you seen the accordion method by Beth Helfter? It’s the 2 at a time method, but you only sew on one side of the line, then fold it back and sew another square on the other side of the line. Infinite variety!!! It’s so nice, you can see a demonstration on evapaige quilts. 😁

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

What is that magic!?!?! I'm going to have to go find it! I love learning new methods like that! Some of these quilters are so smart!

[@wibblepuppy]

Wow! That sounds funky, I'm going to check it out.

[@omisfavorites1054]

Great tutorial! Thanks for all the time and effort you put into it. I especially like the “pros” and “cons” of each method.

[@Maria_O]

Yes, I agree. 😊

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it. I know everyone has their favorite methods for just about everything but I love trying all the different ways to do something :)

[@lynnehrmantraut9167]

You mentioned wobbly seam lines on 2 at a time...I had the same issue so found the “Magic Wand” - basically it is a skinny ruler with an etched line that goes on the diagonal and you draw 2 lines - then sew on the lines...and cut on the diagonal. A small investment and improves accuracy!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I’ve heard of that!! I need to grab one in my next order-those wobbly seams are no fun!

[@suzannerush9225]

What is the name of this fabric in the tutorial?

[@KimberlyNichols]

Thank you, this was really helpful!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

You’re very welcome! ❤️

[@InTheGardenandTheBlessings]

*So happy to find your channel, I am gearing up to quit again for this cool weather season coming on soon*

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Yay! I always get excited about quilts and sweaters this time of the year-I’m definitely ready for fall :)

[@luzlopez7859]

Great video !!! Love the quilt !!! I love the unexpected combinations.... the colors stand out in a gods way👍🏼

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks! I’ll definitely use it :)

[@wmyoung1000]

i love using a tube yo make them,

[@bettymartin2502]

@

[@Marla.22]

Too much talking

[@Tru_G.R.I.T]

I like using strips to do hst

[@cathypickerd5846]

I have been doing that , it save time

[@PamCrouch]

Talks waaay too much.

[@user-th5ci7bx1f]

First time watching your video. You are a great speaker, very professional. This video is thorough and your approach made it easy to understand. I have never commented on a KZbin video, but had to on this one. VERY WELL DONE!!!

[@emmacarpenter4055]

ulThanks. I enjoyed watching your tutorial. You covered every angle. Very helpful.

[@dorothyschaack1490]

I loved this tutorial. all of the tips in one place. Where did you find the clear cutting mat for the top of your light box?

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks! I got it on amazon--it is made by the daylight company. Its great to have but I have to admit it doesn't seem like the most durable thing in the world--it already has some pretty deep cutting grooves in it. But you can't beat the convenience, so I'll probably replace it when it finally gives out.

[@sharonlyman3029]

Great video, but... You missed 3 more methods that I know of... You missed the Clearly Perfect slotted ruler for trimming the sewn, but not yet pressed units. I totally agree with the slightly oversized and trim them and love this ruler. (I am amazed that there are people who can sew so accurately every time that they don't have to trim!) There's also the 2 strip method of bias triangles. Clearly Perfect works great for that method, but Strip Tube rulers work great also. Last but not least is the bias share method from Martingale press books. (Yes, I am old.) Finally, after criticising you, I wanted to ask if you can explain the blunt tip versus pointed tip rulers for cutting and sizing when cutting from triangles, both 1/2 sq and 60 degree. Why do some people insist on one ruler rather than the other? It is really confusing. Tks for great videos. You make things really clear.

[@Joyti1517]

You totally lost me……

[@katemorgan4346]

Just discovered you and love your videos..thank you! I am unable to find the downloadable worksheet for cutting... There are only links to mugs and I can't seem to get past them. Can you show me where to find it please?

[@laurakelly3371]

Oh my goodness! I should have found this video last year. I do have a question, what in the world do I do with all of the extra half square triangles from various projects. Just one quilt top yielded 260 half square tringles. :)

[@georgiaatthelake8142]

Recently found you & love your channel! I'm finishing up a Nine Sisters quilt right now & made of hst's & guess what? They are made yet another way - using a strip method & a square ruler or a ruler made especially for hst's called The Strip Tube Ruler by Cozy Quilt Designs. NO MATH needed! 😎 The ruler goes from 1" to 9" HST. Sew 2 or more strips of fabric into a tube & cut using either ruler. I can't wait to try this with scraps next time to obtain truly scrappy-striped hst's.

[@Tami_from_Texas]

what a great way to explain HST - as a new quilter the math can get a bit over whelming and trying to figure out. I did make a large 9 patch quilt blocks using 4 HST sew together to make the initial block...was lots of fun to get a scrappy look...at the time I used 2 layer cakes, one print and one solid and did the 8 at a time. This was very easy to do and makes a large quilt top with little waste using almost the entire layer cakes. Currently using FQ's to make HST and I can only get 2-10" squares at a time and then I have leftover so I need to use the 2 at a time method to get the most out of my fabric for HST's. Thanks again for your videos.

[@denisek5208]

HSTs are my favorite! thanks for sharing these tips. 👍

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I love them too! I’m glad you liked the video :)

[@alicecarlson2338]

Thank you so much for making this video, I have spent an hour or 2 a day for several days making 72 HST for a table cloth I'm making. I discovered I needed 34 more. I came across this video and today I was able to cut and sew 34 in less than 45 minutes, I only needed 2 of one color set and 16 of 2 other color sets. So quick, and much neater than the 2 at a time method. Much appreciated.

[@marytramp5678]

on the 2 at a time HST to help with "wobbly line" simply draw a line 1/4" away from the center line. i like to draw mine in a different colored ink or whatever i'm usingso as to not be confused as to what line to sew. this method will work anytime you have to sew away from a cut line.

[@susanvaughn7491]

This is the 1st video of yours I have watched. I LOVE 💕 the way you walk through everything! Will be watching all of your videos.. Thank you 😊

[@timchristofferson9080]

On the third way to make four HST at a time, I am a little confused. In this video I think you said cut the two contrasting squares and put them right sides together, then sew around the perimeter of the squares. In the download it says to mark the diagonals and sew 1/4 inch from the marks and then cut. What am I missing?

[@andreabrunner486]

I realy love your Great tips. They are Beginner friendly. Grüezi from Swiss

[@donnaburger3357]

Thank you so much, you explained everything so well and make a great teacher. I subscribed and will start watching you past and future videos.

[@laniwiens6574]

This is great! I've cut so many HST and have never heard of the 8 method! Perfect for my next project. Also, that little bloc loc ruler looks very fun!!

[@elsafischer3247]

I love your tutorials. Thank you from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@n2xrcise]

I just recently saw a video where someone used really long strip sets cut into diamonds and then turned into HST. They all look interesting and I'm going to try them since I need to cut 118 1.5" HST for the next quilt I'm doing!

[@sabrinafreeman6892]

I like to paper piece HST's, using Triangulations. Super easy! However, everyone has their own method that they prefer to use!

[@talayawustman8832]

I like to make half squares also but i use Karen's method of using masking tape to get a ledge on any sixe half squares. I watch Karen at Get it done quilts.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

I have been wondering if you were to cut only one of the squares in half, then layer 2 different fabrics on top of the uncut square, one to either side. When you sew either side of the cut, with only one cut bias for each seam, would that be slightly easier, while still giving plenty of variety?

[@daleodberg6714]

Thank you for sharing your experience and intelligence. 🌺

[@judyl3490]

I so enjoy your channel. You are warm and friendly, but also very professional with great attention to detail. I would like to recommend the Eleanor burns hst trimming ruler. It trims before opening to press and is for many sizes in one ruler. It would be for either press to the side or press open. I’ve used it for years. No affiliation. Just a happy customer.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I've seen this ruler but never tried it! I'll have to pick one up and give it a whirl! Trimming just two sides does sound pretty dreamy :)

[@carolfraser9832]

I have Eleanor Burns' hst ruler as well. It is my "go to" for HST. Great product.

[@marciahansford8039]

this sounds a lot easier to others I've read and they have horrified me. I'm not a maths person! I will make a test block and see how I go.

[@melindadebruhl8389]

Enjoyed the video, but was wondering how to get the Worksheet Download?

[@yamiletviloria747]

The 8 hst at a time method is a winner for me. I didn't know it til now so, big thank you! I'll go for my first quilt ever with an edge.

[@laurelwimer4119]

You are so clever and cute! I love watching you create and you are the best at explaining details so they are easy to understand. Also where did you get your delux green chair?

[@dsmith436]

Oh thank you so much. I sent you a question on Instagram and I found that I’m not cray cray 😜 I will print out your cheer sheet. Thank you Thank you Thank you 😁💖💖

[@nancynash4281]

Thanks, Megan. Love the math (nerd, here)! Love your videos!

[@LTDQuilting]

I just discovered your channel, and I love it and subscribed! I am trying to establish my own channel (LTD Quilting) and your videos are inspiring me to try to make mine more professional! Thanks.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks! Its definitely a learning curve. I just try to focus on improving one thing at a time and it eventually adds up! :)

[@SammiJarrad]

I like using the strip tube method. You only sew up the tube and you get 7ish hst’s. Thanks for sharing!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

That’s a great method! I need to experiment with that one more!

[@pattyprovost6516]

I ordered the free HST PRINTOUT and the free pattern. Signed up for your site. When email comes its says download not letting me. Also say ZIP?

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Hi! Its a printable, rather than a shipped printout. Its a zip file since there are two files--the quilt pattern as well as the HST Math worksheet/printout. I can only attach one file, so I zipped them together.

[@redhen689]

I have some 2.5” strips that I was going to use in a quilt that will be mostly 2” finished squares. It does have some HSTs though. I am thinking of making some HSTs using the strip-tube method. I’ll probably only use half length strips, because I want some variety. I know that these HSTs will be on the bias, but I need to work with what I have.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Working with bias isn’t a deal breaker by any means :) as long as you know it’s there, you can just be careful of those cut edges.

[@petmomful2260]

Very very helpful!!! Thanks a lot!!!

[@mirakoko3403]

You are amazing ,thanks👌💕

[@ninapeters1919]

Very helpful! Thank You

[@quiltingforthesoul]

Love half square triangles. God bless you and your family

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@kristenmichelleharri]

I really enjoyed this video! Your conversational tone makes me want to go out for coffee with you 😁 Thanks!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Aww! Thanks! I’ll be at quiltcon and quilt week in Paducah next year if anyone is there as well!

[@pennywilliams3664]

Great tutorial and free patterns thank you

[@jeanettesmith3341]

Just found your channel and like you a lot! 😍

[@jjpikker]

I wish I’d known about the 8 HST method before I cut my strips for my latest quilt! 🤦‍♀️ Thank you for such an informative lesson!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I’m so glad you liked it! I wish I’d been able to help sooner but there’s always another quilt :)

[@ca6177]

Thanks for the tutorial! Great info

[@daleodberg6714]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@juanitamayes6329]

This is very useful !

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Thanks Megan, Have a good week 💖 Chris-Raleigh NC

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

You too!!

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

You're very thorough. Going to subscribe now!!😀

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@carmellaclemons1925]

X and

[@4549531]

I am not sure how to get the math sheet. Do I have to subscribe to you tube to get the sheet. When I press download, the subscribe item comes up. Love your video!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

There should be a link to my website in the description of the video. You don't have to subscribe to the channel but, if you do, you'll get notified of upcoming videos :) The link to the HST sheet is here: tinyorchardquilts.com/products/all-about-half-square-triangles

[@4549531]

I figured it out . Thanks.

[@Moni221960]

You are the best. Monica from Australia xx

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks Monica!! :)

[@peach.lambert]

Great video! I use Triangles on a Roll if I need a lot of hst out of the same fabrics and then the old fashioned one at a time for scrappy quilts

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

One of these days I'm going to have to try triangles on a roll! The people who love them seem to really love them, so they must be pretty great :)

[@yvettesobaszek8100]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@donnastjules8157]

I love you! thank you for the great tips

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much!! Glad you like them!

[@carmenbailey1560]

👍❤️😊

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you!