QUILTING BASICS - Making a perfect Half Square Triangle Block

After you learn to sew squares, the next skill you need to conquer is sewing a good Half Square Triangle Block or HST. There are twice as many ways to mess up with an HST. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in and let’s take it step by step.
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[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Happy Friday everyone. When I started quilting I could not believe how challenging it was making Half Square Triangles (HST). There are so many little things that can affect the outcome of your block. And it's so important to make a square HST so that when you sew them together, your quilt lies flat. So here are my top tips for making your perfect half square triangle

[@twyla2575]

Love, love, love your clear and precise instructions presented in such a friendly and engaging way. Thank you!!!

[@sewandsow]

Great info...thanks for sharing

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

😊

[@lavernegreen8253]

1a

[@krystleroy3068]

I did a 45 degree star easier than this ! I’m going nuts

[@MrMrsthing2]

The tape on the ruler was the most helpful for me. I could not figure out my new ruler for the life of me 😂. Thank you so much for this helpful video! Love the visuals.

[@lynnharrell9598]

Karen, I wanted to let you know that your teaching and video style are excellent. You have the right amount of verbal information followed by a visual for illustration. If there is room for improvement, I don’t know what it could be. Great work, and I look forward to more.

[@chrissys7332]

Lynn Harrell perfect compliment! Agreed!

[@deniseluper8078]

Totally agree.

[@positivevibesonly4526]

I'm a beginner. Karen you are the best one on KZbin to watch. You explain things so well. Thank you!

[@libertykraft6646]

You are so real for this karen. Im telling you. Im 22 and self taught and i always thought i was a supreme booboo head for not getting my triangles right. With this all of a sudden its like learning to run when youve been stuck in a desolate hole for years. Youre a very personable teacher. Keep rockin the free world friend. THANKS!!!❤❤❤

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗

[@Sally-yw6ic]

I've watched this twice now because I need to make 150 HSTs for a project. It's the pressing that I want to be sure I get correctly. Thanks for this video, Karen. You make it so easy to follow your steps.

[@MarySmith-hv9fs]

I'm a new quilter, I took my first quilting class and my least favorite thing to do was HSTs. Then, I bought my first pattern (without reading the instructions), but the pattern was rated for a beginner, Then, I bought ALL the recommended fabric. Finally, I got around to reading the pattern instructions and I learned this quilt is almost ENTIRELY HSTs. Holy Cow ! I better go back and watch a couple more of your HST videos before I begin. Thanks for such clear instruction on your videos.

[@dorothyrockwell8157]

The quilt I made for my first grandchild was all made of HST and I used the method of sewing around the perimeter and then cutting an X through the middle - oh my heavens. Those bias edges were a nightmare and I had no idea that was what was happening. I needed you back then.

[@heathercameron2974]

I’ve always drawn the center line then sew 1/4 inch either side then cut. Turns out perfect every time.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

+Heather Cameron I’m green with envy

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts how unfourtunate

[@janicewebber5584]

I'm an idiot when it comes to math! I was so relieved when you measured up from 7/8 in. to 1 inch. I never knew we were allowed!🤣 Genius..I do that with my checkbook too!😁

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Honestly its okay to go even larger. For beginners I recomment 1 ¼" for more wiggle room

[@elenalanglois]

I didn’t know about the tugging on a 45 degree angle to put the weft back in grain. Great tip!!

[@reneesmith2665]

I love your videos! I discovered your channel when I was in a depression due to loss of family. But it was in your personal shares that made me wake up and want to join happy land again. Plus you have inspired me to want to take on a new challenge and try to learn quilting. I never thought I could learn on my own. I thought you had to learn quilting at a young age. Anyways, I look forward to each and every subject you do. Thank you!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

💕💕💕 I hope quilting is bringing you the joy it brings me

[@reneesmith2665]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Thank You!

[@dcwatashi]

One of Karen's videos really hit home with me and what I was going through. It was as if she was personally speaking to me

[@laureensalvagnini8484]

At the ripe old age of 60 I am learning how to quilt. You ideas are awesome! I will watch this video a few more times to let it sink in. Thanks! Your ideas are great keep them coming.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

The best is yet to come

[@irisglasspoole2350]

Same her Laureen started at 59 just before I retired at 60. Love your videos Karen

[@kerfuffle9312]

I’m joining the quilting wagon too, at the young age of 58🤗. The knowledge of information and content that Karen graciously puts together has been very valuable for all quilters of all ages.

[@kathytincler2446]

Hey guys.... how about the ripe almost rotten old age of 72? I have not got my courage up yet but have been watching a lot of vids on quilting. I make jewelry, knit, crochet a bit (just learned) and new to sewing. So far have hemmed (badly) 4 t-shirts, made a quilted type pod holder (badly) & sewed some scrunchies to add to craft fair sales. I love your channel, Karen :D

[@maryjoboyle606]

I am 70 and have been sewing for 60 years, but I just started quilting 2 years ago and I'm completely hooked. I've binge-watched hours of videos and have learned so much from Karen Brown, Jenny Doan, Teresa Down Under and Jordan Fabrics. What a fabulous time we live in where we can have the very best teachers available to us 24/7 whenever we want to learn (or re-learn) something.

[@alisonheather393]

Hi Karen, I'm a rookie quilter from the UK (my lockdown goal during the pandemic) and I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed and learned from your fab videos! I've done the ugly fabric quilt and just finishing the stash buster quilt. My next step is to build some decent blocks using HST's to build into my next project....

[@suejameson1517]

The masking tape hacks have revolutionised my blocks! Thank you so much x

[@tonigarman8587]

I just can't get enough of your tips and tricks. Just when I think I know how to do something, you show me a simpler way or a way that teaches me what I am doing wrong. Thank you so much! Keep those videos coming!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@wandagail5802]

Yes i enjoy these videos i had used the organization videos to clean up my craft room

[@suessewnsew4421]

Love this. So thoughtful and fun!!

[@patriciasandoval7048]

You are awesome!! Thanks for the HST tips!!

[@new2quilting]

As always, SSSSOOOO helpful!!! Thank you!!!

[@Trixy8521]

I sure wish I could have watched this before I started on my current project. I cut 120 for a pinwheel pattern. The ledge on the ruler would have been a godsend. I'll definitely remember this for my next one. Thank you!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Small thing...big difference

[@altheagyde319]

This is so helpful! Thanks Karen!

[@petmomful2260]

Really really good tips. I am ready to get into some HST's!!

[@cathinuferrous2336]

I find it weird that there are thumbs down 👎 whatever 🥴 I guess the world is always going to have some negative folks... as for me 👍👍👍 thanks for the video. I’m going to try HST with some scraps just to see how I do. I’m sure there are HST in my future🤗

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It also might be bots...sometimes I really wonder

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Oh my! I soooo wish I’d discovered your channel earlier! Great tips and can’t wait to try them out😊

[@teresahabbe7636]

Love it! Thanks for the tip!

[@barbararowe771]

I am so thankful for all your tips, but today’s HST expertise was golden. You showed me how to do it! Hooray! I’m going to go sew now. And I will press well, no swishing and plenty of taping!

[@dcwatashi]

there are a lot of videos out there and they unfortunately keep telling us to iron which is incorrect, when you iron your moving the iron back and forth and they use the term pressing interchangeably. But with pressing the iron does not move You should never be ironing your pieces you should always be pressing. Ironing is for when you're ironing your pillowcase ha ha ha ha. or carefully ironing a fat quarter and even then you have to be careful not to stretch the fabric.

[@barbararowe771]

Yes! Thank you!

[@janiemelgoza166]

Thank you, so inspired by your work, TFS!

[@lorettawymbs6936]

Thanks for these tips! Feeling much more relaxed😎

[@donnaduguay7532]

Thanks for the great video Karen. Your always showing us awesome tips.

[@SuzetteG316]

I've been a quilter for over twenty years and have made my fair share of HST's - lol. Some of these tips I've learned (or figured out) along the way, but a few you shared were new to me and I think will make my life even a little bit easier the next time I make a batch of these blocks - and that is always welcome since I when I do make HST's for a quilt it always seems I need a LOT of them, never just a few. Oh and I also add 1 inch and not 7/8 - that just never made sense to me to cut it that close or make my life harder always trying to find that mark on the ruler. :) Thanks for another great, helpful video!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I find it interesting to discover how a new tip or technique can make you go back to basics and relearn what you already know.

[@dcwatashi]

Oh yeah that adding one inch was extremely helpful as well

[@HigginsKat]

Love your videos!!

[@tashahill-smith7812]

I love the way your eyes light up when you teach about what you love! I can’t wait to watch more of your videos and absorb your passion for teaching and learning!

[@judyf3684]

This is a super helpful video, to say the least. Thank you!

[@smallfootprint2961]

I'm new at this and I'm older, so I can't tell you how I appreciate all these great tips.

[@dianejens7054]

We are in the same boat. I'm in my 70's and I've never pieced a quilt on the machine. Sewn all my life. This is different and challenging!

[@biddycalvey4926]

I’ve also just started quilting it’s such a lovely hobby, been a sewer all my life but I’m learning amazing new skills

[@nikishazechiel6848]

Me too!!!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Thanks for posting, all you first time quilters, long time sewers. I don't feel so alone now!

[@happyhandcraftstudio]

Your technical tips are so well thought out and make such a difference in the finished project. Thank you.

[@mamas_quilts3573]

Thank you!!!

[@salliebeard1899]

Thank you for sharing ❤️💗💗

[@KimberlyNichols]

I really appreciate and enjoy your videos and teaching style. Thank you!

[@karensmith5526]

Thank you Karen! I always learn from your videos and can’t wait for the next ones lol.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

😊

[@pooja09]

Your videos inspire me to try on quilting. Love your videos.

[@faith0107]

Excellent tips! Thank you so much

[@sandybeach368]

such an important subject!!! thank you!!!

[@laurajustice4275]

I just found this video. Excellent explanation.

[@monicamaus5990]

Thanks. You’re such a great teacher!😊

[@mymai2792]

You are a great instructor ... pleasant to listen to & understand. Thank you.

[@robinburt7196]

I have never seen HSTs made this way. Love it.

[@LaVetaSmelser]

this is going to help me so much, thank you!

[@childskoerner]

Oh my! This is exactly what I need!!! Thank you!

[@jeannelesikar2046]

Beautiful! Thank you so much!🙌💕 I will apply techniques! Many blessings your way!

[@theresafinn4257]

This the best instruction for HST. Thank you.

[@juvi6787]

Thank You!! Fantastic!!

[@denisek5208]

What great advice! 👍 I will be trying the washi tape trick. HSTs are my favorite block 😁

[@tialevy2984]

Thank you for your help 😊

[@marilynadams1916]

I love your videos Your tips are great

[@nafisak6563]

Thank you so much for this video

[@gillscarisbrick645]

Thank you for your 'tips', most welcomed.

[@dcwatashi]

I have watched a ton of quilting videos from several quilters. And yet no one has shown how to use those darn lines on cutting mat! So Karen thank you so much for that. I would like to share a valuable tip that I came across from a quilter who is called something like a professional pattern piece quilter. after setting her seam on her half square triangles she sprays something similar to sizing and does not use steam in her iron and then followed by using a wooden clapper to press down on that seam for just a few seconds (also she does not use pins she always uses glue and that has made a world of difference as well) it was absolutely amazing to see that I previously thought my half square triangles were flat and hell NO they were not flat because when I used her method I could clearly see the difference. With Karen's permission I could post the link to that video on the "Just get it done quilts" Facebook page. The technique has made a major improvement on my accuracy. (The video is actually an interview with this professional quilter who is also married to a sewing machine repairman so you get twice as much valuable information in one interview)

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

+dcwatashi The are a lot of sewers that use glue instead of pins. My policy is always use what works best for you. The clapper is a great tool to get that really crisp and flat seam. I’d love to see that interview as I love learning new techniques. Can you email me the link at [e-mail]

[@dcwatashi]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts will do! using glue really made a difference when I was trying to make those pillowcases. The cuff and the trim now line up perfectly

[@salliebeard1899]

Thank you for sharing ❤️💗❤️❣️

[@catquilt74]

This is brilliant!!! I love idea of using the painter's tape on the ruler.

[@Ritabean1]

Wow love this vedio

[@cheryljune1603]

I love watching your videos

[@jacquiesharrer9954]

Good demo on hst. !!

[@annie-k5213]

This video has helped me so much!

[@veracampbell9583]

Nice information. I can’t wait for the challenge. Thanks

[@lorettabrail7806]

Thank- you for the video! Sure helped!

[@lindahewitt3225]

Great video, so helpful.thanks

[@avrilvalentine8839]

I’m in the midst of my 1st Mystery quilt with my Pearls group - and there were 288 HST to make. #1 I used the Stripology ruler (borrowed ) for the cutting in the project and I was thrilled at the ease of use and the fit for my short stature! #2 Then I moved the needle 1 - 2 positions to the right of the right of centre position of the needle - NEVER thought this was possible with a 1/4 inch foot. A perfect scant 1/4 in seam! #3 Santa brought me the “Perfect Trimmer” rulers and what a light bulb moment! The trimming was so easy and so accurate. #4 I’ve always “pressed” seams after setting the sewing line- and now add the “finger press “ action prior to pressing. Absolutely thrilled at the consistent & accurate HST that resulted. Three new skills to my quilting and after so many years in the game. Never too old to learn new tricks and when they work and result in perfect units - life doesn’t get better than this. As well I went to the Dollar Store and got the Extra Large baggies that were perfect for the units constructed as I worked my way through the Instalments and the resulting 12 1/2 in blocks just fit them. Grateful for all the hints and tricks you share.

[@carolgrant8882]

Thanks for the great tips. The painters tape ledges are an excellent idea. I will definitely try those!

[@karenelderfield7754]

That is Great!

[@kelsieanderson4786]

Thank you…. The quilt I want to make is 768 hsts and this is very helpful.

[@hollerinannes7780]

Your tip on using tape to stop slippery rulers will save my sanity from now on! Thank you!

[@deannesherriff3247]

Hi Karen, I’m embarking on my first full sized quilt for a 5’ bed. It’s an HST pattern, and i think I’ve used every tip you have taught me. The squares are cut, now I’m going to sew, so I thought I’d review this video. My cutting has improved, partly it’s practice, but I received a Martelli rotary cutter for Christmas and it’s been a game changer. I’d recommend it to anyone with arthritis. Thanks for all your help, you’re a real star. Keep up the good work! 🥰

[@brendabrown4356]

Thank you, this method makes so much sense to me. You’re an awesome teacher.

[@angelaarias3708]

Thank you for this video!

[@kerfuffle9312]

I’m learning sooo much from watching your channel. I really appreciate all that you are doing to put this all together for us. 😊

[@AdiarraS]

Fantastic tips for HSTS! Great video, as always! Thank you!!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@FireflySan]

I’m excited to try this thank you for the clear instructions

[@dianeduplissis4567]

I just found your videos last week. I’m catching up! I just love your tips and your no nonsense approach. I look forward to more videos from you.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thanks for watching 😎

[@patriciagilbert3651]

I love your videos, I am a beginner and I have learned so much from you! Thank you. I’m so glad I found your channel!!!

[@susanroberts1575]

Thank you for sharing your great tips - I think I can do this now :)

[@cherylschultz3220]

I also find trimming HSTs to be physically demanding. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Thanks for all these tips!

[@liliareyes5718]

Sapatos encroche ysacos

[@vickijenkins1438]

Thank you.

[@staciamoore5704]

Never get tired of your amazingly clear and extremely thorough explanations!! WOW Just love it! This beginner thanks you!!!

[@dianegriffin8303]

Thanks for solving many of my issues. Lots of tips and tricks that I needed to know.

[@EAhonima]

So useful! Karen, your tips are excellent and your explanations are very clear. I'm watching this (and others of yours) again and again.

[@annehen5454]

Hi Karen, It’s lovely to watch your videos. You give me energy to get sewing. Thank you.

[@karenpresley7101]

I'm very new to quilting and have only made a couple of crazy quilts, in my own way. It's amazing that they came out pretty. I watched the most recent video and it suggested this video. This is my second time watching and I will most likely watch it again when I get ready to make HST. Thank you so much for the clear instructions. :)

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

+Karen Presley Thanks for watching

[@tinageorge8759]

Great tips Karen, and by the way, I ALWAYS enjoy watching your videos! 💚

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you 😊

[@lindapucillo3493]

Made a king size quilt with HST a few years ago. Had been quilting for about 2 years and bought a kit to make for my son. Didn’t realize from the picture that it was made completely with HSTs. Had to cut hundreds of them. Maybe thousands!!! I have an AccuQuilt cutter, which made it possible for me to tackle this quilt. I did what you suggested. Cut 30-50 at a time. Sat and sewed 25 or so. Then pressed them. Back to sewing them, and when needed, went back to cutting. Even with the accuracy of the AccuQuilt, this was still a big challenge for me. I still had some problems with my sewing a straight line, usually due to fatigue. The quilt turned out well, and no one noticed my mistakes. I took your advice that “Done is better than perfect”. So thanks for all your tutorials. I have learned a lot.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

👏👏👏

[@moominkraft6427]

Hi Karen. You are a life-saver! I am an absolute beginner and am about to embark on a (queen/king-sized) quilt project made up of HSTs. The pattern uses layer cake but I'm using yardage. I need 80 (10") squares for the project. I want to make a quilt for my 13-year old son, something that's not kiddy or girly. His favourite colour is blue so I thought a blue and white quilt will be good. I decided to use HST so that I can play around with the design. HSTs. It's easy. I can do that (that's what I thought until I watched your video! LoL!)

[@RDP5187]

Thank you for sharing! This has helped me so much.

[@alyagoff276]

This video was sooooo helpful! Clear, concise, but with a touch of personality. Really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

Very interesting thankyou.

[@chantalida53]

Thank you so much, your explanations are Great.

[@jennifermaddock4382]

Great tips. I always make mine a bit bigger then trim them down.

[@vickikeach501]

I always learn something when I watch you.

[@annettethomas3065]

I have made all of these mishaps, thank you.

[@susandegarmo4102]

Wow I really wish I had known all this before!! I just picked out a wall hanging pattern, got fabric and just started sewing. Fortunately no disaster, must have gotten lucky!! Moved 5 years ago and had to downsize and I had to decide what craft I was going to keep. Quilting didn't make the cut!! Lol! Now my granddaughter wants a quilt. I'm basically starting over, tools and everything. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. God bless you I'm subscribed and hanging by a tread waiting for your next video!!. :)

[@carmenbailey8209]

Thanks for sharing all this information, very enjoyable 👍❤️😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@anneyoung1011]

Thank you learned a lot