How to Make Half Square Triangles HSTs from Squares - Triangle Masterclass

Triangles quilts are absolutely beautiful, but they can also be intimidating. Getting your blocks to turn out the right size with all of your points in the right place can be a bit of a challenge.
That’s why we created the Triangle Masterclass, a collection of eight videos focusing on different types of triangle units that are commonly used in quilts.
In today's video we're making half square triangles, which are commonly called HSTs. We're starting out with two squares that are 1 inch larger than your finished HST.
We cover the process in detail of making HSTs from squares, including what a scant quarter-inch seam is, how to check you're seam is correct BEFORE you cut the triangles apart, how to trim to make sure your seams go right out into the corner and some common mistakes to look out for.
You can use each tutorial on its own to learn the techniques for whatever quilt you are working on. Or you can get our pattern Raspberry Sherbet which uses all of the techniques we cover in the series. It comes in four sizes, but we made the lap version for this tutorial series.
Raspberry Sherbet is fat quarter friendly and we have quilt kits using the fabrics I used while supplies last. You’ll get the same fat quarters I used and get to pick your own background to customize it to your tastes.
We also have created a Triangle Masterclass category on our website that has in-stock fat quarter bundles that would work for this quilt in the lap size. Just add background and you’ll be good to go.
I can’t wait to make this quilt with you!
Join the Triangle Masterclass Quilt Along by downloading the Raspberry Sherbet pattern: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Raspberry Sherbet quilt kit (limited quantities): shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Fat quarter bundles that would work for the lap sized version (just add 3 yards of background) plus other useful supplies: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...

[@patriciakalisak4300]

Very clear information. What I like the most is how you explain why it is done a certain way. Thank you

[@i2mdvl]

Stephanie, what a wonderful tutorial. I am planning I making an entire HST quilt. This was very informative and I just need to slow down. I know your life has changed in so many ways. Just know, I saw this video and I said OH IT’S STEPHANIE! I knew it would be excellent. Take care friend and there are so many people out here rooting for you!

[@robynmorrison7410]

Love all your instructions and classes Clear and concise Thank you!

[@barbararuzzene51]

Excellent! This is all new to me, and thank goodness you are such a good instructor.

[@cbnovick]

You are an excellent instructor! TY 🤍

[@jennystrahley927]

Whew I finally finished cutting all the pieces for the queen size Raspberry Sherbet quilt! I got started today with sewing HSTs, and now I have all of ten 4-1/2" squares finished. :-) They look perfect thanks to your helpful directions.

[@fayneilly833]

Thanks great tutorial

[@hollykarlsen1792]

For those on a limited budget - you can use cheaper fabrics for quilting. Just make sure you starch it well before you cut it out. I put 50/50 Staflo and water in a spray bottle. You might also want to pre wash your fabric to make sure it doesn’t shrink or bleed.

[@kathrynslater7865]

Best Triangle class I’ve seen. Great tips, pun intended! I will definitely be watching more of your videos.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you!

[@joanstirlen9566]

Thank you! Really REALLY HELPFUL!!!!!

[@tutif43]

excellent explanation on the scant quarter inch.. and the half square triangle.. very eye opening.

[@AnitaSouthall]

I've noticed it also makes a difference when joining binding strips together too

[@martinakopel5283]

I drove from Florida to Geneseo, IL on 17 August, 2021. Was Sooo disappointed that you were closed. I hope to make the trip up again next year. I love your tutorials.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Martina - glad you got to visit IL but we no longer have a brick and mortar store and just sell online. Our Google listing does say we do not have in person shopping. Always best to check there first

[@martinakopel5283]

My friend and i were hoping to get your autograph. I watch you from Egypt and when back in the USA will order from you. You are so right about having fabric that is inferior.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Send me an email if you end up back this way and I can meet you.

[@heathermcdonald8853]

I absolutely love this video!! Thank you!!

[@thoughtsofjoyk]

Very thorough! Excellent! 😃 Thank you!

[@nancysmith5259]

Thank you for excellent and clear instruction!

[@billiestrayhorn377]

Excellent. Thank you for the clear and informative tutorial.

[@debmetheral6596]

I know this is an older post but thank you best info I have seen.

[@lyndapatrick8303]

Great tutorial! Thanks!

[@shulamussnug7120]

Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thanks

[@susancoombs4942]

Videos are so good. Well explained. Thank you.

[@loriweigert1927]

Great teacher. :)

[@deborahmonk93]

Thanks very much Stephanie!

[@verwilliams1]

A million thank you’s!! I learned so much.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You're very welcome!

[@SweetLizize]

So clear, thank you

[@kathrynlloyd3656]

Wonderful information!

[@TheJAG1357]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@debbiparmer9315]

Love your tips!!! I have learned sooooo much from your videos!!! Thank you!!!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Happy to help!

[@lorienutter4632]

Great tutorial!!!!

[@dianawarburton7993]

Thanks

[@carolmorgano7158]

Great tutorial thanks👍👏🥰🌷🇦🇺

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing!

[@joycekwetherbee6030]

thank you

[@debracavallaro9215]

This was a great class. I hope you make a similar video for flying geese.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

It’s coming next week!

[@sprklhair]

did you mention sizing or starching or pre-washing fabric. there are a lot of opinions on the pre-wash thing.

[@jimschempp3671]

I love how you do this but I usually don’t split the seam if you decide to do a stitch in the ditch. You take a chance of breaking stitches.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

We actually address that in lots of videos. You don't actually stitch **in** the ditch, but right next to it, so you don't worry about breaking stitches. :)

[@sheenamustard3866]

How often do you change you blade and do you reshaped the old ones?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

We put in a new blade every day at QAA, but we’re cutting a LOT of fabric. Basically whenever you start having to use some elbow grease to make it through the fabric. Or if you start seeing the fabric get pushed forward when you’re trimming triangles.

[@dawndecesare2177]

Great video! Do you use steam when pressing blocks. I have heard arguments on both sides.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I never use steam because it distorts the fabric and eventually the iron will start spitting if you put water in it. I use a spray mister instead when I need a little extra help flattening out a seam: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.com/product/nifty-notions-mist-spray-bottle/

[@dawndecesare2177]

@@QuiltAddictsAnonymous I am going to try not using steam and see if this improves my blocks. Thanks for answering my question so quickly.

[@paulawalters9087]

Thank you for this series. I have clicked the bell for this channel! :-) I appreciate how you critically analyze and explain the 'why' of each step. Even noting the pinky to the side when holding your ruler for trimming blocks. While I try not to buy specialized rulers unless I am committed to lots of use, I note there is no rotating mat in this video and am just wondering if you have a preference to use or not use a rotating mat?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I have one from Olfa, but I don’t use it to rote the block, I just pick up the block and rotate it. It takes the same effort and produces the same results without buying anything extra.

[@K2ESCHLAHT]

So, your saying you don't sew in the ditch (on the seam line) you need to sew on both sides of every seam is what sewing in the ditch is?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You are going to sew right next to the seam. We have lots of videos that show this, but we’ll be doing a video just on how I quilted this one and I use that method throughout. Just stay tuned!

[@wpeters1170]

I went to the website and the pattern is not free, did I misunderstand what you said in the video? Thanks,

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

It is free when you order a kit.