Tango with HSTs

Half square triangles definitely rank way up there with regular squares as the most essential “building blocks” of quilt blocks. I know I certainly use half-square triangles often in piecing my quilt tops.

I absolutely love the versatility of half square triangles. You will see what I mean.

HST units are easily spotted in popular and simple quilt blocks as shown in the following.

There are several ways of cutting and constructing these HST units. Some quilters like to cut out the triangles using rulers and then sew them together. Some like to sew on fabric squares 7/8" larger than the desired finished size, and then cut diagonally to yield two half square triangle units.

AccuQuilt offers an accurate way to make the triangles that go into the half square triangle units using their dies in some common finished sizes - 1", 1 1/2", 2", 3", 4", and 6 1/2" using the GO! and GO! Baby Fabric Cutters. The GO! Fabric Cutters are up to 90% faster than rotary cutters or scissors. In addition, you can cut up to 6 layers of fabric in no time. The way the triangles are cut (two fabrics laid right sides together) is such that quilter can easily pick up the triangle pairs and get right to sewing them together to construct a half square triangle unit. The dog ears of the triangles are also cut off for each handling after sewing. What I like about this method is the minimal handling of the “bias” of the fabrics when the triangles are cut. Therefore, there is definitely less chance of your HST units looking wonky.

Now, back to more talk about the versatility of the half square triangle units—this time in borders! I love using HST’s in my borders if I am going to have a pieced border. Borders take on different looks with different placements and orientations.

I will now share with you one of absolutely favorite ways to use HST units. I would piece a whole bunch of HST units together to make a background for some random appliqué. It’s an easy way to add interest to an appliqué background. You will see what I mean in the following quilts I made.

Dancing Daffodils

Cascade of Leaves

Sometimes people ask me what my favorite size is for HST units. I love them all as I think different quilts call for different sizes. But I do find myself often making HST units that finish at 3" and 4". Why not start collecting the dies that make your favorite sizes first, and work on eventually collecting the entire half square triangle range of dies AccuQuilt makes? You will eventually use all of them, and you know it!

Happy Quilting.

About Blogger:

Originally from South-east Asia, Wendy now resides with her family in northern Virginia. She trained and worked as a chemical engineer, and is currently a stay- and work-at-home Mom. In her spare time, she likes reading, smocking, working on needlework and hand applique projects. She would like to think of herself as a gourmet gardener and cook, but she really isn't in reality.

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