20 Ways to Make HSTs – the Bias Beauty Method
The Bias Beauty Method
Half Square Triangle units (HSTs) are squares made up of two triangles. Each triangle occupies half of the square’s space. As you might expect, there are many, many different methods to make those blocks. This tutorial shows you 20 of the most common methods.
Helpful to have:
- Rotary cutter with a sharp blade
- A square ruler with 1/4″ markings
- Sharp pins for piecing
- Small, hot iron
First, a glossary.
A finished HST is the size that it is in a quilt. It’s dressed and ready to go to the ball. An unfinished HST is in raw, unclothed form. It will be 1/2″ larger than a finished HST because the size includes a 1/4″ seam allowance.
The Bias Beauty Method of Making 4 HSTs at Once
Here is a method of creating Half-Square-Triangle, Three-Part Triangle and Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks that the students in my “No Whining” class discovered as they created, cut up, and recombined various blocks.
Start with two squares that are the same size. Sew them together all the way around the outside with a 1/4″ seam. Think of it as a pillow with no way to get to the inside. Press. Cut this pillow on both diagonals and open up the pieces. You now have (4) identical HSTs!
You will have to square these up. No matter how careful you are, they always seem to end up off just a little bit. Use a little bit of spray starch to stabilize those bias edges. Press the seams to the dark, or press them open.
I don’t believe the bias edges are worrisome because the center seam will hold everything in place, especially in a smaller block. However, you CAN pull it out of square if you try hard enough. The answer, of course, is too start with two blocks that are already on the bias. That way your cut squares end up on the straight of grain.
Download the chart below and give it a try!
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