Half Square Triangles Cheat Sheets & Calculator

Print off the cheat sheet for making HST or half square triangles. The PDF covers making HST 2 at a time, 4 at a time, 8 at a time and using two strips.

Great for having at your side when you are wondering how to make them.
Plus, they include ALL the different sizes that you’ll need – both your cutting list and reference for the finished and unfinished sizes.

Learn How to Make Half-Square Triangles 4 Ways (with Cheat Sheet + Calculators!)
If there’s one unit that pops up in just about every quilt, it’s the trusty Half-Square Triangle (HST).

These little triangles can create endless quilt patterns—from pinwheels to chevrons to stars—and the best part is, there are so many ways to make them.

In this post, I’ll walk you through four different methods to make HSTs, share a handy printable cheat sheet, and even include interactive calculators so you know exactly what size to cut for your finished block—no guessing required!

4 HST at a time

Learn how to make four half square triangles at a time. They are super quick and are great for when you need a quick quilt top done!

This process is so quick and simple to do!! Once you figure out what size of squares you need- based on your finished quilt block size, you’ll be able to whip up half square triangles in no time!

There is a warning with this process. The outside edges of the half square triangles will be bias edges. That means that if you fiddle with them or stretch them when you press, move or sew them, you could run into issues.

*bias edges- be careful when pressing.

The complete tutorial with video is here – HST 4 at a time

2 HST at a time

Learn how to sew two half square triangles at a time. It requires two pieces of fabric the same size and you’re ready to go! Follow the video tutorial + printable to make them perfect.

You’ll need to have 2 pieces of fabric for the half square triangles. These need to be somewhat contrasting.

You can use a light / dark or a background fabric with another fabric. The square will turn out identical, the only thing affecting it would be the print of the fabric.

Be aware that using a stripe fabric, the stripes will change direction when the half square triangle is finished.

The complete tutorial with video is here: 2 HST at a time

If you get a little stuck- feel free to use the calculator and figure out what you need to make 2 at a time.

8 HST at a time

8 half square triangles sewn at one time? Can that really even happen? I am one that sews fast. The faster the better. I even have been accused to shaking the table with my sewing machine speed.

This is the neatest little trick ever! Half square triangles can get a little boring. Especially if you need a lot of them! I am always on the lookout for new ways to speed up the sewing and this one is my current favorite.

The complete tutorial and video is here: 8 HST at a time

Use the Calculator

Using 2 strips to make HST

This method is a little more difficult or tricky – but it’s really handy when you want to use your leftover strips or a jelly roll.

The complete tutorial and video is here: using 2 strips to make HST

Grab the PDF for all 4 methods in the shop

Final Thoughts & Tips

• Always trim your HSTs to the unfinished size (that’s ½” larger than your finished size).
• Use a rotating mat or turning your block to make trimming quicker and more accurate.
• Don’t forget to press before trimming—a crisp seam makes a big difference!
• Chain piecing HSTs in bulk? Keep them organized by pinning them in sets of 10 or 20.

More Quilting Tips

How to square up half square triangles – this is super important in the process of making quilt blocks. Everything is better when you take the time to do this step.

Make the Chevron quilt with your HST (this pattern uses a layer cake). It’s simple and quick.

The Eye Spy Baby quilt is a quick quilt as well – this one uses half square triangles that are made with a charm pack and background.

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