Folded HSTs
A beginner technique to easy Half Square Triangles (HSTs)
Folded quilt blocks are not new, but folded HSTs are!
I came up with the idea to create folded half square triangles (HSTs) when looking at other folded quilt blocks (such as the 3D Pinwheel Block). I thought: why not use folding for a simpler block such as the HST? So I tried it and I found that it made HSTs much easer for a number of reasons. One, no worrying about squaring up the blocks — less cutting & less time, yay! Two, there is less concern about wonky triangles since there is no cutting on the bias of fabric — easier, yay! Three, no tricky math required — hooray! That feels like a big win, especially for beginners. Now, the seams do get bulkier with folded HSTs than with normal HST. So, pressing the seams open is a must.
In this blog post, I have included a video tutorial as well as written instructions to go along with it.
Folded HSTs are featured in the Rotating Triangles quilt pattern. It is a clean, modern quilt and a great way to try out Folded HSTs! Enjoy!
How to make Folded HSTs
Step 1: Cut out two squares of the same size in two different colors. Choose one color to be the background color and the other to be the accent color.
Step 2: Take the accent color squares, fold them in half on the diagonal with the right side of the fabric facing out & visible. Press flat with iron.
Step 3: Take a background square front side facing up. Place one folded accent square (from Step 2) on top of it, lining up the corners with the folded edge diagonal across the block. Make sure right sides are facing up for both pieces. Pin in place to create a Folded HST. Simple, right?
TIPS:
Please note that this is what the final HST will look like, so make sure the right sides of each fabric are showing.
Use at least two pins and place them in a way that you can sew around them.
Please use glass headed pins so you can iron without melting them!
A dot of glue at the corners of the triangles can help keep everything lined up nicely.
Step 4: Sew together your Folded HSTs. Treat each Folded HSTs like one piece of fabric and sew right sides together (RST). Don’t remove pins until all folded HSTs are sewn together.
Press seams open — they are going to be bulky!
TIP: Leave at least one pin until the block is sewn around all sides. This will prevent the folded HST from sliding or creating puckers in the background fabric.
That’s it! Now go and try for yourself!
Share thoughts or questions in the comments below and let me know if you try them!