One of the best quilt block units for patchwork quilting would have to be the half square triangles, also known as HSTs. Many adore and love these half square triangle quilt patterns because of how simple, versatile, and diverse they can be!
The beauty of these HST quilt blocks lies in their ability to adapt to infinite layouts, creating visually striking, dynamic, and geometrical designs. No matter the style or block arrangements you prefer, you’ll surely be able to achieve them with the help of this quilt patterns list.
The most fun thing about quilting is the freedom it offers to create a wide variety of designs. By skillfully rotating and arranging the triangles in different ways, you can create captivating layouts, such as stars, chevrons, and pinwheels.
Follow us as we venture across the web to find these gems so you can seize the opportunity for your next quilting escapade! Did we mention that they’re all free? That’s right, these patterns are free to excess for you to enjoy and take inspiration from. So, kick back, relax, and feast your eyes on these gorgeous half square triangle quilts!
What are HST quilt blocks?
If you’re new to the term HST, they’re essentially square block units sliced diagonally in half and later sewn together with other pieces of fabric along their diagonal side. This then creates a crisp triangle formation on one-half of the new square block. Pretty easy, right?
There are various methods out there on the Internet that will guide you to making your very own HST quilt blocks. However, we’ve also taken the liberty to include some of the easiest ways to save your time! Just head on over to the frequently asked questions below that will guide you through all the juicy details.
FAQs Regarding Half Square Triangle Quilts
1. What supplies do I need to make HST quilts?
Before getting started on your quilts, you’ll first have to determine the essential supplies needed. These items can easily be purchased at your local craft stores or online. Here is precisely what you’ll need to prepare, but remember to refer back to your chosen patterns for the exact requirements.
– Quilting grade cotton fabric
– Batting and backing fabric
– Rotary cutter
– Scissors
– Quilter’s ruler
– Sewing machine and thread
– Cutting mat
– Quilting pins
– Iron and ironing board
– Fabric markers (optional)
2. What are the methods of making half square triangles?
There are several ways that you can prepare your HST blocks. These are the 5 common methods:
1. 2-at-a-time HST method: This is the most common method. Ideal for stash-busters and making blocks from different fabric combos.
2. 4-at-a-time HST method: This method uses larger starting squares to create four blocks at a time. However, it is not as perfect due to the biased grainline edges of the block, which may cause stretching and distortion.
3. Magic 8 HST method: This is similar to the bulk HST method but uses square fabric to produce eight blocks at a time.
4. Strip piecing HST method: This uses pre-cut fabric strips (e.g., Jelly Roll) to make the blocks. It also creates biased grainline edges like the 4-at-a-time HST Method, which are less perfect.
5. Easiest Bulk HST Method: This is the fastest and easiest method of making bulk HST quilt blocks. It provides a diagram to make a shortcut and repeated 2-color HSTs.
3. How do I make the correct sizes of my HST blocks?
Achieving the correct size for your Half-Square Triangle (HST) blocks is essential for precise quilting. The size of your HST blocks will depend on your specific pattern and design.
To simplify the calculation process, here is a comprehensive tutorial complete with HST charts that detail the initial fabric square sizes needed for the 2, 4, and 8 HST methods.
If you’re using random scrap fabrics and need to cut them to the correct size afterward, this tutorial also demonstrates how to utilize a square-up ruler for a quick and efficient shortcut.
4. Can I mix HST blocks with other quilt blocks?
Adding HST with other quilt blocks certainly creates a visually appealing and interesting design for your quilts. They usually pair well with squares, rectangles, and other triangle-based blocks. They also add variety to your quilt design and are a great way of customizing your quilts!
In fact, some of the patterns we’ve included in the list involve a combination of square and rectangle blocks. For instance, the Layer Cake Shake Shortcut Quilt, Five Patch Star Quilt, and Easy Spool Quilt Pattern. If you’re an experienced quilter and this isn’t your first rodeo, feel free to mix and match the blocks from several patterns to create a one-of-a-kind quilt.
5. What is the best way to press the seams on HST blocks?
Pressing the seams correctly can be tricky for first-time quilters. And sometimes, even seasoned pros make mistakes here and there if not careful. The best way to do it is relatively simple. With just an iron and your ironing board, you’ll be able to press your seams flawlessly, and here’s how you can do it:
1. Flip open your HST quilt block and lay it flat on any surface. Be sure to press the ¼” seam allowance at the back of your block toward the darker fabric. This helps to prevent the darker-colored seam from showing through the light-colored fabric.
2. Now that it’s laid flat, grab your iron and gently iron the front of the block. Make sure that your iron is hot enough.
3. Let your fabric cool, and you’ll have the perfectly pressed seam HSTs.
What’s Next?
- Grab those quilt patterns and begin your projects! Don’t forget to share your half-square triangle quilts with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag us @craftpassion.
- Remember to save this post to Pinterest for future reference.
- Share this post with your quilting groups for a quilt-along event.
- If you love sewing quilts, feel free to check out Jelly Roll Quilts, Newborn Quilts, Log Cabin Quilts, Star Quilts, and Quilt Block Patterns.
- When you have some leftover fabrics to spare, transform them into stunning and practical creations such as Oven Mitts, Quilted Trivets, Soothing Eye Masks, and Cute Coin Purses.
25 Easy and Free Half-Square Triangle Quilt Patterns
Now that you’re all set, browse the list of these easy patterns that might tickle your fancy! Grab your supplies and sewing machine, and let’s explore some exciting options to inspire your quilting endeavors. Happy quilting!
Charmalade Quilt Pattern
First on the list is this simple yet elegant Charmalade Quilt by Moda Fabrics! To make this quilt, you’ll need to prepare your favorite charm pack fabric collection in solids and prints, and with this pattern’s helpful instructions, you will also be making 130 half square triangles that will result in a generous 56” x 68” quilt.
Scrappy Half-Square Triangle Quilt
Next up is this beautiful and minimalistic quilt design made from a mixture of small fabric scraps! It’s fast and easy to sew, and you’ll get the option to learn two different methods of making HST blocks. Learn how to make this gorgeous 34 ½” x 46” quilt piece by clicking the link below!
Herringbone Quilt Pattern
Check out this absolute darling of a quilt! This stunning ombre Herringbone Quilt is a fast sewing project, and it shows you a bunch of different color layouts to spoil you for choice. Though this triangle quilt pattern will guide you into making a 40” x 40” baby quilt, it’s easily customizable by adding more HST blocks to create your desired quilt size.
Summer Snowflake Quilt
Though Summer has ended and Winter is still far ahead, you can combine those two seasons into this lovely Summer Snowflake Quilt! This stunning quilt uses 512 scrappy half-square triangle quilt blocks in 4 bright colored fabrics, and this blog provides you with both written and video instructions to help guide you along the way. The finished quilt size is 70” x 70”.
Heritage Red and Green Quilt
Check out this lovely design called the Heritage Red and Green! This rustic-inspired quilt is a delight to make, and it’s an advanced beginner/intermediate project that combines tiny and large HSTs to create that gorgeous zig-zag effect. The final measurements of this quilt are 61” x 78”.
Five Patch Star Quilt
Make a throw quilt with this intricate Five Patch Star Quilt pattern! This lovely 70” x 70” quilt design can be made with fat quarters or using up scraps of fabric, and it comes with various layout styles for you to choose from. It’s a beginner/ advanced beginner project, and as mentioned above, this quilt mixes square blocks to give it a bit of diversity.
Vibrations Quilt Pattern
Learn how to make this Vibrations Quilt by clicking the link below! It’s simple to make and scrap-friendly, which means you can mix and match any leftover fabric that you have to turn into this beautiful quilt. The final size is 70.5” x 84.5”.
Easy Spool Quilt Pattern
If you’re looking for a HST quilt pattern that uses pre-cut charm squares, this one is right up your alley! This 71” x 71” quilt is a fast-sew project, and it’s beginner-friendly, too. It’s made out of 114 half-square triangle quilt blocks and 36 squares of fabric.
Lagoon HST Quilt
Don’t you love how simple yet glamorous this quilt is? The Lagoon Quilt comes in two sizes: a baby and a lap quilt. The quilt is also made of HST and square blocks! It’s scrap-friendly, and you can easily work with your favorite fabric prints on this piece.
Pineapple Fruit Quilt Block
Have a look at this fruity Pineapple Quilt! This 64” x 85” twin quilt is an easy and fast-sew project for beginners to try, and it’s also scrap-friendly. Not only that, this tutorial will teach you how to make a bunch of pineapple blocks with a standard size of 12” each.
Half-Square Triangle Quilt Layouts
Remember when we mentioned that HSTs can be versatile and made in many varieties? This tutorial is the perfect example of that, providing you with 10 different layout variations! It’s a simple, straightforward pattern resulting in a 48” x 48” baby quilt.
Twinkling Star Quilt Pattern
Speaking of layout options, this blog will guide you into making a HST quilt in 27 ways! Though this isn’t a written pattern tutorial, it comes with a YouTube video to show you all the possible ways to take inspiration for your next quilting project. Try it out now!
Summer Pinwheel Quilt
Here’s yet another simple Summer Pinwheel quilt that is a fast-sew project! It’s layer-cake friendly, and this blog will provide you with a guideline on the details of how this quilt was made. It’s an ideal project if you already have the basics down to making quilts, as it is very customizable, and you’ll only need to prepare 82 half square triangles.
Makers Gonna Make Quilt
Check out this gorgeous and exciting quilt called the Makers Gonna Make Quilt! It’s a beginner/advanced beginner pattern, and with easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be making this 72” x 72” piece quickly!
Broken Dishes Baby Quilt
If you’re searching for simple HST quilt patterns that allow you to show off your gorgeous fabric prints, this one is for you! Even if you want to work with solid fabrics, it’s the perfect quilt to experiment with light and dark fabrics. The finished size is a 40” x 50” crib quilt.
Charming Sawtooth Quilt
Say hello to the Charming Sawtooth Quilt! This video tutorial will guide you through every step of the way to make this beginner project that is super quick to put together. Though the quilt comes in two sizes: a small throw (56” x 56”) and a large throw (72” x 72”), you can absolutely customize it to fit your desired quilt size. Click the link below.
World Piece Quilt
Learn how to make this gorgeous World Piece Quilt by clicking the link below! It’s a delight to make, adding such a vibrant pop of color to your living space. It’s a breeze to quilt, and with easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll make a 25.5” x 25.5” quilt in no time.
Lone Star Baby Quilt
This easy quilt project comes with 2 variations for quilt layouts, such as the traditional Lone Star and Morning Star. It caters to beginners and has a simple classic star quilt block design. Not to mention, it’s layer cake friendly! So, if you want to use pre-cuts for your HST quilts, this might be the right one. The finished size is 39” x 39”.
Starburst Quilt Pattern
Try making this elegant quilt pattern from Riley Blake! It's catered for confident beginners and is easily adaptable to your favorite fabric prints. With simple and easy-to-follow instructions, you can quilt this gorgeous piece in no time, and the finished size is 45” x 45”.
Heart Baby Quilt
Have a look at this effortless Heart Baby Quilt! Doesn’t it look so cute and sweet? It makes for the loveliest gift for baby showers, and the finished size rounds up to 50” x 50”. Perfect to snuggle up in, this quilt is also stash-friendly, and you can mix and match your favorite fabric prints or solid colors of your choice.
Summer Haze Quilt
Check out this beautiful and minimalistic piece called the Summer Haze quilt! This one is for the “clean girl” aesthetic lovers because of how cohesive the colors blend with each other, and it’s so seamless, too! It’s a great beginner pattern, and the completed quilt size is 36” x 51”.
Tiny Wonderland Quilt
Isn’t this Tiny Wonderland quilt so adorable? If you want to make a mini quilt for your little ones, then this design is what you need! Though the quilt is 23” x 23”, you can always upsize it by adding more quilt blocks to your piece. Try it out now!
Half-Square Triangle Quilt Pattern
Click the link below to learn how to make this simple yet effortless quilt! It’s so easy to make and a fast-sew project, making it ideal for beginners to hop on. It’s a pre-cut-friendly project and yields a 54” x 63” quilt size. This pattern also comes with HST cheat sheets to smooth your quilting process.
Layer Cake Shake Shortcut Quilt
Learn how to quilt this stunning, beginner-friendly piece by clicking the link below! The instructions pack is straightforward, easy to follow, and comes with directions on how to make a lap (56.6” x 56.6”) and queen-sized quilt (88.5” x 88.5”).
Inquita Quilt Pattern
Finally on the list is this intricate design called the Inquita Quilt Pattern. This 64” x 72” quilt is made with soft, soothing colors of gorgeous green hues, soft pinks, and mustard yellows that all calm the eyes.