My favorite way to make Half Square Triangles (HSTs) is the 8-at-a-time or “magic 8” method. This post includes a tutorial to make 8 half square triangles at a time, along with a half square triangles 8 at a time chart download. Print it out and go crazy with HSTs!
Some people call this the “magic 8 method” because it is so quick and does feel magical, especially if you have been sewing them two at a time! This method is my favorite way to make half square triangles, especially when I’m using them for star blocks since you need so many.
Once you try the eight at a time method, it’s hard to go back! This method is just SO fast and satisfying!
The only downside to this method is you will end up with some of the fabric of the triangles cut on bias grain, so it can warp and stretch a little. Because of that, the cheat sheet includes a little extra fabric so you have space to trim them down to the right size. Once your blocks are sewn into a quilt, the fabric skewing will not be a problem.
There are so many things you can do with half square triangles, they are such a basic quilt block that is so versatile! If you want to really master quilting, take my course Learn to Quilt! Use code QUILT for $20 off!
Supplies to make eight half square triangles at once
For this tutorial you only need a few quilting supplies.
- Acrylic Ruler (affiliate links)
- Fabric marker, this two-sided Dritz one is my favorite
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Square ruler for trimming in final block size + seam allowance
- Two Fabrics
If you know the size of your starting squares and can find a big square in that size, that will make your process extra easy.
HST Magic 8 Method Tutorial
To make HSTs 8 at a time, you have to start squares that are significantly larger than your finished block size. The basic formula for this method is… but you can also use the cheat sheet download below so you don’t have to do any math!
In this example I want my finished block size to be 4″ when it is sewn into a quilt.
Start by cutting 2 large squares 10″ by 10″ as per the chart.
Draw lines with the fabric marker along the diagonals.
Sew on both sides of the lines that you have drawn, 1/4″ from the line. In the photo below, I drew over the white thread with purple marker so you can see where the stitching is.
Now we are going to cut it up to create 8 squares. See the video to cut in a different order. Cut along the purple lines.
You’ll have 4 pieces.
Then cut the triangles in half.
Open them all up and press the seam allowances towards the darker fabric!
Half Square Triangles 8 at a time Chart Printable
Use the Half Square Triangle Cheat Sheet. Print this out whenever you need to make a few HSTs quickly.
To download the printable, sign up for my email newsletter below. I recommend keeping this in a binder with all your cheat sheets!
HST Quilt Patterns
- Two Hour HST Quilt
- Stripes and Stars Picnic Quilt
- Kitty Committee Cat Quilt
- The Banff Quilt Pattern
- Valley Star Quilt
- The Basketcase Quilt
