Hey there, beginner quilters! If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of quilting, you’ve probably heard the term “Half Square Triangle” or HST thrown around a lot. Don’t let the fancy name scare you off! Half-Square Triangles are one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly blocks you can make. Today, I’m sharing a roundup of my half square triangle quilt patterns, all are free and easy. Plus a quick tutorial on how to make them two at a time. So grab your rotary cutter and let’s dive in!

How to Make Two-at-a-Time Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

The basic method of making HSTs two at a time is the way to go, especially if you’re working on a larger project or just want to save some time. This is currently my favorite method of making these but there are several ways to make multiples at one time. 

1. Start with Two Squares: Cut two squares of fabric, one light and one dark. These should be 1/2 inch larger than your desired finished HST size. 
2. Draw a Diagonal Line: On the wrong side of the background fabric square, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner.
3. Stitch on Both Sides: Place two pieces of fabric right sides together, and stitch a 1/4 inch seam on both sides of the drawn line on your sewing machine.
4. Cut Along the Line: Use your rotary cutter or scissors to cut along the drawn line. This will give you two HST units.
5. Press and Trim: Press the seams toward the darker fabric, and trim the HSTs to the correct size if needed.

If you are brand new to quilting and don’t know how to make half square triangles (HSTs), check out my tutorial How to Make Half Square Triangles (HSTs) – Easy Formula Chart. The best thing is how many different patterns you can create from a simple HST. 

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After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How To Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

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Best Precuts for Half Square Triangle Quilt Patterns

Precut Fabrics

Let’s talk about the different fabrics you can use to make HST quilt patterns, there’s a wide range to chose from depending on the method you use to make them. These projects works well with precut fabrics like a 5″ charm pack or 10″ layer cake. By far the easiest fabric to use would be 5-inch squares from a charm pack because there is no cutting to do. Charm packs normally have 40 square so look at the fabric requirements below and make sure you have enough charm packs to meet the fabric requirements.

Layer cakes are another great option for fabric variety if you want lots of colors that all match. You would need to sub cut the layer cakes in half both horizontally and vertically to make 4 – 5″ squares from the 10 inch square, but that’s easy when you use a rotary cutter and quilting ruler. Fabric manufacturers have really great layer cakes and match all the fabric for you. 

Check out your local quilt shop first, then try online if you can’t find what you like in the quilt shop. Jelly rolls will not work for these patterns. 

Fabric Stash

Great way to use up some of your stash. This is a perfect stash buster project as long as your fabric scraps are 5″ squares. Scrappy quilts are my favorite, always try to use the fabric you own so you don’t need to buy more. Why spend money if you don’t have to.

Half Square Triangle Quilt Patterns

Each of these patterns uses HST blocks in different ways to create beautiful quilts, placemats and table toppers. So whether you’re making a cozy lap quilt or a decorative table runner, these projects will help you build your skills while creating something beautiful. Find the HST method that you like best, search the web for all the different ways you can make them.

Here’s a roundup of all my simple half-square triangle quilt patterns, all are perfect for beginners. All of these patterns have a free tutorial as well.

HST Quilt Patterns

Pinwheel Quilt
This quilt is make with classic pinwheel blocks. Just four HSTs rotated to look like a pinwheel. Fun way to use up scraps or get movement in your quilt top.

Chevron Quilt
If you’re looking for something smaller, this table runner features adorable sawtooth stars, which are made using HSTs. It’s a quick and satisfying project.

Flying Geese Quilt
​There are many ways to make flying geese units but the easiest way is with half square triangles. This lap size quilt is the perfect size, it’s called “Flight”.

Carpenter’s Wheel
​The carpenters wheel can be one big block or made into smaller blocks. This pattern is for a one block lap quilt and done with half square triangles and background squares. Really easy and fun to make, it’s called “Wheeling”.

HST Placemats

Chevron Placemats
Ready to tackle flying geese? This festive table runner is made with small flying geese units, which are basically fancy HSTs.

HST Table Runner

Flying Geese Table Runner
​This is a smaller version of the Flight quilt above. This flying geese table runner is a party on the front and all business on the back. So depending on your mood, just flip it over for a completely different look. This pattern is called “Detour”.

HST Table Toppers

LeMoyne Star Table Topper
This Halloween quilted table topper is an easy way to make a LeMoyne Star but with HSTs. You could easily make this into a quilt of any size by repeating the block.

Pinwheel Table Topper
If you’re looking for something smaller, this table runner features the pinwheel block and was made with Christmas in mind. It’s called the Jolly Table Topper. Contains 4 pinwheel blocks with borders, sashing and cornerstones.

Mosaic Block
Mosaic quilt blocks are cool, this one contains half square triangles but you can’t tell when looking at it. The half square triangles help with a visual effect for this “Nonsense Table Topper”. I currently have mine in my office and love it, you will too.

Sew Nikki Free Resources

More Quilt Patterns

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Beginner Quilting Supplies

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! Just print this post for the free pattern. My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

Half Square Triangles are a fantastic starting point for any new quilter. They’re versatile, fun to make, and the designs you can create with them are endless. I hope this roundup gives you some inspiration to start your next project. Remember, quilting is all about enjoying the process and learning as you go. Happy quilting!

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Want to learn how to crochet? Check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!