how to make magic 8 half square triangle units

tutorial for half square triangles

how to make magic 8 half square triangle units

By Hatun Comak → Monday, June 8, 2020

If you are in need of making many many half square triangles, the magic 8 method is the right way to make them. With this method of doing half square triangles, you make eight HSTs at a time. There are some other methods to make half square triangles, where you make two or four HSTs at one time also. Half square triangles are one of the most used quilt blocks, either with other pattern combinations or alone. It is good  to know how to make these HSTs in a paractical way.
In this tutorial I will show you how to make 8 half square triangles at one time. 

You need two same size squares of fabric in different colors. I used 10" squares here. Mark a diagonal line across both diagonals on the wrong side of the fabric. It is shown in the image below.

Sew along with 1/4" seam allowance on both sides of the marked lines.

Using your rotary cutter, cut the square into eight. You will cut horizontally, vertically and diagonally.

Now you have 8 half square triangles. Open the blocks and press with finger or iron, seams open. Or you can press the seams through the dark fabric.

Trim the exess pieces, using your rotary cutter and ruler. The finished size of each HST unit meaaures 4.5 ".

You are done! Now 8 HSTs are ready to be assembled in a quilt.

Finally below is a cutting chart for half square triangle units for the magic 8 method.

I hope that this tutorial will be useful for you. Enjoy it!

Have a look at the video also to see the tutorial

There are many quilt patterns made by using half square triangles. Below is one of my quilts made by using half square triangles. You cam hava a look at it if you are looking for some inspiration.

Pinwheel Quilt

how to make a pinwheel quilt block

quilt blocks

how to make a pinwheel quilt block

By Hatun Comak → Monday, June 1, 2020

The pinwheel block is one of the oldest and  most beginner-friendly quilt blocks. They are usually created by using half-square triangles (HSTs) in contrasting colors, which gives the block its distinct appearance.
The pinwheel quilt block is a perfect project for sunmer. It is not only easy to make but also has a great look in different colors and a variety of fabrics.
You may have encountered or tried some other ways to make pinwheel quilt block. This is how I make pinwheel quilt block. I prepared a tutorial for pinwheel quilt block, making it quick and easy. I, of course, made it with HSTs. While making HSTs, I used magic eight technique which provides you to make eight HSTs at a time. When you need to make so many HSTs, this way is quite practical.
The most important thing with pinwheel quilt block is getting all the points matched in the middle.

Here we go:

• Cut two pieces of  10 x 10 " squares from two contrasting fabrics. I used white and red fabrics  here.

• Draw diagonal lines on the wrong side of the red fabric. 

• Place the red fabric on top of white fabric, right sides together. Sew on either side of both drawn lines with 1/4" seam allowance. 
• Cut the squares in half vertically, horizontally and along both of the drawn lines and you get eight pieces of HSTs.

• Press seam allowances and then trim the exess pieces. Each  HST unit measures 4.5".

• Arrange four HSTs as shown below.
  
•  Sew the HSTs together to make two rows. Press the seam allowances. Sew the rows together to make one block.
  
• It's finished. Isn't it lovely?! The finished size of the pinwheel block is 8.5". The options with this quilt block varies. It is really simple and fun block to make. 
  

      Enjoy it!