Create squares, Flying Geese and more with these essential shapes!
HALF-SQUARE
TRIANGLES
When we talk about Half-square
Triangles, we’re usually referring to
simple square blocks made up of two
diagonal halves. They’re really fun to
snip and sew, and form the foundation for
many quilt designs. Once you’ve mastered
the simple two-in-one method below,
you’ll have a whole new world of patchwork
effects at your fingertips. In fact, just by
combining Half-square Triangles in different
ways you can form stars, Pinwheel blocks
(see page 121) and much more! You justneed two squares cut from two different
fabrics. For the best results pick two
contrasting prints or solids (as below), or
one patterned and one plain fabric. Once
you’re a pro at the below, try the four-in-
one method in the HST quilt on page 84.STEP ONE
Place two squares of fabric in contrasting
colours right sides together (RST). On the
reverse of the lightest fabric, draw
a line from corner to corner.STEP TWO
You may wish to pin the pieces together
for stability. Sew a line of stitching
either side of the drawn line, using
a /in seam allowance.STEP three
Use your rotary cutter, cutting mat
and quilter’s ruler to cut down the drawn
line, in between the two lines
of stitching.STEP FOUR
Open up the two triangles and you’ve made
a square. Press the seam open or towards
the darker triangle. Trim to your desired
block size.