How to Make 8-at-a-Time Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)

This month in our 2025 Block of the Month (BOM) program, we’re focusing on mastering the efficient 8-at-a-time half-square triangle (HST) technique! With just two fabric squares, you can create eight beautiful HSTs all at once — a real time-saver for any quilting project.

Follow along for detailed steps, tips for trimming, and a link to the video tutorial that walks you through the process visually. Whether you’re cutting from yardage, precuts, or your scrap bin, this method will help you sew smarter, not harder!

How to Make 8-at-a-Time Half-Square Triangles

Ready to sew? Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prepare Your Fabric Squares

Take two larger fabric squares (one background, one print).
On the back of one square, draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner.
Place the squares right sides together (RST).

2. Sew the Seams

Using a ¼” seam allowance, sew on both sides of each diagonal line.
When finished, your fabrics might look a little wavy — that’s completely normal! A quick press with your iron will flatten everything nicely before cutting.

3. Cut the Units

Use your rotary cutter and ruler to:

• Cut directly on the drawn diagonal lines.
• Then cut horizontally and vertically through the center to create four equal sections.
• Finally, cut each section in half again to make a total of eight HSTs!

4. Press Your HSTs

Gently press your HSTs open.
You can press your seams toward the darker fabric (for consistency) or press seams open if you prefer less bulk — both methods work!

If pressing toward the dark side:

• Place the lighter fabric face-down on your ironing board.
• Gently open the darker fabric upward before using your iron.

5. Trim to Size

This month, trim all of your HSTs to 3″ x 3″.
Here’s a handy trimming tip:

• Use washi tape or a dry-erase marker to highlight the 3″ line on your ruler — it makes the process faster and more accurate!
• Align the seam line with the diagonal line on your ruler to ensure everything stays square.
• Trim two sides, rotate the block, and trim the remaining sides.

Taking time to trim accurately will help your points match beautifully when sewing the final block!

Watch the Full Tutorial on 8-at-a-time HSTs at YouTube

Need a visual walkthrough?
???? Watch the full video tutorial here! (Insert your YouTube link when ready)
In the video, I show exactly how to sew, cut, press, and trim the 8-at-a-time HSTs with bonus tips for perfect points.

Why Use the 8-at-a-Time HST Method?

? Save Time: Make eight units at once instead of sewing individually.
? Consistency: All your triangles are the same size and angle.
? Efficiency: Great for blocks (like this month’s Piece of Russia block) that need multiple HSTs.
? Perfect for Scraps: Especially when using leftover strips or stash fabrics.

Final Thoughts

The 8-at-a-time half-square triangle method is one of my favorite quilting shortcuts! It keeps your sewing efficient without sacrificing precision, and once your pieces are trimmed, you’ll find your block comes together easily.

Don’t forget: Accurate trimming and pressing make all the difference when assembling your final block layout.