Four-at-a-Time HSTs
It is out for debate whether you save time by making more than one half square triangle (HST) at a time, but it’s safe to say that you probably have a favorite way of making them! I personally love making them Four-at-a-Time because I hate having to mark lines. We all have our quirks :)
Although I don’t have to mark my lines, I often take the time to pin my squares together. And if I did wake up feeling up to being extra careful, these Clover Patchwork Pins are my all time favorite.
The downside to making HSTs Four-at-a-Time is that you are dealing with bias edges along the perimeter of your HST. For some folks this is a dealbreaker. For me, I just remind myself to be gentle when handling them so they don’t get wonky. Which really means that when I press them, I am truly pressing them and not ironing back and forth.
Regardless of your favorite method, here’s the math for making HSTs Four-at-a Time (with handy dandy screenshotable reference sheets to save to your phone or Pinterest!). If you’re looking to make four Two or Eight at a Time, I’ve got the math with step-by-step instructions here:
Two-at-a-Time HSTs
Eight-at-a-Time HSTs
Looking for a screenshot friendly version to easily save to your phone? Scroll to the bottom of the post for my cheat-sheet version!
HSTs Four-at-a-Time: The Formula
If you're making HST Four-at-a-Time, you'll need (2) same-size squares of different fabric. While I love this method, though I admittedly find the "official" math annoying: take the finished size you need, add a ½" to get the unfinished size, then divide that by .64.
(Finished HST Size + ½") / .64 = Starting Square Size
And if you want a little extra space for trimming, add a ¼", then round up to the next ⅛" (or ¼" if your ruler doesn't have eighth inch markings or if you simply prefer!).
Annoying.
But, in my opinion, any annoyance caused by the math is made up for in how easy (and quick) it is to make these (no need to draw any lines plus they're a chain piecing dream!).
HSTs Four-at-a-Time: Cutting Instructions
To make HSTs Four-at-a-Time, you'll need (2) same-size squares of different fabric. Here’s my go-to finished/unfinished/starting square math (as I mentioned: I like having a little extra wiggle room to trim down to size, so these measurements reflect this and might be too much for your taste!):
| Finished HST Size | Unfinished HST Size | Starting Squares |
|---|---|---|
| 2" | 2½" | 4¼" |
| 2½" | 3" | 5" |
| 3" | 3½" | 5¾" |
| 3½" | 4" | 6½" |
| 4" | 4½" | 7¼" |
| 4½" | 5" | 8¼" |
| 5" | 5½" | 9" |
| 5½" | 6" | 9¾" |
| 6" | 6½" | 10½" |
| 6½" | 7" | 11¼" |
HSTs Four-at-a-Time: Step by Step Instructions
Never made four HSTs at a time? Don’t worry, it’s easy! With your squares right sides together, sew a ¼” seam around the border (Step 1). Then cut corner to corner (Step 2). Trim down to the required Unfinished Square Size.
This is by far and away my favorite method, even though the math is annoying and it does create bias edges (the biggest complaint I've heard about it). All this means is that when you press your seams you want to truly press, and not iron back and forth (pressing will minimize the pulling of the fabric and keep the HSTs from becoming wonky).
HSTs Four-at-a-Time: Screenshot-able Cheat Sheet
Screenshot these slides to save to your phone’s camera roll (or to Pinterest!) for easy and convenient future reference:
HSTs Four-at-a-Time: The Perfect Pattern
Looking for a fun pattern that makes HSTs Four-at-a-Time? My Flight Formation Quilt is just the ticket!
The Flight Formation Quilt is a bold geometric pattern made up entirely of half square triangles: there's nothing more complicated than nesting + spinning seams here (and deciding on which fabrics to use, of course!).
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