Today I am showing you an easy half square triangle method using basic supplies. This is the budget friendly way to make HSTs, perfect for beginners and seasoned quilters who do not want to use specialty rulers or fancy tools. Everything you see in this tutorial is something most quilters already own, and if you are missing something, I have linked every tool below.

Happening Now:

November 6, 2026 – Early January 2027

Quilt it Already!

I’ve pulled four unfinished quilt tops out of my closet, and we’re finally getting them quilted!

In Quilt It Already!, we’re working through four different quilting projects, planning our designs, exploring free motion quilting techniques, and getting those quilts finished. New lessons are added weekly, and you can join us anytime. Bring your own unfinished quilt tops or use one of the four included PDF patterns!

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The Budget Friendly Half Square Triangle Method Using Only Basic Tools

This method works for any quilt pattern that uses half square triangles, and once you learn it, you will likely find yourself returning to it often. I am using fabrics from my Maple Syrup Disco fabric collection, but feel free to use any prints or scraps you already have on hand.

Below, you will find all the exact tools I used, plus my list of things to watch for while you sew.

⭐ Why I Love This Method

● No special rulers required
● Uses the same basic cutting tools you already own
● Works with any size square
● Great accuracy with very little effort
● Perfect for scrap busting

🧵 Tools and Supplies From This Video

Pressing Station

• Iron
• Wool pressing mat
• Pressing spray
• Misting bottle
(I keep a flannel vinyl tablecloth under my wool mat to protect my table)

Cutting Station

• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Small subcutting ruler
• Rotating cutting mat
• 6 ½ inch ruler
• Washi tape

Sewing Machine Station

• Juki 2000 on Amazon
• Juki 2000 at Sewing Machine Plus
• Dura snips
• Washi tape is also on my throat plate as a seam guide

💡 What to Watch Out For When Making HSTs

• Make sure your fabric squares are cut as accurately as possible. This is the foundation of accuracy later
• Draw your diagonal guide line carefully. If it drifts, your seam will drift
• Press with an up and down motion, never drag an iron, or your square may distort
• Trim carefully, lining the diagonal seam up on your ruler before cutting
• Handle trimmed HSTs gently since they are now on bias edges

✨ Fabrics Used in This Video

Maple Syrup Disco collection

❤️ Want More Tutorials?

You get more than just videos when you join me inside Quilty Club. Every month we sew together, and I share class style instruction that does not always make it to YouTube.

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