Your HST Production Plan
40 HSTs · 2 at a time
20 batches · 40 produced · 0 extra
Cut starting squares
Cut Fabric A and Fabric B squares at
5" × 5"
Minimum theoretical size: 4 7/8". Recommended size leaves trimming room.
Fabric
| Fabric A | Fabric B | |
|---|---|---|
| Squares | 20 at 5" | 20 at 5" |
| WOF strips | 3 | 3 |
| Buy | 1/2 yard | 1/2 yard |
Yardage assumes a 42" usable width of fabric.
Make
- Batches
- 20
- HSTs per batch
- 2
- Makes
- 40 HSTs
- Extra HSTs
- 0
Finish
Trim each HST to 4 1/2" × 4 1/2".
Finishes at 4" × 4" in the quilt.
4-at-a-time HSTs have bias outer edges. Handle carefully to reduce stretching.
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40 HSTs · 2 at a time
Starting square
After sewing, trim each HST to 4 1/2". Finishes at 4" in the quilt.
Minimum theoretical size: 4 7/8".
Fabric plan
| Fabric A | Fabric B | |
|---|---|---|
| Squares | 20 at 5" × 5" | 20 at 5" × 5" |
| WOF strips | 3 | 3 |
| Buy | 1/2 yard | 1/2 yard |
Production plan
- Batches
- 20
- HSTs per batch
- 2
- HSTs needed
- 40
- HSTs produced
- 40
- Extra HSTs
- 0
Planning estimate only. Yardage assumes 42" usable width and rounds up to 1/4 yard. 4-at-a-time HSTs have bias outer edges. Handle carefully to reduce stretching.
You can paste your fabric swatch here.
Finished vs. Unfinished HST Size
Finished size is the Half Square Triangle size after it is sewn into the quilt. The unfinished HST is 1/2" larger so it includes seam allowance.
Using a commercial pattern? Follow its cutting instructions first; its method and trimming allowance may differ.
2 vs. 4 vs. 8 at a Time
2 at a time
Flexible for smaller batches. Each pair of starting squares makes 2 HSTs.
4 at a time
Efficient, but the outer edges are on the bias and can stretch. Handle carefully.
8 at a time
Efficient for larger quantities. Each pair of starting squares makes 8 HSTs.
How the Calculation Works
- The calculator recommends a beginner cut size with trimming room.
- Batch count rounds up so you make at least the required number of HSTs.
- Fabric A and Fabric B each need one starting square per batch.
- Yardage uses 42" usable width of fabric and rounds up to the next 1/4 yard.
Trim before assembly: Square each unit to the displayed unfinished size, then sew it into the quilt.
These are planning estimates. Consider buying 5–10% extra fabric for shrinkage, cutting mistakes, or test units.
FAQ
The finished Half Square Triangle size is what shows after the block is sewn into the quilt. The unfinished HST is 1/2" larger because it still includes seam allowance.
This calculator shows a minimum size and a slightly larger beginner cut size. The beginner size leaves practical trimming room before assembly.
The 4-at-a-time construction method places the outer HST edges on the fabric bias. Those edges can stretch, so handle them gently and avoid pulling while pressing or sewing.
No. If you are using a commercial quilt pattern, follow its cutting and construction instructions first. Pattern methods and trimming allowances may differ.
Each batch uses one Fabric A square and one Fabric B square. The calculator fits the beginner cut size across 42" usable width of fabric, calculates WOF strips, and rounds each fabric up to the next 1/4 yard.