Would you believe me if I told you that I had never made a quilt with quarter square triangles before? Well, it was true until I designed my next quilt pattern, Northern Nights (coming March 2026). And, as it turns out, the pattern is full of quarter square triangles in every block!
So, I set to work to figure out the fastest and easiest ways to make QSTs. And I am putting together this step by step tutorial, along with an upcoming YouTube video, so that you can have a guide--whether you are making one of my patterns or not!
Let's Get Started!
I have found that the quickest, and least waste, method is to make QSTs two at a time.
1.Start with two larger squares of fabric. The sizes of these squares depends on the size QSTs you plan to make. An easy guide is to add 1 1/4" to the unfinished size of your QST (unfinished refers to the size it will be trimmed to before you sew it into your quilt)
2. Mark a diagonal line of the backside of one square. I like to use a hera marker for this step but you can use a fabric pen, or any marking tool
3.Sew a 1/4" on each side of the marked line. Then, trim along the marked line.
4.Press seams. You now have 2 half square triangles.
5.Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of one of the half square triangles. Draw this line opposite your seam line to make an "X".
6. Line up the half square triangles on the seam lines, with opposite colors touching. I like to use a couple of pins at this step to make sure the seams remain on top of one another.
7. Sew a 1/4" on each side of the marked line. Then, trim along the marked line.
And that is it! Just rinse and repeat until you have all the quarter square triangles that you need! Once I got the hang of it, I have found them to be such a fun little block to make. And, getting that point lined up in the center is so satisfying!
If you enjoy making them, keep an eye out for my Northern Nights pattern to release soon!
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