There are several other ways to quick-piece half square triangle units (also called triangle squares). I recommend you try them all to see which methods you like best for different situations, because triangle squares are one of the most common components used in quilts.
Try this grid assembly technique when you need lots of identical units. Draw the grid on paper and pin it to sandwiched fabrics, or draw it directly on the reverse side of the lightest triangle square fabric.
Determine Correct Grid Size
- Refer to your pattern or calculate the finished size of the triangle squares. Add 7/8" to that size to determine strip and grid width. I nearly always use strips just a little wider than necessary to construct my triangle squares. Then I trim the squares back to the correct size after assembly.
- Determine how many squares you need. Each square in the grid produces 2 half square triangle units.
- To calculate total strip length, multiply the grid size by the number of squares required. Use shorter lengths of multiple strips if necessary to make the best use of your yardage.
- Cut strips of the two fabrics chosen for the units, their width as determined in Step 1 and their lengths as determined in Step 3.
