How to Sew: HST Quilt Blocks Many at a Time using FPP templates

Using an FPP Template to make HST quilt blocks using the many at a time method is great because:

• no need for overly precise cutting of lots of squares of fabric
• no need to sew an accurate 1/4″ seam allowance (just sew on the lines)
• reduced issues with bias edges
• lovely and precise blocks

PLUS

• you get multiple identical HSTs in one go!

Step 1 – Prepare FPP Template

Print out your chosen size of template and measure the 1″ test square. This allows you to check that your printer settings are correct.

Roughly cut out just outside the dotted lines of the template. I tend to use paper scissors, a craft knife or an old rotary blade that isn’t quite sharp enough to cut fabric.

Too many HSTs?

If the template that you are looking to use will result in you making too many HSTs, you can always cut it down in size. Below you can see the templates for the 1″ HSTs. If you use the entire set you will be able to make 40 HSTs, however you can cut it down to suit your needs.

Step 2 – Prepare Fabrics

Cut out two rectangles of fabric, slightly larger than the prepared paper template.

Step 3 – Make a Sandwich

Lay the two fabric rectangles right sides together and then lay the FPP template, centrally on top. I place the lightest fabric between the darker fabric and the FPP template.

Secure the FPP template to the two fabrics with several pins (how many you need depends on the size of template you are using).

Step 4 – Sew

Using a shorter stitch length than normal* sew along the solid diagonal lines that run across the template. Start in one corner and just follow the line, pivoting at the outer edges of the template. Eventually you will end up back where you started!

The start of the stitching ‘path’ is shown on this illustration highlighted in yellow.

* the shorter stitch length makes it easier to remove the template later

Step 5 – Trim

Using an acrylic ruler and a rotary cutter (but not the blade you use for cutting fabric), trim along the dotted lines around the outside of the template, through all three layers.

I tend to do this step on a smaller cutting mat, rather than on my big mat. As I am trimming through paper and fabric I find that I exert a bit more pressure and it doesn’t do my mat much good. It’s cheaper and easier to replace a small mat than it is a large one!

Step 5 – Cut into smaller sections

This step is easier and quicker to do if you don’t move the template while cutting (watch from 03:06 on the demo video). Either use a rotating cutting mat, a smaller mat that you can move, or position yourself and the template near a corner of your work table so that you can position yourself to cut from a variety of angles.

Cut the template along the vertical and horizontal dotted lines to give individual squares. Cut each square in half along the dotted line to give two triangles per square.

Step 6 – Press

Place the triangles on a pressing surface with the paper side down. Press over the line of stitching (to set the stitches and warm up the fibres) then peel back the uppermost layer of fabric to create the square shape. Press on top of the diagonal seam line running through the block.

You will now have multiple identical Half Square Triangles!

Using the entire template for 2″ HSTs will yield 12 HSTs in total.

Don’t have the template set yet?

The set of templates can be bought and downloaded today. All of the template pages have been laid out to print on A4 or US Letter paper. Just remember to measure the 1″ test square to check your printer settings, before starting to sew!

The download is great value as it includes 7 different sizes of templates, ranging from:

1″ square

up to

4″ square