How to Sew: Half Rectangle Triangles (HRTs) using the FPP method

Top Left to Bottom Right (Left Facing)

or

Top Right to Bottom Left (Right Facing)

Frequently Half Rectangle Triangle quilt blocks are based on a ratio of 1:2. This means that the height of the rectangle is twice the measurement of the width.

The HRT quilt blocks that are being shown in this guide are 2″x4″. The longer measurement is double that of the shorter measurement.

You can get HRT quilt blocks that are a different ratio, but 1:2 is the most common format.

Half Rectangle Triangle quilt blocks are wonderful for adding a different dimension to your patchwork and quilting projects. Because the seam runs at a slightly different angle to most quilt blocks you have the opportunity to draw the eye in a different way!

You can use multiple Half Rectangle Triangle quilt blocks together, or you can combine them with squares to make some great designs.

Step 1

Roughly trim the FPP template, just outside the dotted line at the outer edge.

Step 2

To prepare the fabrics for FPP, cut a rectangle that is 1″ wider and 2″ taller than the finished size of HRT that you are making.

If you are making an HRT unit with a seam that runs bottom left to top right, then cut the rectangle (with right side facing uppermost) in the same direction…bottom left to top right.

You will only need one triangle from each print/colour.

Step 3

Place the fabric for piece 1 centrally under the template under the area for piece 1, with the wrong side facing uppermost.

The fabric should extend a small amount just past the dashed lines on the left hand side and lower edge of the template.

Secure in place with a sewing glue pen or a pin.

Step 4

Fold the template back along the diagonal line. Trim away any excess to leave  a 1/4″ seam allowance.

If you are making a smaller Half Rectangle Triangle quilt block, you might like to trim this seam allowance back to 1/8″.

Step 5

Place fabric for piece 2 RST (right sides together) with fabric for piece 1. The fabric should extend a small amount just past the dashed lines template, under the area for piece 2.

Ensure the diagonal raw edges on both pieces are aligned.

Step 6

Flip the paper template back so that it sits flat. With a shorter than standard stitch length, sew along the line between 1 and 2. Start and finish sewing just outside the dashed lines (shown in red in this illustration).

Flip the block over and press fabric 2 away from piece 1.

Step 7

Trim the template to size by cutting along the outer dashed lines.

You will see from the right side of the completed block that the seam line does not run directly from corner to corner (as you will find with HSTs). This is because the seam line is not on a 45 degree angle. 

Don’t have your HRT templates yet?

If not, then you can buy and download the pdf pattern today.

The download is great value as it includes 8 different sizes of 1:2 HRT templates, each of which come in 2 different directions (left and right facing).

With the instructions you get a handy chart with cutting sizes for prepping your fabrics before starting to sew.