HSTs and HRTs - July 2026
Half-Square Triangles and Half-Rectangle Triangles
There are many tools and methods for making half-square triangles (HSTs) and half-rectangle triangles (HRTs). Cheralee guided us through these essential building blocks of patchwork. HSTs are the more common component of the two, but HRTs show up often enough to inspire dedicated methods and tools for making them. HRTs are even the theme for the 2027 community quilt challenge at QuiltCon.
HSTs in 2 at a time, 4 at a time, and 8 at a time configurations
Cheralee showed us multiple examples of making HSTs in multiples. Everyone has their preferred method, and when you're making a bunch of them, you should use the one that works best for you.
We also got to see an analysis of how HRTs are constructed and the results you get from your initial set-up. HRTs are both directional and asymmetrical. While you can spin around an HST and get it to point in any direction, the nature of HRTs will always slope up or down, and it will always be vertical or horizontal. How you start determines how it will end.
For a full breakdown of these points on HRTs (and HSTs), see the notes in the June slides and the included links for extra instructions.
Starched vs Unstarched HRT production
Marking a ruler to trim HRTs
Membership
July is the beginning of our membership year. If you haven’t renewed yet, renew before the August meeting. The roster will be emptied of non-renewed members and the members only password will change. Membership in our guild also includes access to the Modern Quilt Guild website and the benefits included - like early registration for QuiltCon.
Show and Tell
Q2 Challenge: Patriotic
The Q2 Challenges were due at the July meeting, Check out the entire gallery in the Challenges page!
Charity Potholder Project
Our own member Ailish scored us an entire bolt of Insul-Brite for our next charity project - potholders for the food pantry donation boxes. The official pattern is available in the members only area of the website. Insulation squares are available for you to make your entries for this project. Please make sure you renew your membership. These are donations for people of all cooking experiences and mobility levels. Please ensure your project uses all cotton materials if you are planning to donate. The guild-supplied filling is intended for this purpose.
