1. What is a Half Square Triangle?

A Half Square Triangle (HST) is a common quilting block made by combining two right triangles to form a square. In rag quilting, accurate HST sizing is crucial for proper seam allowances and the finished look of the quilt.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HST formula:

Where:

• Square side — The length of one side of your starting square (in inches)
• √2 — Approximately 1.414 (the diagonal of a square)

Explanation: The formula calculates the finished size of the half-square triangle from the original square size, accounting for the diagonal cut.

3. Importance of Accurate HST Calculation

Details: Precise HST measurements ensure proper seam allowances, accurate piecing, and the desired rag quilt effect when the seams are clipped and frayed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the size of your starting square in inches. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will determine the resulting HST size after accounting for the diagonal cut.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the HST size smaller than the original square?
A: Cutting a square diagonally creates two right triangles with shorter sides than the original square's diagonal.

Q2: Should I add seam allowance to this calculation?
A: This calculates the finished size. For rag quilting, you may need to add extra for seam allowance depending on your desired fringe depth.

Q3: Can I use this for non-rag quilts?
A: Yes, the HST calculation is the same, but seam allowance requirements may differ for traditional quilts.

Q4: What's the most common square size for rag quilt HSTs?
A: Many quilters start with 6-10 inch squares, but this depends on your desired finished block size.

Q5: How does this affect my fabric requirements?
A: Remember you'll get two HSTs per square, and the smaller size means you'll need more blocks to achieve your desired quilt size.