This half-square triangle throw quilt brings a warm, timeless look to any room with its classic zigzag layout in soft corals, peaches, and creams. If you can make one half-square triangle, you can easily piece this entire quilt top together using simple 2-at-a-time methods.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Confident beginner
- Finished size: 48 in x 64 in (122 cm x 162.5 cm)
- Block size: 8 in (20.3 cm) finished
- Fabric: Assorted peach, coral, and cream cotton prints
- Seam allowance: 1/4 in (0.6 cm)
- Time to make: Weekend project
What Makes This half square triangle quilt Special
Making half-square triangles two at a time cuts down on prep work while keeping your points sharp and accurate. The layout relies on alternating chevron rows that alternate directional movement across the throw quilt. Pressing your seams open helps reduce bulk where multiple points meet in the center of the zigzag seams.
Finished Size
| Item |
Size (Inches) |
Size (Centimetres) |
Blocks Across |
Blocks Down |
| Throw Quilt |
48 in x 64 in |
122 cm x 162.5 cm |
6 |
8 |
| Single Block |
8 in x 8 in |
20.3 cm x 20.3 cm |
– |
– |
Fabric Requirements
| Fabric |
Used For |
Yards |
Metres |
| Coral and Peach Prints (Assorted) |
HST units (colored halves) |
24 3/8 yd |
22.3 m |
| Cream and White Prints (Assorted) |
HST units (light halves) |
24 3/8 yd |
22.3 m |
| Coral Print |
Binding |
6 yd |
5.5 m |
| Coordinating Cotton |
Backing |
2 1/8 yd |
2.0 m |
Note: Batting needs to measure at least 56 in x 72 in (142 cm x 183 cm) to allow for quilting overhang.
Cutting Instructions
- Coral and Peach Prints: Cut a total of 96 squares measuring 8 7/8 in x 8 7/8 in (22.5 cm x 22.5 cm).
- Cream and White Prints: Cut a total of 96 squares measuring 8 7/8 in x 8 7/8 in (22.5 cm x 22.5 cm).
- Binding Fabric: Cut 6 strips measuring 2 1/2 in x WOF (6.4 cm x WOF).
Assembly
Block Assembly
- Pair one coral/peach square with one cream/white square, placing them right sides together.
- Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of the lighter square.
- Stitch a 1/4 in (0.6 cm) seam on both sides of the drawn line.
- Cut along the drawn line to yield two half-square triangle units.
- Press the seams open and trim each unit to measure exactly 8 1/2 in x 8 1/2 in (21.6 cm x 21.6 cm).
✅ Checkpoint: Each trimmed half-square triangle unit measures 8 1/2 in x 8 1/2 in (21.6 cm x 21.6 cm) unfinished.
- Repeat with all remaining paired squares to make 192 half-square triangle units total.
Quilt Top Assembly
- Arrange the half-square triangle units into 8 horizontal rows, with 24 units per row, following the zigzag chevron direction shown in the photo.
- Sew the units together within each row, pressing the seams open or to one side, alternating directions between rows.
- Pin the rows together, matching your seam intersections carefully. Sew the 8 rows together to complete the quilt top.
💡 Designer Tip: Pinning at every seam intersection keeps your zigzag points aligned neatly across the rows.
Quilting and Binding
- Layer your backing fabric wrong side up, batting, and the finished quilt top right side up to make your quilt sandwich. Baste the layers together using pins or basting spray.
- Quilt as desired. Straight-line diagonal quilting following the zigzag lines works nicely to match the piecing geometry.
- Trim the excess backing and batting square with the quilt top edges.
- Sew your binding strips end-to-end with diagonal seams, press in half lengthwise, and attach to the front of the quilt using a 1/4 in (0.6 cm) seam. Fold the binding to the back and hand-stitch or machine-stitch it down.
Size Variations
- Baby Size: Make a 40 in x 48 in (101.5 cm x 122 cm) quilt by using 5 blocks across and 6 blocks down.
- Twin Size: Make a 64 in x 88 in (162.5 cm x 223.5 cm) quilt by using 8 blocks across and 11 blocks down.
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with similar colors. Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.
FAQ
Can I use fat quarters for this easy quilt pattern?
Yes, you can cut your 8 7/8 in (22.5 cm) squares from fat quarters as long as the fabric pieces measure at least 18 in x 21 in (45.5 cm x 53.5 cm).
What is the best way to keep my points sharp?
Make sure your quarter-inch seam is accurate and take your time trimming your half-square triangles down to the exact 8 1/2 in (21.6 cm) unfinished size before sewing them into rows.
Should I press my seams open or to the side?
Pressing your seams open reduces bulk where multiple half-square triangle points meet, which helps your quilt top lay flat.
Happy Quilting!
I hope you enjoy putting together this classic zigzag quilt top for your home. Save this pin on Pinterest to keep the project handy. If you make one, I would love to see it: send me a photo through the contact page.
