How to Make Half Rectangle Triangle Quilt Blocks with the Snowball Corners Method
Have you ever wanted to add some dynamic, modern flair to your quilting projects? Half Rectangle Triangles (HRTs) are a fun, eye-catching alternative to traditional Half Square Triangles (HSTs), and they’re easier to make than you might think—especially using this beginner-friendly snowball corners method!
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make HRT quilt blocks using just rectangles and/or squares. This is a great technique if you’re looking for accuracy without complicated trimming templates or bias edges. Let’s dive in!
Snowball Corner HRT Video Tutorial
Watch this tutorial video to see how to make your own Snowball Corner Half Rectangle Triangles:
What is a Half Rectangle Triangle (HRT)?
A Half Rectangle Triangle is exactly what it sounds like: a rectangle split diagonally into two triangles. Unlike HSTs, which are always symmetrical, HRTs can be tall and skinny or short and wide, and they can be oriented in several different ways. This versatility makes them perfect for adding movement and modern angles to your quilts.
Why Use the Snowball Corners Method?
Traditionally, HRTs can be tricky to piece due to their unusual angles and trimming requirements. But the snowball corners method—also known as the stitch-and-flip corner method—simplifies the process by allowing you to:
- Avoid bias edges
- Use standard-sized fabric cuts
- Eliminate the need for specialty rulers
- Skip all the tedious trimming
This is especially handy for newer quilters or anyone who wants a more approachable way to try out HRTs!
Materials & Tools
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric: Two contrasting fabrics (one for the background, one for the HRT corner) OR a quilt block and a rectangle for the HRT corner.
- Rotary cutter and ruler
- Fabric marking tool (chalk pencil, water-soluble marker, heat erasing pen, or a hera marker)
- Sewing machine with 1/4″ foot
- Iron and pressing surface
Fabric Cutting Instructions
For each quilt block, you will need:
- (1) Larger Background Rectangle or Square: the size you cut will determine the final block size, plus seam allowance.
- Smaller Rectangle(s) for snowballing the HRT. Should be a 1×2 ratio plus seam allowance. Examples of common sizes could be:
- 2.5″ x 4.5″ (results in a 2″ x 4″ HRT)
- 3″ x 5.5″ (results in a 2.5″ x 5″ HRT)
- 3.5″ x 6.5″ (results in a 3″ x 6″ HRT)
- 4″ x 7.5″ (results in a 3.5″ x 7″ HRT)
- 4.5″ x 8.5″ (results in a 4″ x 8″ HRT)
You can scale the size up or down according to your preference and desired outcome, just keep the proportion of the background piece and the smaller rectangle pieces consistent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Draw Diagonal Lines on smaller rectangles
Using a fabric marking tool, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of each small rectangle. The diagonal line should be in the opposite direction of the angled corner you are adding the snowball to.
Step 2: Position the Rectangles on the background fabric
Place one small rectangle in the top left corner of the background rectangle, right sides together, with the drawn line going from top left to bottom right.
Tip: Double-check the direction of your diagonals to get the triangle slant you want! Pin in place and fold on the sewing line to test before sewing in place.
Step 3: Stitch Along the Lines
Sew directly on the marked diagonal lines on each square.
Step 4: Trim and Press
Trim the excess corner fabric 1/4″ outside the seam. Then press the corners open to reveal your new angled triangle sections. (See the tip below to eliminate fabric waste by making extra HRTs with the excess fabric!)
Step 5: Square Up (if needed)
Measure and trim your block to your desired unfinished size. Keep an eye on the seam allowances and alignment.
Try the Luminary Quilt Pattern!
Want a beautiful, modern quilt pattern that puts your new Half Rectangle Triangle skills to use right away? Check out my newest quilt pattern: the Luminary Quilt!
The Luminary Quilt Pattern is a striking, modern design that features bold HRT blocks to create dynamic movement and geometric flair. Whether you’re a confident beginner or an experienced quilter looking for something fresh, this pattern is a perfect next project.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Showcases HRTs using the exact snowball corners method from this tutorial
- Includes multiple size options (baby, throw, and bed sizes!)
- Fabric cutting diagrams and color layout suggestions included
- Beginner-friendly instructions with step-by-step guidance
Whether you’re drawn to bold solids, scrappy palettes, or something totally unique, the Luminary Quilt is a fantastic way to practice your HRTs and make something truly special.
Making Extra HRT Quilt Blocks to Eliminate Fabric Waste
Just like when making traditional Half Square Triangle snowball corners, you can reduce fabric waste by turning the excess fabric into separate extra quilt blocks! Simply stitch 1/2″ away from your original seam before trimming, and then when you do trim off the excess, you’ll be left with a HRT unit to press and trim!
Explore More Half Rectangle Triangle Tutorials
If you love working with Half Rectangle Triangle quilt blocks, there are so many different HRT construction methods to explore. Different techniques can help improve accuracy, speed up piecing, reduce fabric waste, or make quilting more beginner friendly.
Looking for more ways to make Half Rectangle Triangles? Start with the complete guide to HRTs here. This comprehensive HRT tutorial guide compares multiple Half Rectangle Triangle methods.
Different Ways to Make Half Rectangle Triangle Quilt Blocks
You may also enjoy these related Half Rectangle Triangle tutorials:
Whether you’re making modern quilt blocks, experimenting with geometric quilt layouts, or simply looking for the best HRT method for your quilting style, these tutorials will help you confidently make accurate Half Rectangle Triangle quilt blocks.
Final Thoughts on HRTs made using snowball corners
While this technique is a bit unconventional, Half Rectangle Triangles don’t have to be intimidating! This snowball corners method is a straightforward, beginner-friendly stitch-and-flip technique that opens up a whole new world of quilt design possibilities. Whether you’re a new quilter or looking for a quick method to add some angles to your quilt, this technique is a great one to have in your toolbox. If you want to learn a more traditional way of making HRTs, check out this simple Half Rectangle Triangle tutorial.
More Basic Quilt Blocks to Make
If you enjoyed learning this Half Rectangle Triangle method, you might also enjoy trying out some other beginner quilt block tutorials:
