Beginner's Guide To Quilting - UK (2020-04)

Beginner’s Guide to Quilting 83

W

hen we talk about half
square triangles in
quilting, we’re usually
referring to simple square blocks
made up of two triangle-shaped
halves. They’re really fun to snip and
sew, and they form the foundation for
many more quilting tricks. Once you’ve

mastered the simple steps below, you’ll

have a whole new world of patchwork

effects at your fingertips.

When combined in different ways, half

square triangles can form stars, Flying

Geese (see page 84), Pinwheel blocks (see

page 117) and much more! To get started

you just need two squares cut from

different patterned fabrics. For the best

finished effects choose two contrasting

prints, or maybe go for one patterned and

one plain fabric.

If you’d like to read more about

planning and designing blocks for your

quilt, turn to our ‘All About Blocks’

feature on page 104. And have fun!

CREATE SQUARES, FLYING GEESE

& MORE WITH THESE GREAT SHAPES!

Half Square Triangles

Exploring Shapes

Repeat step 1 with a different fabric,

then gather together one triangle in each

fabric. These will form the base of your first

Half Square Triangle block.

Pair up the two triangles, placing them

right sides together and aligning the long

edges. Pin together. Now sew a ¼in (6mm)

seam along the long edge.

Open up the two triangles and you’ve

made a square. Press the seam either

open or towards the darker triangle.

Trim to your desired block size.

Cut a square with its height the same as

the height you want your triangle to be,

plus a bit extra for seam allowances.

Cut diagonally into two equal triangles.

1

3 4

2