Half Squares on Point
I’ve started making a new quilt for my family room sofa. I just know it’s going to be used, abused and loved.
The blocks are so quick and easy. But without a lot of a time to sew lately, I figure I’ll just chip away at it making 10 or so blocks a day.
I’m using this stack of fabric (mostly pulled from the stash) plus a Moda Bella Solid White for the light on the half square triangle… don’t ask me the exact color… since I’ve had the fabric for a while and they don’t label the selvage.
For any beginning quilters out there, here’s how I’m making my quick half square triangles:
I’m cutting 5 inch squares so I can use some of my charm pack fabric stash.
To make my blocks, I layer my print square with my solid, right sides together, and draw a line diagonally down the center.
Stitch down one side using a scant 1/4 inch seam…
Flip it around and stitch down the other side.
Like so.
Now cut down the middle and you’ve got two blocks for the price of one.
Press the closed triangle.
Now open the triangle, light side down.
And press it open. That presses the seam cleanly toward the dark fabric.
In just a few minutes it’s already taking shape.
I think I’m really going to love this quilt.
**** I wish I knew who to give credit to for the quilt in my first picture. I found it on Pinterest… but the photo links only lead back to a missing page : (
This will be so fabulous when you’re done! Love the fabrics you put together. Making a quilt is on my bucket list, but my bucket list is pretty long…one day!
Love your quilt! It looks so easy to do! Right now, I am hand sewing a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt. Slow and steady, but I’m loving it!
Love this quilt. I’m still looking for an easy fast quilt to make for my girls beds. Since I will have to make two (and by I, I mean my mom), I need to find a quick one. Maybe this is an option.
HI,
this looks like it’s going to be a great quilt! I have never made a quilt before. Can I make one with just a basic sewing machine? I know I can make the sqaures(triangles) that you’ve shown just fine. Would you be interested in posting the rest of the steps as you finish this quilt? That way I can have a tutorial too! ;)
Love all of your fun projects! Thanks for sharing.
Jaclyn
I saw your post and thought of something for you to learn how to easily make these quilt blocks. There is a woman on youtube.com called TheCraftyGemini and she’s got a lot of sewing tutorials and they’re great. One of the things she’s doing now is a video quilt-along, making 12 different blocks, then she’ll show you how to put it together with the batting and backing. She’s an amazing instructor and has a bunch of great videos. Take a look (and I’m not getting any money for sending you in her direction :-)!!!
What a great idea! I love making litle quilts, although I’m not good at it, it’s fun…. I love your method of two at a time…
I love the idea of quilting but have never tried it. I do have a sewing machine but don’t really sew. Is there a resource you recommend for Ultra-Super-Beginners? Your site is so inspiring. Thank you.
My dear friend Amy from Diary of a Quilter has a wonderful series of posts for beginning quilters. Here’s the link: http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/p/beginning-quilting-series.html It’s also a good idea to take a quilt class from a local quilt shop. I would make to sure to ask around and find a teacher who has good reputation (especially for teaching beginning quilting).
Oh that is clever!
http://pinkpincushion.blogspot.com/2010/09/fast-and-easy-pinwheels.html
I thought I’d share this link to a video from Missouri Star Quilting Co.
It is an amazing shortcut to making 4 HSTs at a time from charm squares.
This should help you get that quilt done much sooner!
How cool is that! The blocks would be too small for this quilt, but I will definitely be making a pinwheel with that technique!
Your quilt is going to be great. Using 5 inch half squares is great, because it will go quick…and putting them on point makes it looks so much more complex doesn’t it? People think you did all kinds of math and stuff. Nope. Just sewed diagonal rows instead of horizontal/vertical rows!!
Deb
It is going to be lovely. I love scrappy quilts. They speak to me. Flying geese are fun to make.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. It’s amazing how the simplest of quilts can be the most charming.
Calli – I think I’m going to love this quilt too! That pile of prints is perfect. :) I loved that same picture on Pinterest as well, and have it pinned for design inspiration. (Great minds think alike!)
What are the dimensions of the finished squares? I want to mix whole squares and triangles for two quilts I’m planning, but I don’t know what size to make the whole squares. I could probably math it out, but even if I did, I’d want to measure a “real” one anyway, to make sure I’m appropriately accounting for seam allowances. Thanks so much for the two-at-a-time tip!
For easy instructions on how to quilt, look for a “Quilt In A Day” by Eleanor Burns. Very good instruction, good illustrations, and you really can do a quilt in a day! If I can do it, anyone can.