How to Quilt Half Square Triangles

April 2, 2019
How to Quilt Half Square Triangles

Good Morning, Quilters!

It’s a sunny, spring day in Minnesota and we are celebrating with FREE US (discounted international) shipping on ALL books in my Etsy Shop! (Use Promo Code: SPRING). I’m also celebrating the lovely weather by  sharing a tutorial on how to quilt a half square triangle over at Sulky.com!

While you’re there, be sure to check out the great FREE patterns offered by Sulky designers for National Quilting Month!

Once you learn this simple motif, you can combine the half square triangle motifs into a variety of designs.  For instance, you can use the half square triangle  motif to quilt a square.  Then combine the squares to fill larger blocks.  Add a border to create a simple-yet complicated looking-whole cloth quilt!

So let’s get started with how to quilt a half square triangle!

THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE SUN MOTIF

Begin by creating a half square triangle. You can either stitch the half square triangle, or piece a half square triangle block.

(My favorite method for piecing half square triangles is to use Triangles on a Roll.)

If you only have a few half square triangles to piece, I like this method, too.)

 

In the corner of the block, stitch a quarter circle and closely echo stitch it.

Next, add triangles to fill the shape.

Complete the triangles to finish quilting your first half square triangle option.

If you pieced the block, stitch in the ditch to travel to the next block.  If you used quilting lines to create the half square triangle, closely echo stitch the lines to travel to the next block.

Options: to Quilt a Half Square Triangle

To create a little variety, quilt the half square triangle along the long edge of the triangle instead of in the corner.

Or fill in adjacent angles to quilt the half square triangle.

Combine the Quilted Half Square Triangles

Here’s where it gets really fun! Quilt half square triangles and combine them to quilt square blocks. In this example, I left a small sashing between the triangles.

Combine the Squares and Add a Border

To create a whole cloth design, quilt half square triangle variations and add a border.

This would work well with a pieced block too!

Sulky Threads Used to Quilt the Half Square Triangle Quilt

I used a variety of Sulky threads to emphasize the design.

White 40 weight Poly Deco to quilt the Sun quilting motif.

Blue 40 weight Rayon to quilt the background–this really helps the Sun Motif pop!

Variegated Blue 30 weight cotton Blendables in the border.

White and Blue Cotton + Steel 50 weight cotton in the bobbin. ( I changed bobbin thread color to match the top thread.)

Doodle First!

As always, doodle first!  Create a few combinations of the half square triangle design before you stitch. Your first idea is rarely the BEST idea! Best to work it out by doodling first!

May YOUR day be filled with sunshine!

Lori

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts.com and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to www.LoriKennedyQuilts.com.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lori@lorikennedyquilts.com. Thanks

PPS.  This post contains affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase–at no additional cost to you–I may receive a little “pin-money”.  Thank you for supporting us in this way!

 

 

Share:

Discover more from Lori Kennedy Quilts

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading