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!

 

 

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10 comments

  • Sue H

    Perfect pattern to quilt up a spring quilt! Thank you!!!!! 💗

  • Marta

    Coincidentally today I got annoyed with my threads.. I used Sulky, Aurifil and Gutermann today trying to find one that would not kink and/or curl up around my presser foot and needle area. Incredible… all of those were doing it.
    I changed needles and tested out tensions..Very frustrating especially because the sewing machine has been home
    from servicing and repair only a week. That cost more than I can afford. Ok, I will hush and try to get up on right side of bed in the morning. OH,,, I have not tried half square triangles..yet? ! : )

  • Rosemaryflower

    I love all of these ideas! So sweet. I am going to try now!!

  • You are so talented Lori!

  • Suzanne

    Perfect! Just what I needed. As I type this, I’m literally wrapped in a denim quilt that I made a long time ago but never quilted in most of the half square triangle parts of the design – I just couldn’t make up my mind. I finally went ahead and bound it but it still has basting stitches in it, waiting for me to quilt those triangles. NOW I know what I’m going to do. Thank you so much Lori!!!

    Happy Spring!

  • Karen

    Love it, how about flying geese? I’m stuck on a quilt loaded with them.

  • Maureen B. in B.C.

    That’s just too easy! It’s so effective. I’ll have to try it. Imagine it on yellow and red blocks. Fab and marvy. Thanks Lori for another winner.

  • Holly Daniels

    I love that there are many ways to make a half-square-triangle so you can pick and choose the one that’s right for your project and preference. The sun quilting is very creative and fun and will look stunning on summer quilts!

  • Patricia Evans

    What a lovely way to light up a block! Will have to try this one soon.

  • I have used Thangles all my quilting life…though I know there are other, maybe better ways, I am so stocked with Thangles that’s what I still use. I like ‘em!

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