No-Hassle 1/2-Square Triangle Quilt Blocks

How to make 1/2-square triangles the easy way by Nancy Zieman

No-Hassle 1/2-Square Triangle Quilt Blocks

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How to make 1/2-square triangles the easy way by Nancy ZiemanOne of the easiest places to start quilting is with a 1/2-square triangle. Nancy Zieman shows how to create this traditional quilting staple without fussing around with bias-cut edges. Make the block unit easily, “Nancy’s no-hassle way”, with this episode of Sewing With Nancy, which features blocks from Nancy’s book, No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks.

During the first episode on Sewing With Nancy, learn to create six different blocks, all made with 1/2-square triangles. During the second episode—next week’s feature—learn about 1/4-square triangles. Watch this Sewing With Nancy episode!

The Box Quilt (1898)

One of the more streamline quilt blocks to create from 1/2-square triangles is the Box Quilt. First illustrated in print in 1898, it’s created with eight 1/2-square triangle blocks and a square. The design has great movement, reminiscent of a pinwheel.

How to Make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Shadow Play

Instead of making all the 1/2-square triangles from the same fabrics, stitch together three different color combos. This block is called Shadow Play, where the fabric choices create the impact.

How to Make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy ZiemanGodey Design

Godey’s Lady’s Book was a monthly magazine published in Philadelphia between 1830 and 1876. Before the Civil War, it was the most widely circulated magazine in the United States. Sarah Josepha Hall was the editor of the magazine from 1837 to 1877; she also wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb. One of the designs featured in the magazine in 1858 was simply called, Godey Design.

How to Make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Square in a Square

When researching quilt block names, Nancy found literally dozens of quilt blocks named Square in a Square. With seemingly limitless geometric options with squares, no wonder it’s a common name. Regardless, it’s an attractive block all designed with 1/2-square triangles.

How to make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

May Basket

May Basket is another frequently used name for a quilt block. This block is also named, Cactus Flower. Your fabric choice will dictate the name. This version combines two sizes of finished triangles: 3-1/2″ and 6-1/2″, giving the block a center focal point.

How to make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Nancy’s Spool

This block may or may not be an original arrangement of 1/2-square triangles. Our guess is that it has been created before, but since Nancy couldn’t find it in print, she named it Nancy’s Spool.

How to make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

How to Make 1/2-Square Triangles

During the TV episode, Nancy shares how to easily make the above blocks as well as basic 2-1/2″, 3-1/2″, 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″ and 6-1/2″ half-square triangles. (Learn 1/4-square triangle tips in the next episode!) There’s no hassle and no need to cut a single triangle! The measurements are printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge that Nancy designed for Clover.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover Needlecraft

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover Left Side IMG_4158

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4203

  • Lay the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge onto squares to double-check the block size. If the block set is larger or smaller than the confines of the gauge, recut the blocks.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4137

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4142

  • Stitch a scant 1/4″ from each side of the center marking.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4144

  • Cut along the center diagonal line.

Nancy Zieman No-Hassle Triangle Gauge from Clover IMG_4988

  • Presto, there are now two accurate 1/2-square triangles!

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4152

Just click and watch No-Hassle Triangle Quilts Part One online! You’ll see step-by-step details for creating these six precision-made quilt blocks.

Make This Sampler Quilt at Home

The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book shows exactly how to make the 12-block sampler quilt. Hint: the remaining six blocks will be featured in part two of No-Hassle Triangles Quilts. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge

How to make 1/2-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Watch No-Hassle Triangles (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.

Screen Shot 2018 12 31 at 11.48.44 AM

 

 

 

Nancys Giveaway 5 13121

For a chance to win a copy of the No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book, tell us which of the 1/2-square blocks you would like to make.

Screen Shot 2018 12 31 at 12.02.45 PM

Giveaway Winner 5 132The randomly selected winner of a copy of Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares Book and DVD is Tiffany.

Screenshot 2014 08 12 14.45.16

Her comment is: I love all of the projects, but I’m definitely going to create the CLOSET ORGANIZER first. Though I must admit I have a different use for the organizer. And I have a creative twist to add on to personalize the organizer for gifts!

 

 

Happy Quilting,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC

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58 Comments

  • Dorothy Highum
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make the Square in a Square block. At fist glance it looks like a lot of Y seams but not the way Nancy taught it. I like this. “Y” it is just seamless!

  • Anne Z
    January 3, 2019

    I love the Godey Design block, but I must admit I am partial to stars and this one is very unique.

  • diane c
    January 3, 2019

    All of them — love to make the quilt out of all the blocks

  • Denise Wichman
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make the square in a square block. Im still learning about quilting, sewing and Nancy is my go to teacher. I’m grateful for all the years of sharing her gifts and talents.

  • Sharon
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make them all in a sampler quilt.

  • BevM
    January 3, 2019

    It’s hard to narrow my choice down to one. I like Nancy’s Spool and the movement in the Box Quilt square.

  • Mary Strange
    January 3, 2019

    I think the Box Quilt pattern would make an amazing quilt, using oversized blocks in a 4×5 grid, using bright colors.

  • Terri D'Ambrosio
    January 3, 2019

    I have purchased No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book, and the triangle gauge. I made the Box Quilt block and used them in a table runner. I plan on making more half square triangle and square blocks using them in different projects.They are fun to make and using them you can create many different blocks.

  • Victoria Delman
    January 3, 2019

    Square in a square is my favorite block . This block is stunning in a number of colors be it solids or prints. Repeating this block makes a lovely and striking Christmas quilt.
    And of course, Nancy’s detailed and easy to use instructions and tools make quilting so enjoyable.

  • Sandra N
    January 3, 2019

    I would love to make a sampler quilt. I love the designs!

  • Donna Fecteau
    January 3, 2019

    they all look amazing. I think I would start with Nancy’s spool for my craft studio and I would also like to do a May basket for my dining room table.

  • Ennis A Weeks
    January 3, 2019

    My favorites are Square In a Square and , of course, Nancy’s spool. Ready to get started!!

  • Emma Carpenter
    January 3, 2019

    Thanks for the information

  • Therese Bocchino
    January 3, 2019

    I like the Godey Design design. That would be the first Half
    Square Triangle block I would attempt to make.

  • Debbie
    January 3, 2019

    I love the look of the sampler quilt and it would be a great opportunity to practice each block!

  • Charlotte Brown
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make them all and have a sampler quilt.

  • Shirley C
    January 3, 2019

    I love the look of the sampler quilt. I am a fairly new quilter and would like to try all of the designs, but I particularly like the Godey Design square. What a creative way to make different designs using just 1/2 square triangles. Thanks, Nancy.

  • Max
    January 3, 2019

    Shadow play would the first block to make.

  • Ann West
    January 3, 2019

    I must admit that I am partial to stars like the Godey design. But I do love all the blocks and need to make them into a sampler quilt. Thanks!

  • Margaret Scott
    January 3, 2019

    I would love to make the Godey design. Such a brilliant star pattern. I also like the box quilt and square in square patterns.

  • Marylou
    January 3, 2019

    I love star blocks so I would start with the Godey design but like many of the others too-it is a great sampler quilt for sure and would be a great group project for our church quilt group.
    Thanks for always having so much great inspiration for us stitchers!!

  • Kay Huchteman
    January 3, 2019

    My first one would be Nancy’s Spool, because it reminds me so much of my mom and granny. However, a quilt made from each of the blocks would certainly be a keeper!

  • Beverly
    January 3, 2019

    Love old traditional blocks, so would like to make the basket block first, or maybe even an entire basket quilt.

  • Donna W
    January 3, 2019

    I would make Nancy’s Spool.

  • Pat
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make the Nancy’s Spool block. A quilt with this block would be a great reminder of a great lady.

  • Barb K
    January 3, 2019

    The Cactus Flower is a great block–have seen it before, but never tried making it. I think it would be pretty in scraps.

  • Lorraine Alves
    January 3, 2019

    I like the Godey design as the first half-square triangle pattern to try. I have a beautiful print fabric that would enhance the already lovely design.

  • Clovis
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make Nancy’s Spool to go with my mini spool wall hanging.

  • Helen M.
    January 3, 2019

    I want to try the Godey block. I love the history you included with this post, So interesting, Thank you !

  • Lee Ann Wagner
    January 3, 2019

    Although I love all the designs, I think I would start with shadow play. What a simple method for beautiful quilt blocks! How great is that?

  • Kathy Hartwell
    January 3, 2019

    The first thing I would make is the sampler quilt. I love the colors in this one and would try to find the same for the sampler. Then after that I would try any number of patterns to make the quilts I am going to start making for the people going through chemo and don’t have a quilt to snuggle into.
    Thank you for this opportunity.

  • Teri
    January 3, 2019

    I’ve been wanting to make a quilt using square in a square blocks. This looks like a great way to do so.

  • Bonnye
    January 3, 2019

    All the designs are great, but I liked Godley design the best.

  • Cindy Doss
    January 3, 2019

    I would love to make an exciting colorful sampler quilts. Using all of your blocks. I am getting back into donating quilts for kids and all of these blocks can be made into bright happy quilts. I live near Shreveport which has both St. Jude and Shriners Hospitals. This will be keeping me busy. Also if you donate fabric or know anyone who does I am disabled and would appreciate any donations of fabric I can get. Thank you.

  • beth d.
    January 3, 2019

    I would like to make Nancy’s spool. The gauge looks easy to use.

  • Susie Furgason
    January 3, 2019

    HST are so versatile. I would probably make several of the blocks starting with Godey. Thank you

  • Cecilia
    January 3, 2019

    I like the star block, also square in a square. Just finishing up on a new paint for sewing room, and reorganizing it, so ready to get sewing and quilting.

  • Edna Marks
    January 3, 2019

    I would make the Godey design block, it gives the appearance of being complicated, but would be easy to make.

  • Gail K
    January 3, 2019

    Square in a Square is so pretty in the colors shown. I want to make that one!

  • Laura M
    January 3, 2019

    Love the spool as would make an excellent pillow top for a sewing area. Thanks for showing the tool as I’m sure it would really help for marking the squares along the diagonal. I always slip when I use a pencil and ruler.

  • Diane L. Putzer
    January 3, 2019

    I like the Godey square the best.

  • Rosie
    January 3, 2019

    I like them all, and might even make a simpler quilt with all the blocks. If I have to pick one, I would do the square in square block.

  • Bonnie
    January 3, 2019

    What a lovely sampler quilt! I would make the Square in a Square block first. Thanks for sharing the great 1/2 square triangle technique. I recently purchased the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge and would love to win the No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book for inspiration.

  • Janice
    January 3, 2019

    I love them all, but would make Nancy’s spool first for my SIL as a pillow for her sewing room. I like to use a Loc-Bloc ruler to square up my alf square triangles.

  • Gail Beam
    January 3, 2019

    I think I would try the square in a square block. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.

  • Beth Cox
    January 3, 2019

    I liked them all but the Godey Design is the one I would do first

  • Patricia
    January 3, 2019

    I like playing with triangles to see how many different blocks I can get just by turning them different ways and mixing in some squares. I like to make scrap quilts full of triangles using my stash. I like the Godey Design as star blocks are my favorites.

  • Janet johnson
    January 3, 2019

    I love them all. I especially like the fabric that were chosen. I will probably start with a square in a square block. This looks like a helpful book.

  • Christi
    January 4, 2019

    I like Square in Square so I would make that one.

  • MoeWest
    January 4, 2019

    I would make Nancy’s Spool first. I also like Godey Design.

  • Linda
    January 4, 2019

    As a quilter/sewer I would start with the spool block. I am looking forward to seeing the next six as there are a couple I find very intriguing.

  • Joanne T
    January 4, 2019

    The Square in a Square block and Godey design star.

  • Janice Hobbs
    January 4, 2019

    The Godey Desig is my favorite and I often make that block for Quilts of Valor quilts.

  • Judy M
    January 6, 2019

    The Godey design , these ideas came at a great time, I am making a quilt gift for my lovely daughter in law, she wants stars !! Lovely, thanks for sharing. Must find this book now.

  • Julie Kill
    January 7, 2019

    I like the Godey design and Nancy’s Spool equally. Simple designs that are very versatile…. you can create almost anything!

  • Mo L
    January 7, 2019

    1/2 square triangles… I love then to make chevron style quilts
    a little challenging for directional prints but I like the color variations.

  • Carol
    January 9, 2019

    I like the godey design block.

  • Susan
    January 10, 2019

    The Godey Design is a real eye catcher and would love to make that one. The instructional booklet would be so helpful.

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