Sew Accurate 1/4-Square Triangles

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Sew Accurate 1/4-Square Triangles

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how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Triangular shapes can be sticklers to piece! Quilt patterns with 1/2-square and 1/4-square triangles are found in many traditional quilt pattern designs. Here’s how to take the hassle out of creating triangles, in particular 1/4-square triangles. For more details watch the second episode of No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks online.

The Sampler Quilt

This 12-block quilt features both 1/2- and 1/4-square blocks. In a previous blog, I featured six of the 1/2-square triangle blocks. Now learn how to combine the two block styles to create amazing quilt designs. Note: The instructions to create this quilt are found in No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks.

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

1/4-Square Dance 

Some quilt block names have a long history; others are simply made up on the fly! I’ll let you decide the authenticity of this block named the 1/4-Square Dance! Regardless of what it’s called, it’s the perfect block to begin our no-hassle quilt block journey.

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Boy’s Nonsense (1898)

This quilt block named, Boy’s Nonsense, was officially recorded and appears in print in 1898. The block appears to include rectangular strips. Not so, the design is a combination of 1/2- and 1/4-square triangles plus a plain center square.

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Silent Star

It might be difficult to comprehend, but the next block, Silent Star, is almost identical to the last block, Boy’s Nonsense. The main difference in construction is the center block—all the other blocks are the same. This is the case where fabric choices totally change the design!

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Ohio Star

Simple in design, yet elegant, the Ohio Star quilt block has been in use since the early 1800s, with a spike in popularity in the 1930s. See how this 9-patch block can be made the no-hassle way in the 21st century.

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Star of Hope (1980)

Now for your master’s degree in 1/4-square triangles! The Star of Hope combines a 1/2- and 1/4-square triangle; I call it a modified 1/4-square. Notice the three-color block of aqua, ivory, and teal. Success comes by thinking this through and following the directions!

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

Card Trick (1979)

The Card Trick Quilt Block, like most magic, seems impossible to reproduce. What appears as sleight of hand, is a very logical block to create once you see the elements. The Card Trick—I know you will not be fooled by the design!

how to sew 1/4-square triangles by Nancy Zieman

How to Make 1/4-Square Triangles

There are several ways to make triangles; my preference is to use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. Reference the left side of the gauge for 1/2-square triangles and the right side for 1/4-square triangles.

  • Depress and slide the guide to the size triangle you’d like to make. The guide will lock in place.
  • Cut strips the size printed on the gauge. Then cut strips into squares. In this example, cut 6-1/4″ strips, then cut strips into 6-1/4″ squares.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4162

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4164

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

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4168

  • Cut along center; press.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4174

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4175

  • Stack two 1/2-square triangles, meeting opposite colors.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4183

  • Slide the gauge to the 1/2-square triangle marking on the left side. Double check that the block fits within the gauge perimeters.
  • Mark center diagonal line through die cut openings.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4187

  • Cut along center marking; press.

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4215

  • This time, you’ll have two accurate 1/4-square triangles! Using the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge guarantees that the sizes of the 1/2-square and 1/4-square triangles are compatible in a quilt design!

Nancy Zieman No Hassle Triangles Gauge by Clover IMG_4217

Make This Sampler Quilt at Home

The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book shows exactly how to make the 12-block sampler quilt. 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.

 

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2016 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
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126 Comments

  • Kimberley Martin
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Ohio Star!

  • VickiT
    April 14, 2016

    I’ve always love the Card Trick Quilt Block.

  • Arlene Milnes
    April 14, 2016

    I have always likes the card trick, have made a wall hanging using this method, and even won a second place ribbon at our local Fair

  • VickiT
    April 14, 2016

    I’ve always loved the Card Trick Quilt Block.

  • Sherry Roach
    April 14, 2016

    I like silent star.

  • Vicki Alter
    April 14, 2016

    I like them all, but I would like to try the Silent Star as it seems to be more challenging in the arrangement of the blocks.
    I love your show, your blog, and all of the hints that I have been able to use in my short quilting life.
    Thank you for your continued help.

  • LynnS
    April 14, 2016

    I love card tricks.

  • C.B. Fanger
    April 14, 2016

    Hard to chose. I always enjoy finding an easier way of making
    a block so I can start on my next project,
    The like the star of hope best,

  • diane c
    April 14, 2016

    Silent Star, but making a quilt with all the blocks would be perfect for the new guest room I will be getting after our last son moves out this summer.

  • Eva Hada
    April 14, 2016

    I’ve done the Ohio Star and love it. But, I’ve always wanted to learn how to do the Card Trick block. Thank you for an opportunity to win this No-hassle Triangle Gauge.

  • Vickie B
    April 14, 2016

    Star of Hope!!

  • Janet Swanson
    April 14, 2016

    I like the card trick.

  • janet adam
    April 14, 2016

    card trick, want to make a quilt with it
    it reminds me of playing cards with family upnorth.

  • Pam Kalka
    April 14, 2016

    I like the Star of Hope. I would like the opportunity to make any of 1/4 inch stars with the no hassle triangle guage.

  • Colleen Casaleggio
    April 14, 2016

    Love the tool! the instructions make it so clear.

  • Sue Dodson
    April 14, 2016

    I enjoy your blog, the PBS show, your books, your patterns, everything. We even share the same birthday. My choice today is the Star of Hope. I am a 7 year breast cancer survivor and hope always catches my attention; whenever and where ever I see it. Blessings! Keep up the good work that you do!!!!

  • LaineCR
    April 14, 2016

    Have always loved the Ohio Star, but now would like to try the Star of Hope.

  • Sheila
    April 14, 2016

    I like the card trick block and it has been on my to do list for quite a while now.

  • Orb Bowmanb
    April 14, 2016

    I like the silent star

  • Judith Dye
    April 14, 2016

    I like the simplicity of the Boy’s Nonsense (1898)

  • Jeri Rohl
    April 14, 2016

    They’re all beautiful but I love the Card Trick quilt block. Thank you for your great blog, television series, and books. I’ve learned so much!

  • Joyce
    April 14, 2016

    I keep looking at the card trick block and thinking it looks so difficult. Maybe I could master it with the No Hassle Triangle kit.

  • Geneva Morgan
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Boy’s Nonsense but the Ohio Star is beautiful too!

  • Elizabeth Guttmann
    April 14, 2016

    I am amazed at all of the patterns, but the one I most like is Star of Hope. The dimension and look of complexity in the pattern attracts me. I hope to create such a quilt to share with my family. This tool would be such a help!

  • Tina
    April 14, 2016

    Star of Hope is my favorite. Thank you for sharing.

  • Logene McHale
    April 14, 2016

    They are all great looking blocks. I would like to try them all using the no hassle gauge. The block I like best is the Star of Hope.

  • Sara Byman
    April 14, 2016

    The Ohio Star Quilt Block just grabs me. I like the colors you used in the sample. I would love to make these following your instructions and using your special tool.

  • elizabeth guttmann
    April 14, 2016

    I sent a comment and it was not posted two times. Why is someone else’s comment posted twice?

  • Glenda Elam
    April 14, 2016

    Card Trick will always hold a special place in my heart. It was quilt I ever made. I had no one to teach me, just pick up a book and started in. Fortunately it went together without much trouble, wish I could say that for some of the others I have done since! But it started me on a hobby that I enjoy daily now that I am retired.

  • DELORES Peterson
    April 14, 2016

    I like the card trick block.

  • Brenda Ackerman
    April 14, 2016

    The Silent Star is my favorite from these six blocks. Yet, it is always hard to chose a favorite when showcasing beautiful fabrics! Thank you for sharing all that you do!

  • P Dixon
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Silent Star! I am new to quilting so this would be a great way to start!

  • Betty Harden
    April 14, 2016

    I love all of them, but Ohio Star is at the top of the list, then Star of Hope. I plan to make all of them. Your fabric is so lovely. I just want to touch it. Thanks for all you do for all of us out here waiting for your next splendid idea. Bless you.

  • Judith Boampong
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Silent Star as well as your blog. I’ve been a fan for over 30 years and have learned so much from you. Can’t wait to try this block and having a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge to do it would be great. Thanks for a chance to win one.

  • JonnieEarle
    April 14, 2016

    I really like the card trick block. The No-hassle Triangle Gauge makes it look simpler. Thanks for the chance to win one!

  • Margaret S
    April 14, 2016

    I have always loved star blocks, and if I had to pick one from the above choices, it would be the Star of Hope. Recently, I purchased the complete No Hassles Triangle set. After I finish my four UFOs, I plan to start working on the blocks from the book. I was thrilled to see Nancy cover these in her blog as it is my incentive to finish my projects and move on to my star quilt.

  • Kathy
    April 14, 2016

    Boy’s Nonense! What a fun block name as I have raised sons and am the grandmother to boys. I can see making this into a great boy’s quilt using toy, sports, construction or character themed fabrics.

  • Cyndi
    April 14, 2016

    I love all of the blocks. I like card trick as a “clean” way to use several focus fabrics in a block. Thank you for all you do and your continued contributions to the art and industry!

    Thank you for the give away!

  • Glynn Martin
    April 14, 2016

    I love “Card Trick Block”, since it seems impossible, yet is easy, very much like some card tricks! I’d love to have the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge, because I am having trouble making my triangles consistent.

  • Angie Studnicka
    April 14, 2016

    I love the 3-D effect of Card Trick!

  • Sharon Green
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Card Trick block. So much fun to make.

  • Karen Carter
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Card Trick block. I have been following Nancy for 30+ years on TV. I have tried many of her techniques and I will definitely try the gauge for HSTs.

  • Tammy Kazmierczak
    April 14, 2016

    Wow, what a hard choice. Star of Hope is my favorite and I love the name! It also amazes how the colors and fabric choice in this quilt really affect its feel. To me this quilt has a soft, comfortable feel that I really enjoy. I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for such inspirational posts!

  • Linda Spurger
    April 14, 2016

    I love the star of hope. I have made it as a friendship quilt, having the star points signed by friends of the recipient of the quilt. However, I have never seen the Card Trick and LOVE it. I think I may just have to try it for my next quilt. Thanks for sharing all of your expertise with us.

  • Nina
    April 14, 2016

    Card trick has always been one of my favorite, but as of yet I have not made one. I look forward to doing so. Thank you for sharing this knowledge.

  • Detra Braymen
    April 14, 2016

    My favorite is the Card Trick. I always love quilt patterns that make others wonder “How’d she do that???”

  • Frank W
    April 14, 2016

    I am partial to the Ohio Star. Easy to piece and reminds me of vacation visits to Dayton as a kid.

  • Jean
    April 14, 2016

    I really like the Star of Hope, especially with the selected colors

  • Suibhne
    April 14, 2016

    “1/4 Square Dance” IS the Block for ME!
    Depending on the color ways used, one can create secondary &/or tertiary designs, whether “Simple” or “Complicated,” just using this Basic Block!

  • Frank W
    April 14, 2016

    I like the Ohio star. i have it in many of my quilts. reminds me of family that still lives in Ohio tho i don’t get to visit as often as when a kid

  • Carol Shinsky
    April 14, 2016

    My favorite is Boy’s Nonsense. Love the combination and an easy block to do. Have made a quilt using this block. Love your show on PBS and always look forward to it.

  • Chrissie
    April 14, 2016

    Card trick! Of course because it looks exactly like its name, looks complicated yet is so easy to construct, especially with Nancy’s Notion. Much easier than the method I have used that mimics her process but without this exceptional tool!!!

  • Gloria
    April 14, 2016

    Love the card trick!

  • Karol
    April 14, 2016

    I like Card Trick but have always loved and used many times, the Ohio Star.

  • LINDA
    April 14, 2016

    HI, I’D LIKE TO DO “CARD TRICK”>LOOKS NEAT! THANKS FOR SHARING!

  • Denise Penn
    April 14, 2016

    Got to be Star of Hope! Can totally see this being really scrappy!

  • Linda Shumway
    April 14, 2016

    I’ve attempted 1/2 and 1/4 square triangles several times, (I’m stubborn) but mine just don’t come out correctly, the points don’t match. Don’t have the magic tool yet, but obviously that’s what missing in my attempts. The Card Trick calls to me.

  • Sally
    April 14, 2016

    Really like all of them but would love to make a quilt using the Star of Hope soon!

  • Peggy
    April 14, 2016

    I like the Ohio star. Always one of my favorites. I also like the Star of Hope.

  • Karen B.
    April 14, 2016

    I love the silent star. It is so unique, and would be great placed with other blocks to make a pattern. I could see moving the colors around to change it up.
    Thanks for the ideas and lessons.

  • Martha Hood-
    April 14, 2016

    All the blocks look great- been wanting to get up nerve to do the Ohio Star – but then the Card Trick looks great also- how about the Star of Hope- but then all would be fun to do and learn from – thanks for all of your tips and ideas-

  • Cynthia for Oak Park CA
    April 14, 2016

    I like the Boy’s Nonsense best
    It looks so complicated but is very easy this way

  • louie
    April 14, 2016

    SILENT STAR gets my vote…just love the challenge of many mini pieces going into a finished block …a rainbow of happy colors

  • beth d.
    April 14, 2016

    I would like to win this book. I want the squares you showed in this blog.

  • Jan N.
    April 14, 2016

    Boy’s Nonsense is my favorite.

  • Barbara
    April 14, 2016

    I like card tricks.

  • Starla
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Card Trick, as well as Ohio Star.

  • Cindy Trombley
    April 14, 2016

    Can’t make up my mind which I like best. Boy’s Nonsense or Card Trick. I like the idea of traditional blocks with a modern twist. I’ve only made crib quilts – and very simple ones at that. I’d like this Clover tool because it seems to be my next step in quilting. And I finally have a granddaughter to share it with! She’s only 3 mos old but she’ll be old enough to teach sooner than I think……

  • Kity
    April 14, 2016

    Star of Hope is my favorite!

  • Karen W.
    April 14, 2016

    Wonderful tutorial! You’ve taken the mystery out of so many complicated looking blocks, I’m now inspired to try my hand at making them, especially the Card Trick block. Thank you so very much.

  • Cheryl Dodson
    April 14, 2016

    I like Card Trick!

  • Helen Stewart
    April 14, 2016

    I’ve always had an interest in the card trick block and would like to make it!

  • Annette
    April 14, 2016

    CardTrick is my favorite…the first complicated one I ever made!

  • Pat
    April 14, 2016

    Card Tick is my favorite. It looks hard but is easy with what we saw on the website today. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Pam K
    April 14, 2016

    The Ohio Star is my favorite. Great tutorial. Thanks for the chance to win the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge.

  • Laurel Lee Pedersen
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Ohio Star block! Just a sucker for star blocks!

  • Carol K E
    April 14, 2016

    I like Boys Nonsense because our sons are always creating nonsense.

  • Enid
    April 14, 2016

    I like the Ohio Star.

  • Jodi Bowlden
    April 14, 2016

    My favorite is the card trick, it sounds so alluring. Ready to challenge you to figure it out.

  • Bernita L
    April 14, 2016

    I really like all of them, but Silent Star is my favorite.

  • Louise Fredieu
    April 14, 2016

    I like Silent Star the best and cannot understand why more people don’t like it best.

  • Ellen R. in MN
    April 14, 2016

    While all the patterns are nice I like the Star of Hope best!

  • Jeanet Wilson
    April 14, 2016

    I really like the Star of Hope.

  • Karen P
    April 14, 2016

    Great blocks, my favorite is “Star of Hope”.

  • ROBIN, TX
    April 14, 2016

    I like the Boy’s Nonsense. Never seen this one before.

  • amy
    April 14, 2016

    Boy’s Nonsense and Star of Hope are my favorites!
    Great blocks!

  • Kathy Renz
    April 14, 2016

    I really like card trick. This sampler quilt is really pretty. Unlike too many samplers, the blocks you used coordinate with each other. Your triangle gauge seems like it would really make quick work of these triangles.

  • Judy Kirkpatrick
    April 14, 2016

    I like Boys’ Nonsense. My four grand-boys are full of nonsense and I can think of all kinds of color choices for each of them.

  • Gail Beam
    April 14, 2016

    I liked all of the blocks, but I think the Ohio star would have to be the one I like best.

  • Dee
    April 14, 2016

    I really like the optical illusion of the card trick design. It’s amazing how different a design you can get with just a simple turn of a 1/4 square triangle!

  • Ginger
    April 14, 2016

    I’ve always liked Ohio Star

  • Renea
    April 14, 2016

    I love the Card Trick block. It is on my list of quilts to make. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Evns Caple
    April 14, 2016

    I liked them all, but the one I like best is the Card Trick Thanks for all the good tips.

  • Cindy Teta
    April 14, 2016

    Star of Hope is my favorite!

  • Lillian K
    April 14, 2016

    I like Card Trick.

  • WYLANNE CURRY
    April 15, 2016

    They are all lovely but card trick is my favourite.

  • Linda G.
    April 15, 2016

    I’d like to try the Card Trick design and Star of Hope. Both can convey interesting illusions of depth. I think they would make great pillows.

  • Judith Gustin
    April 15, 2016

    Great tutorial (like all of them)! Boys Nonsense if I must choose.

  • Mary Grace Ronan
    April 15, 2016

    Star of hope has always been a favorite of mine

  • Mary
    April 15, 2016

    Ohio star has always been a favorite!

  • Martha Drabiski
    April 15, 2016

    Card trick has always been my favorite & with the No-hassle Triangle Gauge it would come out perfect. Love your easy ways of making difficult blocks.

  • Delaine
    April 15, 2016

    Card Trick has always fascinated me. I would love to have an easier way to make it. Thanks!

    • Christine Henderson
      April 15, 2016

      Star of Hope is a wonderful block to make, though mine could use some help.

  • Colleen Bell
    April 15, 2016

    The card trick is sure to be a winner with my family and they are why I quilt. Thank you for this great give away. I love that gauge.

  • Marty
    April 15, 2016

    Love the card trick block!

  • Ann
    April 15, 2016

    Love them all, but after just finishing a card trick quilt, I would really love to try your method.

  • KayZee
    April 15, 2016

    What perfectly pieced blocks! Card Trick is my favorite.

  • Helen
    April 15, 2016

    I like the 1/4 square dance. I can use old fabrics from our square dancing days. That would be double duty to remember the fun and friends of square dancing.

  • Patricia
    April 15, 2016

    I love all of these blocks, but the Star of Hope is my favorite.

  • Karen
    April 15, 2016

    Love the card trick

  • Peggy H
    April 15, 2016

    Silent Star is my favorite. I have never made this but am anxious to try it.

  • Kaye M
    April 15, 2016

    I like Star of Hope the best. It almost has a 3-d effect

  • K
    April 15, 2016

    Love them all, but card trick is my favorite. Thanks for the great tool and tutorial on how to create it so easily! I think Nancy’s block would look wonderful on my sewing room wall. Your fabrics are delicious!

  • Lillian K
    April 15, 2016

    Boys Nonsense is new to me – must try!

  • Debbie W.
    April 15, 2016

    They are all good blocks. The Silent Star is my favorite.

  • Michelle Hall
    April 16, 2016

    I like them all but I think I like silent star best!

  • Janice Lawrence
    April 16, 2016

    I really like card trick. It looks impossible to make.

  • Diana Ruth McArthur
    April 16, 2016

    I love the Ohio Star. My sister and I made a quilt with a white background and various coordinating red Ohio Stars for our aunt. It was stunning and she loves it.

  • Lynda
    April 16, 2016

    Ohio Star!

  • Ell
    April 18, 2016

    Card Trick looks interesting enough for a favorite.

  • Sue Cullifer
    April 19, 2016

    I like all of the blocks, but the star of hope was my favorite. Thank you for sharing!

  • mary beth
    April 20, 2016

    I have always loved the ohio star block.

  • Yvonne Cox
    April 20, 2016

    Card trick is my favorite, but has always seemed impossible to make!

  • Ellen Weber
    April 21, 2016

    Love them all! Would make a lovely quilt!

  • Lynne
    April 26, 2016

    I have looked at this gauge before but wasn’t quite sure how to use it. Thanks so much for tutorial and chance to have one of my own!

  • Roberta Foster
    July 5, 2016

    Love the card trick block,they are all very nice

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