Patchwork designs are often created with blocks, occasionally in columns, and more recently in rows. The row-quilting concept provides an ideal palette to create projects from table runners to larger bed-sized quilts.
In part one of this two-part Sewing With Nancy series, Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt, Nancy covered the basics of a traditional row-by-row or row sampler quilt. The quick row quilt featured has six total rows with six unique themed designs. During this second episode on row quilts, Nancy will show you the remaining three quilt rows of the sampler quilt; only one quilting technique is needed to create the diversity of designs. If you missed part one, watch it online.
For more information and detailed directions to create the entire quilt, see the new book Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt, available at Nancy’s Notions.
Half-Square Triangles Review
Each row is made of varying size half-square triangles to create traditional quilt block designs. Of course, we’ll use the design as a complete row, rather than a single block. It is quite helpful to make the half-square triangles, in any size, the absolute easiest way—by using the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. Here’s how:
Slide the gauge to the desired setting. The gauge locks into place to assure accuracy. Reference the left side of the gauge for half-squares and the right side of the gauge for quarter-squares.
The No-Hassle Triangles Gauge gives the block and the cutting sizes.
Reference the left side of the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge to select a half-square block size.
Cut crosswise strips of two fabrics—the size is printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. Cut strips into squares.
Lay No-Hassle Triangles Gauge onto squares to double-check block size.
Mark a center diagonal line through No-Hassle Triangles Gauge die cut openings.
Stitch a scant 1/4″ from each side of the center.
Cut along the center diagonal line.
Presto, there are now two accurate half-square triangles!
Perpetual Pinwheels
Vary the scale of the traditional pinwheel design, and you’ll have an interesting design in row four. The row features the pinwheel block made in a 12″ and 4″ (finished) sizes. The smaller blocks are arranged to give motion to the pinwheels, as if they are perpetually spinning in the breeze.
Star Gazer
Once you’ve mastered the process of creating half-square triangles, take time to experiment with different layout configurations. That’s how Nancy happened upon the design she calls Star Gazer. The pieced configuration is linear, yet the affect is worth an admiring observation.
Flying Home
The time honored Flying Geese design is the feature of the last row of the sampler quilt. Nancy entitled the quilt pattern, Flying Home, where you’ll learn how to combine half-square triangle sizes with ease.
The Book: Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt
- Discover how easy it is to design, stitch, and enjoy a row-by-row sampler without cutting any triangles. Even the most complex-looking blocks are easy to construct with simple straight stitching—and no bias-cut edges to stretch out of shape.
- Six beautiful row designs can be mixed and matched in any number of formations, for a quilt that’s uniquely your own.
- Add on a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge to make short work of this classic method, ensuring even cuts and stitching that matches perfectly. Learn Nancy’s tricks for designs filled with movement and artistry, with the fully illustrated book.
Watch Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt, Part One and Part Two, on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of the book, Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt, from Nancy’s Notions, please leave a comment below sharing your favorite row from part two.
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
My favorite two are, Perpetual Pinwheels and Flying Home.
Imagine my delight and surprise to see Nancy’s Row by Row (Episode 1) on UNC-TV this afternoon! Since then I’ve watched Episode 2 and my favorite row, if I must choose, is the Perpetual Pinwheels. The colors she used are wonderful.
I love the total quilt. Will be making it with a friend. I started watching Nancy back when she first went on tv back in 83. I have learned so much from her shows. And saw her 2yrs ago at the sewing expo. She will be missed. Rest In Peace God bless
I love the flying home row. Gorgeous!
Love that quilt. I was privileged to meet Nancy at sewing expo. She was so nice.
I love them all but my favorite would be Flying Home.
I love the Perpetual Pinwheels !
I pick the Perpetual Pinwheels ❤️ although I love them all.
I love them all, but if I have to choose one, I pick the Perpetual Pinwheels ❤️
Love flying home row.
I am in love with the fabulous pinwheels.
Star Gazer is my favorite row, and I think the triangle gauge would make them much easier
Thank you for keeping Nancy’s programs in TV. I started watching her great tips and instructions since 2011, when we moved to Chetek, WI. Loved her spirit that she shared all around the world. God bless her family!
Nancy Z is the best! All her creative efforts just keep on giving to us. We will always miss Nancy.
I like the flying home row best. But they are all great. Like your web site.
Star gazer is my favorite block, would love to win this book!!!
They’re all great but I can see the Perpetual Pinwheels in a cute children’s wall quilt. Thank you for the inspiration!
I love the Flying Home row, it’s a cute twist on a traditional block!
I love the Perpetual Pinwheels. I think they would make a lovely quilt border, too. They make me think of warm spring and summer days. I need that with the snow and frigid temperatures we’ve have!
I like the perpetual pinwheels, it gives a nice feeling of motion.
These blocks are so fun and versatile.
Love the stargazer. Could make different colors for different seasons with this quilt.
Nancy always made everything look so easy. Such a wonderful teacher.
I like the perpetual pinwheels. They look like they are spinning off quilt
Flying Home is my favorite row from Part 2 of this series. I love flying geese blocks and this makes them super exciting. Thanks so much for the chance to win the book.
The star gazer is my favorite row
Flying Home is my favorite row. It looks great in the quilt and would also make a lovely table runner.
I love the star gazer row. Is it difficult to complete?
I like the flying home row. PLUS…I like the whole quilt especially since they are made up of colors I use frequently. It looks so easy to cut out and then sew.
I like perperual pinwheels!
Star Gazer is my favorite!
Nancy’s gify of knowledge and fighting spirit will live on fprever thru her educational videos!!
I would make the tiny pinwheels as I like the movement idea. The stars and flying geese are great too, but pinwheels first! Thanks!
Star Gazer makes me smile with its simple Friendship Stars.
I’m new to quilting but have learned so much from Nancy’s show!!! Her products are time saving and helpful. I sure hope I can win this triangle book. I would use it all the time, as I love the triangle designs. Thank you!
I would love to receive a copy of Nancy’s book. I’ve been intrigued by row quilts and I love the way Nancy teaches and shows us how step by step. Pinwheels are my favorite!
I love the overall design and the color choices are endless! Nancy was such an inspiration , and we have her products , techniques, etc. left to us , as well as others to share. Hopefully, the current generation will carry on to help the younger generation be intrigued.
I can’t view the video … it’s saying “This video is currently not available”. My favorite row is Flying Home.
I like flying home row. it seems so easy to do the flying geese. I would love to win this book.
I think flying home looks like it would be the easiest one for someone like me who is a newbie to quilting. Thanks for the chance to win one of Nancy’s awesome books.
That’s a touch one, because they are all great! I will say I like Star Gazer a little more.
Perpetual Pinwheels. I just made a quilt with pinwheels for my granddaughter. Love how they look. So I think perpetual pinwheels would be next to try.
I love the star gazer the best. The whole quilt is a great sampler quilt and would look great on any bed.
I love them all, but would love to try the Flying Home pattern!
It’s tough to decide between Star gazer and Perpetul pinwheels.
I love the Flying Home variations. Now all I need is time.
Flying home looks like so much fun to do.
I love the Flying Home variations. Now all I need is time.
I love the Flying Home variations. All I need is time.
She made everything look so easy to do.
The stargazer row is my favorite and great fabric choices!
I really love this quilt, the whole thing! However, if I had to pick a row, I’d say the stargazer row. It just seems cheerful and probably really fun to sew! Thanks for the opportunity.
Love the Star Gazer!.
Pinwheels are my favorite.
I love pinwheels, so it would have to be Perpetual Pinwheels.
I am so fond of the friendship star in blocks and sashings, so I would be certain to use the Star Gazer design in a quilt.
I loved the Star Gazer row!!! Can’t wait to get it done!!!
I love the Star Gazer row! I’ve always loved quilts with any kind of star pattern.
Loved the perpetual spinning pinwheels. Would love to win Nancy’s book!
Anyone would be good to make. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love the movement, simplicity and effectiveness of the Stargazer row.
I love the perpetual pinwheel row, just absolutely love it!
Have not done the row by row yet, but have watched Nancy
Demonstrate. Really missing her so glad you are keeping
her productions going. What a great person she was.
Would love to receive the book!
Flying Home is probably my favorite row, but they are all great. As a quilting teacher, this would be a great technique class! I would love to win the book, make a sample, ask the shop to carry the book and add the class to their schedule. Nancy lives on through her work!
I’m so glad to see this quilt repeated, I was too busy to follow the class last year. I love the look of the row by row. I fairly new to quilting & would love having the book to help me learn some techniques.
My favorite is the stargazer block it can be very simple or elegant according to your fabric choice.
Perpetual pinwheels is my favorite. It looks like flying kites which reminds me of spring. Nice thought with freezing rain, low wind chills outside.
Love the perpetual pinwheels
I love the star gazer row. The triangles gauge looks fabulous.
I like “Star Gazer” as it could work up into a Patriotic quilt which are fun to make.
Love the Perpetual Pinwheels. I think it is the use of the white space and motion that attracts me. I’ve been sewing for years, but never got the “Quilting Bug” until recently. I have always enjoyed watching Nancy and reading her blogs.
I have always been afraid of making triangle- ha ha ha. But I believe in Nancy’s directions, she always makes things seem easier. I would love to have this book. Perhaps it would help me to not be afraid of triangles.
I’m new to quilting. The book would be great info from Nancy. Her techniques have always been a time saver!! Love the triangles. Thanks.