Easily Sew 1/4-Square Triangle Quilt Blocks

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

Easily Sew 1/4-Square Triangle Quilt Blocks

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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, Nancy Zieman 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 book.

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! We’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; Nancy called 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—we 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; our 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.

Screen Shot 2019 01 08 at 4.01.57 PM

 

 

Nancys Giveaway 5 13121

For a chance to win a copy of the No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book, tell us which of the 1/4-square or 1/2-square blocks you would like to make.

Screen Shot 2018 12 31 at 12.02.45 PM

 

Happy Quilting,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC

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80 Comments

  • Gail Beam
    January 10, 2019

    I think I would like to make the Card trick block. It would be great to win this quilt book.

  • Lisa Toth
    January 10, 2019

    I really like the Silent Star.

    I’d plan to make quite a few of these blocks in a quilt I am working on.

  • Cathy H
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to make the Star of Hope; and then all of the others! Very pretty quilt.

  • Sue Bullock McKenzie
    January 10, 2019

    I love “Card Trick” and seeing it as you have shown it makes me know I can do it~!

  • Tammy W
    January 10, 2019

    The card trick block.

  • BevM
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to make the Star of Hope. I like all of the designs in this sampler quilt.

  • Linda Horn
    January 10, 2019

    I volunteer with a FIRST robotics team called Aces High. I want to make the Card Trick block with the team’s colors and logos!

  • Donna Muilenburg
    January 10, 2019

    I would love to make a card trick block and quilt.

  • Julie Kill
    January 10, 2019

    The Card Trick block and the Star of Hope are very similar! With a “sleight of hand” and a couple of changes in direction of blocks, they can go either way. This is what I love about Nancy’s methods! they make everything easy and give us all confidence to create!
    – My favorite block is the Silent Star.

  • Martha Morgan
    January 10, 2019

    I love so many of these blocks, and have made a few, but love the Ohio Star

  • Kathy Greene
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to try them all! But probably Boys Nonsense first.

  • Teresa M Edington
    January 10, 2019

    Card Trick!! That’s one I hadn’t seen yet and looks fun!

  • Jick Schmidt
    January 10, 2019

    I have always wanted to try the Card Trick block. Now maybe I will!!!!
    Thank you!!1

  • Cheryl Seal
    January 10, 2019

    I would make the Card Trick….this is the 1st time I’ve seen this block. it is very interesting.

  • Neva F
    January 10, 2019

    I have always been intrigued by the card trick block. That is the first one I would make.

  • Sharon
    January 10, 2019

    Star of Hope

  • Joanne T
    January 10, 2019

    I would to make the Star of Hope.

  • Eva Osmun
    January 10, 2019

    I love stars! I would make the Silent Star block. This would be an excellent book to add to my collection!

  • Candice C.
    January 10, 2019

    So many great choices! However, the Silent Star keeps calling to me!

  • Ann West
    January 10, 2019

    I would love to make them all but I would begin with the Card Trick block. Thanks!

  • Dixie
    January 10, 2019

    I really like the silent star. Would like to make it my next quilt block.

  • Sandra N
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to make the card trick!

  • Clovis
    January 10, 2019

    All the blocks look amazing.

  • Susan
    January 10, 2019

    Would like to make the Silent Star. It is a very regal looking design.

  • Denise Wichman
    January 10, 2019

    The Card Trick is my new endeavour.

  • Nell
    January 10, 2019

    It is hard to decide between Ohio Star and Card Trick. I love them both.

  • Pat
    January 10, 2019

    Card trick has always been a favorite of mine. This no hassle triangle tool will make it easy.

  • Judith Sasse
    January 10, 2019

    I like the Star of Hope both for the design and the name. We need that in these times.

  • Teri c
    January 10, 2019

    I’d like to make Card Trick and Star of Hope. Thank you for such wonderful tutorials and continuing Nancy’s lessons.

  • Janet johnson
    January 10, 2019

    I like the Ohio Star best. I find it fascinating how turning the blocks makes different designs.

  • Donna W
    January 10, 2019

    Silent Star would be my first choice to make.

  • Charlotte Brown
    January 10, 2019

    The spool would be my first choice, but I want to try them all.

  • Marylou
    January 10, 2019

    Always been partial to the Ohio Star block but like the silent star as well. What a great book and I love using the triangle gauge-makes marking the half square triangles so easy!!

  • Lee Ann Wagner
    January 10, 2019

    It’s very difficult to choose but I think I like the card trick block the best.

  • Lorraine Alves
    January 10, 2019

    It’s amazing how the same fabrics can look so different depending on their cut and placement. So many designs to choose from but I would start with Star of Hope.

  • Sandi Corlett
    January 10, 2019

    The Ohio star and the star of hope both interest me. I’m thinking that the star of hope could be made without the strips between the pieces, so I might have to try that. I definitely recommend the use of the ruler. It makes something difficult much easier!

  • Karen A
    January 10, 2019

    So many great blocks, but I am a fan of the Ohio Star.

  • Twyla
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to make the sampler quilt. I would love to win the book giveaway. Thanks!

  • Kathe Mayer
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to make Ohio Star and the Boy’s nonsense. The latter for my grandson.

  • Rosie
    January 10, 2019

    The card trick looks complicated, but I would still love to try it. I’d try that first.

  • Kathy Mullins-Engelhardt
    January 10, 2019

    I love the sampler quilt, but I especially like the card trick and star of hope blocks.

  • LynnF
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to try the boy’s nonsense and the card trick. A friend and I are going to collaborate on a quilt and I think this book would be beneficial to us.

  • Bonnye
    January 10, 2019

    I like the card trick block.

  • Linda Shumway
    January 10, 2019

    I’m doing 2 lap size quilts right now and I didn’t realize at first I had picked triangles for both! So I must love them and need to become better in different ones now. I must try the Card Trick!

  • Bev D
    January 10, 2019

    I’ll will be making “Star of Hope” as a 6 month double lung transplant survivor & first granddaughter born 2018 it certainly represents HOPE.

  • Barb K
    January 10, 2019

    I like the Star of Hope block–very pretty!

  • MoeWest
    January 10, 2019

    I’ve always liked the Card Trick block but so far I’ve never made one.

  • Helen
    January 10, 2019

    The card trick block has always intrigued me. You have made it so simple! Will give it a try.

  • Karen
    January 10, 2019

    The Card Trick first and than the whole quilt if I win the book. Thanks for the give away.

  • Diana W.
    January 10, 2019

    I like all kinds of stars, but the Star of Hope is interesting and I haven’t tried that one yet.

  • Anne Z.
    January 10, 2019

    I love the Star of Hope. It is so unique.

  • kathy
    January 10, 2019

    I love the block Boy Nonsense. Being a new Grandma it calls to me and can’t wait to attempt this block

  • beth d.
    January 10, 2019

    I would like to make the card trick with the tool.

  • Pam R
    January 11, 2019

    Amazing! New beginner.

  • Pamela Martin
    January 11, 2019

    I am very new to sewing quilt blocks. I love all of the above blocks and am anxious to try them all, one at a time, of course.

  • Valerie Paynter
    January 11, 2019

    I would definitely love to make any of those blocks but the Star of Hope seems appr4in todays world.

  • Beth Cox
    January 11, 2019

    I love your color choices and the blocks are wonderful. The book would be amazing to have

  • Cyndi Duffin
    January 11, 2019

    i love the versatility of the card trick! Thank you for the give-away.

  • Savannagal
    January 11, 2019

    I like the Ohio Star turned on the angle like a windmill. Very pretty.

  • Linda
    January 11, 2019

    It’s a tossup between Card Trick and Star of Hope. The Star of Hope would be beautiful in a Quilts of Valor quilt.

  • Alice
    January 11, 2019

    Star of Hope!

  • Joyce ancrum
    January 11, 2019

    Where can I buy your quilt book Sewing with Nancy No-hassle Triangle quilt Block

  • Bridget
    January 11, 2019

    I would like to make the star of hope square.

  • Karen King
    January 11, 2019

    I would like to complete an entire sampler of half square triangle blocks! I like to try different blocks so that the project is challenging!

  • Windy Barr
    January 11, 2019

    I would LOVE to try the card trick block. They all look fun though.

  • Bonnie
    January 11, 2019

    All of the blocks are interesting but the Star of Hope and Card Trick are my favorites. It is amazing how different fabrics and placement can completely change the look of a block.

  • Windy Barr
    January 11, 2019

    Would LOVE to make the card trick block!

  • CAROL
    January 11, 2019

    I would like to make the OHIO STAR quilt. I have not made
    one. Thanks. I would like to win the book or buy it.

  • Michelle Hall
    January 11, 2019

    I love the Silent Star block

  • Beverly
    January 11, 2019

    I have never made card trick blocks and would love to try both versions in your book.

  • Deborah DeBerry
    January 12, 2019

    I would like to make the 1/4 Square Dance.

  • Shirley C
    January 12, 2019

    The card trick square looks like it is the most difficult, so I would like to try making it.

  • Lillian K
    January 13, 2019

    I like the Card Trick Block.

  • Diane L. Putzer
    January 13, 2019

    Card trick is my favorite.

  • margaret swisher
    January 14, 2019

    I would love to try the Silent Star

  • LoAnn Trowbridge
    January 16, 2019

    I love OHIO STAR.

  • Barbara Kuhn
    January 26, 2019

    My Favorites are Card Trick and Ohio Star

  • Ann
    March 11, 2019

    I’d like to try Flying Geese and Ohio Star. I’m hoping to combine other triangle favorites she posted (like opposing triangles) to make a sampler quilt that is Queen size. I’m just starting with one row at a time!

  • Sherri
    April 5, 2019

    I love so many of them. But Card Trick!!!

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