No-Hassle 1/4-Square Triangles

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

No-Hassle 1/4-Square Triangles

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

Quilt patterns with 1/2-square and 1/4-square triangles are found in many traditional quilt pattern designs. Yet those triangular shapes can be sticklers to piece! 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 ho-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

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

Screen shot 2014 10 15 at 10.31.43 AM

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

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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152 Comments

  • beatriz_souza
    October 16, 2014

    ‘Card Trick’ is my favorite – it’s really tricky…

  • Leigh
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star ! It’s my favorite block of all

  • mike godawski
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star has always been a personal favorite of mine.

  • Vicky
    October 16, 2014

    Silent Star is my favorite.

  • Leslie T
    October 16, 2014

    Love the Card trick block.

  • Ruth Cryer
    October 16, 2014

    Love the Silent Star!

  • KathyinMN
    October 16, 2014

    The Ohio star is the one that got me to start quilting, so I’d say that one.

  • Kathy Gates
    October 16, 2014

    I love the Ohio Star. I keep saying I will make an Ohio Star quilt! I guess now is a good time to start one! 🙂 Thanks for your great giveaway of this awesome book! 🙂

  • Vicki Violette
    October 16, 2014

    I absolutely adore the Silent Star pattern ! I would love to make a Christmas quilt utilizing this unique design !

  • Diane
    October 16, 2014

    A simple yet accurate technique with the no-hassle triangles guage that allows you to produce amazing quilt designs. I am completely inspired! A must have book and tool!

  • Teri Ralph
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite is the Star of Hope, mainly because of it’s name, but also because I love a challenge of doing something I have to think about how to put together correctly occasionally!

  • Nancy
    October 16, 2014

    I’ve always like the Card Trick block… thanks for the giveaway.

  • Elizabeth Kuntz
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite block is the card trick. It looks so complicated.

  • Audrey
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite quilt block is “Card Trick”.

  • Marianne
    October 16, 2014

    Star of HOPE (I win)!

  • Margaret Schindler
    October 16, 2014

    I love the card trick. I have always wanted to make a quilt with this block but it looks so complicated.

  • Debra
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite is the Star of Hope–especially with the Christmas season fast approaching. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Barbara G.
    October 16, 2014

    A hard choice to make, but since we live in Minnesota but originally
    From Ohio I choose Ohio star.

  • Louise Brogan
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite block would have to be the Ohio Star… its so versatile!

  • Marlo Raub
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star I would have to say is my all time favorite but I find to Card Trick neat. Gee do they still say that? ? Thanks so much for the giveaway.

  • Nikki
    October 16, 2014

    I love the card trick square but I have never made it! Love the ruler!

  • Christa Froese
    October 16, 2014

    The Ohio Star is my favourite.Great to use in small project.

  • Doris Beicker
    October 16, 2014

    I liked “boys nonsense” because I had never seen it before & it’s different

  • Del Hersey
    October 16, 2014

    I love the Silent Star. It takes a sec to see it. I love when patterns emerge that way.
    Thanks, Nancy.

    Del.

  • Sandy
    October 16, 2014

    What a tough decision!!! Star of Hope is my favorite for now because I can visualize using Christmas fabrics in this design and the name is so appropriate.
    Thanks for the good ideas!

  • Margaret C.
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star… a classic.

  • Susan
    October 16, 2014

    It’s so hard to choose. However, since I have to choose only one, I will say Card Trick. I’ve always wanted to make it but thought it was too complicated. You make it look so easy. Can’t wait to try it.

  • Darla Kimmes
    October 16, 2014

    I love the card trick.

  • Claire
    October 16, 2014

    It’s hard to visualize with all the green paper underneath the blocks but I pretty much favor the Card Trick.

  • Lix Fergus
    October 16, 2014

    The Star of Hope is my favorite!

  • Chris
    October 16, 2014

    I’ve always loved Ohio Stars. Thanks for the tutorial.

  • Karen B.
    October 16, 2014

    I like the “Card Trick” – it really looks like the blocks are overlaying each other… great pattern!

  • SHaron Weidemann
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsence

  • Ilana
    October 16, 2014

    I like Boy’s Nonsense.

  • Janey
    October 16, 2014

    We raised seven sons so I choose the “Boys Nonsense” block and would pair it with the “1/4 Square Dance” in a project.

  • Caroline S
    October 16, 2014

    I love quilting tools! takes the guess work out of things.

  • Susan Eaton
    October 16, 2014

    I like the sense of movement in the Silent Star block. Thank you for the opportunity to own this wonderful tool!

  • Kathy F
    October 16, 2014

    My first ever quilt was an Ohio Star This would have made my life so much easier. Love those tools!

  • Robbin Golden
    October 16, 2014

    I like the Silent Star best. It looks so complex, but it’s really not.

  • Mary Lou
    October 16, 2014

    I love the boys nonsense! I have two sons and it seems so fitting in our house!

  • Diana Grindel
    October 16, 2014

    I would say the Card Trick, the slight of hand intrigues me. Thanks for the opportunity to win this tool !

  • Pat
    October 16, 2014

    I love the card trick block. I made it once without the help of this tool and it was a bit tricky. Looking forward to trying it with this new helper.

  • Kim M. Harrington
    October 16, 2014

    This simple looking tool is ingenious!
    Amazing. I love it!

  • carol skilling
    October 16, 2014

    I just love the illusion of the card , Nancy. What a wonderful quilt. I love sampler quilts. Thank you.

  • AS
    October 16, 2014

    I always like the Ohio Star.

  • Gail
    October 16, 2014

    I love them all but pick “The Star of Hope”.

  • Mary Horn
    October 16, 2014

    Boys Nonsense is a different block and I think I would like to make this block.

  • carole rahfeldt
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite is the card trick. It kinda figures for me cause I love to play texas hold em.

  • Ardis Hall
    October 16, 2014

    Star of Hope caught my eye.

  • Barbara P
    October 16, 2014

    Card trick is my favorite, love optical illusions

  • Connie Bobcik
    October 16, 2014

    I have always liked Card Tricks, but I would say that my favorite of of these 6 is Silent Star.

  • barbara woofs
    October 16, 2014

    Would love to try, thanks

  • Connie
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star: Less is more! A close second is Card Trick.

  • Fran Richards
    October 16, 2014

    “Card Trick” – looks complicated but using this method is very easy to make.

  • Janet Hendricks
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite is the Star of Hope! I love these 1/2 and 1/4 square patterns. I am really looking forward to playing with all these patterns! Thank you so much!!

  • Lori Chvojka
    October 16, 2014

    I love the Star of Hope!!

  • diane
    October 16, 2014

    I love Card Trick!

  • Susan
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio star – beautiful!

  • Janice
    October 16, 2014

    I love the “Card Trick”, I’m on my way to my stash! Gotta make it!

  • Janet L. Hendricks
    October 16, 2014

    I like the “Card Trick” pattern! This has given me some great ideas for my Christmas Quilts. Thx Nancy!

  • Jane
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star — definitely! I’m originally from Ohio.
    Card Trick is a close second because it looks hard.
    Thanks, Nancy, for these easy hints for half- and quarter-square triangles.

  • Candace W
    October 16, 2014

    Truly like Boys Nonsense from a historical perspective and because my young grandson & family are relocating from England. I would let him help me to pick out the fabric & of course, be my helper!

  • Sally M
    October 16, 2014

    Card Trick has always seemed magic to me. And I want to say what a pleasure it was to meet you in Fredricksburg VA! I was glad to see you in person after reading your autobiography 🙂

  • Sherry Clayton
    October 16, 2014

    i love the card trick!

  • Enid
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense.

  • Allen
    October 16, 2014

    Card trick and star of hope are my favorites but I’d love to make them all!

  • nancy of IN
    October 16, 2014

    I love card trick. It will be much simpler to make than when I did it.
    Thanks

  • karen copstead
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star – classic favorite! Excellent photos, this helps a lot to understand the block construction, thanks so much.

  • Carol Hansen
    October 16, 2014

    WOW!!! What a great tool! Sure would help me make more soldier quilts! Looks like such a great way to make 1/4 square triangles…..and STARS! Love you, Nancy!

  • C. Stough
    October 16, 2014

    Love the Star of Hope! This triangle gauge is a must for all these triangles

  • Robin
    October 16, 2014

    I like them all, but Boy’s Nonsense is my favorite!

  • Darla
    October 16, 2014

    I really like the Ohio Star and our guild is currently having a challenge featuring the Ohio Star. Your TV show and blogs are the best!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

  • susan Bass
    October 16, 2014

    Hello nancy, My favorite block is the card trick, I like it cause it looks harder than it is?lol I like the way it look from a far.I have made small wall hanger with this for a friend who was have both breast removed. But she back working and looks great,glad she still here!(edna) Thanks for sharing.

  • Adeline
    October 16, 2014

    I LOVE the boy’s nonsense square! I have never seen anything as such and would love to try this one out. How fun to make a baby quilt for a little boy with boy’s nonsense squares!

  • Clara Chandler
    October 16, 2014

    Card Trick has been a favorite block of mine for several years. I made a sampler using this block in 1985. I like the demonstration of the gauge. Thank you for the chance to win the book and gauge.

  • VickiT
    October 16, 2014

    I’ve always love the Card Trick block, but after seeing this, I really like the Boy’s Nonsense block. That’s a stunning block.

  • Roberta Manna
    October 16, 2014

    They are all my favs but I think the top one is star of hope. Hard to decide which is my favorite

  • Margaret Zupfer
    October 16, 2014

    The Ohio Star is next on my list.

  • Mary S
    October 16, 2014

    Silent Star gets my vote. Thanks for sharing.

  • vonda hart
    October 16, 2014

    My favorite is Sttar of Hope. It’s looks so elegant, but you’ve mAde it seem easy. Can’t wait to try it.

  • Jan
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense is my favorite.

  • Dorothy S.
    October 16, 2014

    Star of Hope is my favorite. I like how it comes together so easily but looks complicated.

  • Phyllis
    October 16, 2014

    Hard to choose “just one”, but I suppose the uncluttered “Ohio Star” would be my favorite.

  • Barb Mader
    October 16, 2014

    I like the Boy’s Nonsense because of the rectangle that is formed at angles in each corner.

  • Nancy McKenzie
    October 16, 2014

    Star of Hope seems to be the slickest. Those Clover tools are amazing!

  • Ella Herron
    October 16, 2014

    I like the Star of Hope. I would love to win.

  • Starla
    October 16, 2014

    I love the Ohio Star, but the Card Trick also really appeals to me. I”ve made the former and want to make the latter!

  • Vickie
    October 16, 2014

    Star of Hope

  • Keri Lyn
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense is my favorite because of name fits my two boys. 🙂

  • Barbara
    October 16, 2014

    For some reason, I have always loved the card trick block!

  • Mary Helen Fisher
    October 16, 2014

    Star of Hope because it is a good reminder that I am a 14 year survivor of breast cancer.

  • Judy G
    October 16, 2014

    Usually I gravitate towards “Star” blocks, But think I’d like to try “Card Trick” to change things up!

  • Tina
    October 16, 2014

    Card trick is one I haven’t seen. I really like it

  • Marie Pettis
    October 16, 2014

    I have always been fascinated with Card Trick. The color options for that is unlimited.

  • Carrie
    October 16, 2014

    My first quilt was an Ohio Star but I like Star of Hope best. I have never tried that pattern. It is like a pattern within a pattern.

  • Natalie
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense & Star of Hope were new to me (very interesting), but I have to go with a long-time favorite, Card Tricks. (Wish I could remember how the extended version of that one goes together!)

  • Dot Welch
    October 16, 2014

    Ohio Star because I miss Ohio where I grew up. I live in AZ now and it is very different.

  • Karen Huffman
    October 16, 2014

    my favorite is all of the designs, period

  • Brenda charron
    October 16, 2014

    I love ohio star, but I haven’t seen star of hope till today! Love it too – and what an awesome name!

  • Carrie Burzan
    October 16, 2014

    :Love the card trick

  • Barbara Frasiser
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonesense speaks to me. It is simple and graphic.

  • Pat Collins
    October 16, 2014

    I really love all of them, but if I have to pick, I choose the optical illusion of Boys Nonsense. Thanks for the lesson, this tool would be a big help.

  • Jennifer Fried
    October 16, 2014

    Oh Nancy, You’ve done it again. You just keep coming with such great quilt blocks!! My favorite is ” Star of Hope”. It looks like it is moving. I like the positive and negative combination of fabric. Thanks, Jennifer

  • Deb
    October 16, 2014

    They’re all great. But, I think the Card Trick is most interesting.

  • Karen
    October 16, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense–I really think the printed fabric is very pretty too.

  • Dalene
    October 16, 2014

    I like “Star of Hope’ best! Thanks for the great tutorial!

  • Marj
    October 16, 2014

    I love the card trick block. I made a scrappy “mystery quilt” utilizing many varieties of the card trick and was so pleased with the final result. I believe this ruler would be a big help in producing quarter-square and half-square triangles for so many block patterns. Thanks for showcasing it.

  • Cheryl
    October 16, 2014

    Card trick is my favorite! Thanks for showing this new tool.

  • Berenice
    October 16, 2014

    Since Boy’s Nonsense & Silent Star are the same that is my choice. I am going to try a couple of Card Trick squares this weekend though!

  • Kathy Luehrs
    October 16, 2014

    Card trick

  • Pat Scull
    October 16, 2014

    I know it is an old square, but I just love Card Trick;.
    It looks very tricky!

  • Patricia Templin
    October 16, 2014

    I like them all, but lean towards Star of Hope.

  • Diane Putzer
    October 16, 2014

    Card trick is my favorite. I made myself a “card trick” potholder and use it all the time.

  • G. Stenbuck
    October 16, 2014

    I especially like “Card Trick” because of the way that the colors appear to be laid on top of each other.
    These are all great patterns!

  • Stephanie
    October 17, 2014

    Loved boys nonsense.great instructions”

  • Jeanne Eilers
    October 17, 2014

    Love The Card Trick

  • Diane C
    October 17, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense

  • Joanne Dillon
    October 17, 2014

    They are all great but if I have to choose one, I choose the Star of Hope!! Thanks for a great tutorial. You are all awesome.

  • Brenda
    October 17, 2014

    I like the card trick, but I’m really liking Boy’s nonsense. I’m going to make this one for sure.

  • Kathyj
    October 17, 2014

    Absolutely love Star of Hope

  • Brenda
    October 17, 2014

    I like the card trick, but, I’m really liking Boy’s Nonsense. I’m going to make this one!

  • Brenda
    October 17, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense

  • Frank W
    October 17, 2014

    Card trick

  • Nan
    October 17, 2014

    I like the Card Trick Block the best. Thanks for taking the time to explain it very well!

  • Karen
    October 17, 2014

    Ohio Star is my favorite! Card trick is second in line.

  • Mary Hickey
    October 17, 2014

    I like the 1/4 square dance.

  • Amelia M. McNairy
    October 17, 2014

    The Ohio star because it is beautiful and classic.

  • donna
    October 17, 2014

    I always like the Ohio star, but this star of hope is beautiful!

  • Marty
    October 17, 2014

    Always wanted to sew Card Trick blocks, but now I must first make Boys Nonsense (using camoflage & hunter orange fabrics) ~ thanks for the tips!

  • Joyce H
    October 17, 2014

    Boys Nonsense is pretty cool

  • Gladys
    October 17, 2014

    I like the Star of Hope (1980). Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Cheryl
    October 18, 2014

    I have always loved Card Trick…..its so interesting with the right material combo……

  • Sue H
    October 18, 2014

    Boy’s Nonsense … looks difficult but NOT! Love it!

  • Karen Terry
    October 18, 2014

    I’ve always liked the half square and quarter square triangle quilt projects. Having a tool to help measure would really speed my project along.

  • Gail R
    October 18, 2014

    I love the 1/4square dance and card trick. Love the entire quilt. Thanks for sharing.

  • Cindy Z
    October 18, 2014

    I love Card Trick! These are all great ideas and have my creativity going….:)

  • JOYCE SOCHACKI
    October 18, 2014

    I love the way you do the Ohio Star-you make it soooo easy

  • JOYCE SOCHACKI
    October 18, 2014

    I like the Ohio Star–you make it so easy

  • Florence
    October 18, 2014

    My favorite block is Silent Star. It makes a great visual impact!

  • Becky M
    October 18, 2014

    I really like the star of hope.

  • Toni Haukom
    October 18, 2014

    I loved all of them but the Star of Hope was really my favorite. The Boys Nonsense and Silent Star patterns I have never seen before, but the others I have made. A combination of all would make a beautiful Christmas present if made in Christmas fabrics.

  • Nancy Jo Austin
    October 18, 2014

    I can’t decide which I like better. Star of Hope has such movement to it, but I’m also drawn to Boy’s Nonsense. We have an unintentional tradition going in our family; my husband’s parents had 2 sons. Each of those sons had 2 sons. We are wondering how long this Boy’s Nonsense will continue.

  • Kris Janssen
    October 19, 2014

    Have always loved star blocks but particularly like the visual effect of Card Trick. Hope to make a quilt with this block someday.

  • Jeanne K
    October 19, 2014

    I really love the Star of Hope. It’s so beautiful and Nancy makes it look so easy to to sew.
    Thank you…Jeanne

  • Jane B
    October 20, 2014

    What a hard decision! I want to make a quilt to serve as a coverlet for our bed and think that the Card Trick would make a really neat design.

  • Charlotte McCaig
    October 20, 2014

    Hard choice! I’ve always loved Card Trick because it seems so complex but I liked Boy’s Nonsense too.

  • RuthAnn
    October 21, 2014

    I am partial to The Ohio Star pattern,maybe because our daughter just asked me to make her an Ohio Star quilt since they have moved to Ohio. I am nervous about it and I would love to try the other designs if I wasn’t so leary of making the half-square and quarter-square triangles! The No-Hassle Triangle Quilt Block Book would be helpful!

  • Lydia
    October 22, 2014

    I love Card Trick , what a great name as well for that block

  • Susan Davies
    October 22, 2014

    Wow, just reading through the instructions made me realize why I was not happy with my results when I tried to do an Ohio star. The right tools make all the difference in getting outstanding results.

  • Marge Herrell
    October 23, 2014

    Love the silent star

  • Kay
    October 23, 2014

    Amazing blocks. This new tool makes the lines real simple to sew. Would like to add this one to my collection of new items.

  • sandy
    November 2, 2014

    star of hope

    I sure would have liked to enter this give away. But it didnt appear until after the date of the drawing. I saw it on PBS November 1st! Can’t you wait till everyone gets to see the show?

    Well at any rate I really enjoyed the show Nancy. Where can I get the book and the triangle tool both in stores or online?

    I learned some of what I am doing that makes my half and quarter squares come out wrong. Well not as nice as they could come out I guess is more accurately stated. Where can I get the book and the triangle tool both in stores or online?

    Thank you for sharing so many tips and great ideas.

    Sandy

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