PUBLISHER: Amy Marson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Gailen Runge

EDITORS: Liz Aneloski and Donna di Natale

TECHNICAL EDITORS: Alison M. Schmidt and Gailen Runge

COVER/BOOK DESIGNER: April Mostek

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Tim Manibusan

PRODUCTION EDITORS: Jennifer Warren and Nicole Rolandelli

ILLUSTRATORS: Aliza Shalit and Rebecca Bryan

PHOTO ASSISTANTS: Carly Jean Marin and Mai Yong Vang

PHOTOGRAPHY by Diane Pedersen, unless otherwise noted

Published by Stash Books, an imprint of C&T Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549

Dedication

To my family, whom I treasure more than anything—I love you, and you are the best!

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Robert Kaufman Fabrics for providing all the luscious, bold solid fabrics for this book.

Thanks also to the Warm Company for providing the batting for all the quilts.

Thank you to Felice Regina for piecing Skylines and to Heidi Staples for piecing the mini quilts using printed fabric.

preface

I’m tremendously excited to share this book with you. I am not only excited about the content, but also practically giddy when I think about what you can do with that content. I hope this book inspires you to create something truly special.

Please don’t feel that you have to limit yourself to using these block patterns in only these eleven quilt projects. We as quilters know just how diverse the trusty triangle can be when it comes to quilts—so the sky is the limit with these blocks. Feel free to use these blocks in triangle quilts of your own design.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

introduction

Sampler quilts are an established tradition in the quilting world. For the uninitiated, sampler quilts are made of a mix of different block patterns as opposed to just one block pattern. Samplers are great for practicing your skills, using up scraps, or group sewing.

This book contains 70 different triangle blocks divided by triangle type. There are 36 equilateral triangle blocks, 20 right-angle triangle blocks (right triangles), and 14 isosceles triangle blocks. Choose your favorite blocks to make the sampler quilt projects. There are 4 equilateral triangle sampler quilts, 4 right triangle sampler quilts, and 3 isosceles triangle sampler quilts.

Before you get started, here are a few recommendations.

workflow

When making the triangles, you can:

•  Make the triangles in batches by technique. For example, make all the triangles that use strip sets first and save all the paper-pieced triangles for last.

•  Cut what you need for four blocks, make those four blocks, then cut fabric for another four blocks, and so on.

•  Make each block one at a time. This way you can make deliberate design decisions about each block’s appearance and how it fits within your overall concept.

special pressing note

Because of the variable nature of the quilt projects, many of the pressing instructions say to press as desired. You may find that it works better to press seams to one side rather than open. Either option is fine.

template notes

Using a trimming template is one of my favorite design techniques, especially when working with finicky angles, as with triangles. It allows freedom in making, without worrying about angles or getting the size right. It also provides precision in trimming the block to the exact size. The trimming templates are included in the pattern pullout pages.

Personally, I use both homemade plastic templates and a 60° equilateral acrylic ruler. Whatever you decide, it’s important that the material you choose is clear or translucent so that you can see your design. To make my trimming templates, I simply trace the pattern onto plastic template material, which can be found in most craft stores. When I use the trimming template, I find washi tape holds the template in place while I trace the block. As an alternative you might try a sandpaper board. When I trace my block, I use a fabric marking pen or chalk. Then I use my rotary cutter and an acrylic ruler to cut along the traced lines.

a note about yardage

The yardage listed for each quilt is estimated. The yardage will vary depending on which blocks you choose, how many different fabrics you use, and how many blocks you make. I have allowed ½ yard of each color per quilt.

section introductions

Prior to delving into the blocks and the quilt projects, I have included an introduction in which I share insights specific to the triangle in that section, the color palette I chose, and the key (or index) showing each block.

elements of graphic design

Graphic design is the art of communicating content or ideas through visual mediums. I’m not a graphic designer, but I think we quilters can communicate ideas through our visual medium. This chapter briefly talks about a few elements of graphic design and how we can use these ideas in our quilts.

color

Color can evoke a mood. Color can be used to make something stand apart—or to minimize or hide. Color can connect or isolate. You’ll see that I have used the same color palette within each section to create an element of cohesion.

Choosing colors for the quilts in this book was hugely challenging. I started by following my natural inclination to use many colors but found that result displeasing. Finally I tried using fewer colors, and I liked that better. I chose a defined color palette and then added shades and tones. When I felt the need to add color, I drew from the same palette but used a different tone or shade. The various shades added the dimension I craved.

You can see in Riptide that I used various shades of peach. I don’t like peach on its own, but when I put various shades of peach together with the navy, it felt like magic.

texture

Artists use texture to draw attention to the different layers of a design, to accentuate a specific feature, or to create a more visceral viewing experience. You can create texture in a quilt by using color, as described on the previous page. You can also use printed fabric. For this book, I wanted to keep my quilts uniform by using solid fabrics, but the sample blocks here show how prints give texture to the blocks.

Equilateral Triangle Block 10, pieced and quilted by Heidi Staples

Right Triangle Block 15, pieced and quilted by Heidi Staples

Isosceles Triangle Block 6, pieced and quilted by Heidi Staples

Quilting can also add texture. In Equilateral Sampler, I used straight-line quilting in geometric shapes. I wanted to create a texture that didn’t highlight one feature but would draw the viewer deeper into the piece.

Detail from Equilateral Sampler

figure and ground

An object placed on a medium exists in a relationship known as the figure/ground relationship. The words on this page are the “figure,” while the page itself is the “ground.” In quilting, we refer to these as positive space (the figure) and negative space (the ground).

Detail of Block 5 from Wake

Detail of Block 5 from Graphic Right Triangle Sampler

Explore figure and ground by creating a tension between the two. This is most readily achieved through color, as shown in the examples of right triangle Block 5 (at left). The balance between figure and ground shifts just by toggling the predominant color.

In Stardust, I continued the triangle block design in the quilting to accentuate the negative space. Quilting in the negative space can create tension between the figure and ground.

Detail of Stardust

symmetry and balance

Symmetry is the familiar comfort of blocks equally distributed across the quilt top, whereas balance is the careful calibration of the weight and other visual elements of the blocks. In Equilateral Sampler, Graphic Right Triangle Sampler, and Isosceles Sampler, the design of the quilt is symmetrical, and the weight of the blocks is balanced within the symmetry.

Graphic Right Triangle Sampler

scale

We can play with the scale by changing block size, by giving the viewer a frame of reference, or by juxtaposing multiple sizes. In the equilateral triangle quilts, I played a bit with scale. In Upstart, for example, larger triangles are mixed with regular-sized triangles. Scale is definitely something to explore with these block patterns.

Upstart

rhythm

Rhythm may be defined as a repeating beat, or in our case, pattern. The steady rhythm of the congruent triangles allows the content of the triangles to differ. In Facets, for example, the facets of the diamond stand apart from the sameness, or rhythm, of the triangles.

Facets

grid

We know the familiar block quilt grid well as a network of seen or unseen lines. But may we challenge ourselves to look beyond a common grid to surprise and engage the viewer? Grids allow structure and controlled experimentation. We can vary the scale, disrupt the rhythm, and bump up the color. We can do all this without losing the viewer, because the viewer will come back to see what happens.

Wake uses the grid to play with many different blocks but also many variations of those different blocks. The quilt might be chaotic were it not for the grid.

Wake

pattern

Using the singular concept of a triangle, we can create elegant and complex quilt projects. Basic techniques such as constructing half-square triangles, strip piecing, and paper piecing all provide the groundwork for achieving these myriad variations on the simple triangle. We can create nearly endless patterns and variations with these triangles.

Ready? Let’s begin!

equilateral triangles

Equilateral triangles are triangles with sides of equal length and three 60° angles. I designed each equilateral triangle block to be beautiful as a stand-alone pattern and to complement the others with dramatic graphic impact.

After the instructions for making the Base block, there follow 36 block patterns. Techniques range from strip piecing, half-square triangle piecing, and paper piecing to top-stitch appliqué, and, yes, a few improvisational pieced designs. Many blocks use the equilateral triangle trimming template.

After the block instructions, you’ll find four quilt projects. A few projects max out on triangles; a few allow you to make a big quilt by using just a small number of blocks. I’ll list which blocks were used in each pattern, but please choose whichever blocks you love.

special notes

COLOR PALETTE

For this section I chose a warm color palette of purples, pinks, and yellows, with plenty of different tones to provide texture and dimension.

Equilateral color palette

TRIANGLE SIZE

It’s important to note that whenever I refer to the size of the triangle, I mean the height of the triangle: most commonly 8˝ finished (8½˝ unfinished if you are cutting a blunt-tip triangle).

NOTE The height of the triangle = the triangle size

Size = triangle height

RESIZING AND SIZE OPTIONS

Nearly all of the blocks used in the quilt projects are 8˝, but there are some that I sized up to a large (16˝) triangle. I’ve provided the math for resizing each block up to a large (16˝) triangle or down to a small (4˝) triangle.

To make a 4˝ equilateral triangle trimming template, reduce the 8˝ template by 50% and redraw the ¼˝ seam allowances.

To make a 16˝ equilateral triangle trimming template, enlarge the 8˝ template by 200% and redraw the ¼˝ seam allowances.

equilateral triangle blocks

Base block

Make a copy of this page and use it as a planning sheet while you make your project.

equilateral triangle blocks (Base–Block 36)

Equilateral Base Triangle

BASE BLOCK

The basic triangle for this section is the equilateral triangle. A major component of the equilateral quilts, the base triangle provides a place for the eye to rest.

Cutting Several Equilateral Triangles from Yardage

To make several Base blocks, cut a strip 8½˝ × the fabric width. Unfold the fabric. Using the equilateral triangle trimming template, trace the pattern pieces, and cut along the traced lines. Ideally you should be able to cut 7 equilateral triangles, assuming the usable fabric width is 40˝.

You can also use a blunt-tip equilateral triangle ruler or the 60° lines on a 6˝ × 24˝ acrylic ruler. When using a rectangular ruler, leave a ¼˝ between cuts along the raw edge of the strip for a blunt-tip triangle the correct height. Just be sure the width of the strip equals the height of the unfinished triangle. Or add an extra ¼˝ to the cut size (that is, the height) and cut triangles without a blunt tip.

Cutting 1 Equilateral Triangle

Cut a rectangle 8½˝ × 10˝. Using the equilateral triangle trimming template, trace the pattern onto the fabric and cut out along the traced lines.

NOTE Whichever size triangle you are cutting, all the triangle cut sizes given are for triangles with a blunt tip on the top. Remember that the cut size given is the cut height of a blunt-tip triangle.

Block 1

Block Stats

•  Half-square triangle (HST) piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 square 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally*

•  Black: 1 square 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally*

•  Gray: 1 square 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally

1 rectangle 4¾˝ × 3½˝

1 rectangle 4¾˝ × 6˝

1 rectangle 4½˝ × 5½˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*You will have 1 triangle left over.

PIECING

1. Sew the triangles together on the long sides, as shown. Press.

2. Sew the half-square triangle units together. Press the seams open.

3. Add the 4¾˝-high rectangles. Press.

4. Add the remaining rectangle to the top of the unit. Align the bottom left corner of the rectangle with the half-square triangle’s seam allowance. Press.

5. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template and cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

*You will have 1 triangle left over.

Block 2

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Improv

•  Foundation piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Muslin: 1 equilateral 8½˝ triangle*

•  Dark pink: 2 strips 1˝ × fabric width, subcut into strips 1˝ × 20˝

•  Black: 2 strips 1˝ × fabric width, subcut into strips 1˝ × 20˝

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

Note: You may need more strips, depending on your improv.

PIECING

1. Sew the strips together, alternating colors. Press the seams as desired.

2. Position the strip set, right side up, on the muslin at your desired angle, making sure the bottom corners will be covered by the strip set. Keep in mind that you will lose a ¼˝ to the seam allowance on one side.

3. Flip the strip set so the right side is facing the muslin. Stitch the strip set in place along the long edge. Fold the strip set down and press.

4. Using the trimming template or the muslin, trim the excess strip set from the triangle.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the entire muslin is covered.

For added seam security, consider stitching around the border of the triangle using an ⅛˝ seam allowance.

BLOCK OPTIONS

This block lends itself well to creative exploration. Instead of muslin, use quilter’s cotton and just cover a part of the triangle.

Sizing Options

Block 3

Block Stats

•  Improv

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Yellow: 1 equilateral 8½˝ triangle*

•  Black: 2 rectangles 2½˝ × 5˝

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Toward the top right side of the yellow triangle, position 1 black rectangle. Then flip the rectangle down so they are right sides together. Stitch along the upper edge, using a ¼˝ seam allowance. Trim the yellow fabric to the ¼˝ seam allowance.

2. Press the black fabric up to cover the top of the triangle.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 with the second black rectangle.

4. Trim away the excess black fabric to even up the equilateral triangle.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Play with the sizes of the black rectangles to alter the effect on the triangle.

Sizing Options

Block 4

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 strip 1½˝ × fabric width

•  Black: 1 strip 1½˝ × fabric width

•  Gray: 1 rectangle 3˝ × 4˝

1 rectangle 3½˝ × 6˝

1 rectangle 3½˝ × 4˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the black and pink strips together. Press the seam toward the black. Subcut 2 rectangles 4½˝ × 2½˝, 2 rectangles 3½˝ × 2½˝, and 2 rectangles 1½˝ × 2½˝.

2. Sew the 2 rectangles 1½˝ × 2½˝ together, alternating colors. Press the seams open.

3. Lay out the block components as shown in the diagram. Then sew the pieces together into rows. Press the seams in alternating directions.

4. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Leave a ¼˝ seam allowance on the left side and then cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 5

Block Stats

•  Equilateral triangle piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 3 equilateral 2˝ triangles*

•  Pink: 2 equilateral 2˝ triangles*

1 strip 2˝ × 10˝, cut in half with a 60° angle (For printed fabrics, cut 2 strips and mirror the angles. Discard half of each strip.)

1 strip 1½˝ × 11½˝; finger-press to mark the center.

1 equilateral 6½˝ triangle; finger-press to mark the vertical center.

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Piece the center row together by sewing the 2˝ triangles together along with the 2 pink 2˝ strips. Press the seams open.

2. Add the pink strip to the bottom and the 6½˝ triangle to the top. Press.

3. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template and cut along the traced lines.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Play with the alignment of the small equilateral triangles. I chose to skew mine to the right.

Sizing Options

Block 6

Block Stats

•  Half-square triangle (HST) piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 square 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally

•  Black: 1 square 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 5˝

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 3˝

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 4½˝

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 6˝

1 equilateral 5˝ triangle*

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Sew the 3˝ triangles together. Press. Trim the half-square triangle (HST) units to 2½˝ × 2½˝.

2. Add the black rectangles to either side of the HST units. Press.

3. Sew together into rows. The edge of the top triangle should extend roughly ¼˝ past the upper right HST unit. Press as desired.

4. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Leave a ¼˝ seam allowance for the points along the block edges. Then cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 7

Block Stats

•  Log Cabin–style piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 1 strip 1½˝ × 2½˝

1 strip 1½˝ × 4½˝

•  Pink: 1 rectangle 2½˝ × 3½˝

1 strip 1½˝ × 3½˝

1 strip 1½˝ × 5½˝

•  Gray: 1 rectangle 4½˝ × 6˝

1 equilateral 5˝ triangle*; finger-press to mark the center.

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt- tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Sew the 2½˝ and then the 4½˝ black strips to the pink rectangle. Press the seams open.

2. Add the pink strips in the same fashion. Press the seams open.

3. Add the gray rectangle and gray triangle. Press.

4. Center and trace the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 8

Block Stats

•  Top-stitch appliqué

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Gray: 1 equilateral 8½˝ triangle*

•  Pink: 2 pieces cut from the equilateral triangle Block 8 pattern

•  Thread: coordinating pink for topstitching

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. With the 2 pink pieces right sides together, stitch around the curved edge using a ¼˝ seam allowance. Notch the seam allowances without cutting through the seam. Turn right side out and press well.

2. Center the pink unit on top of the gray triangle, aligning the bottom edges. Pin in place. Topstitch the pink piece in place using matching pink thread.

Decrease bulk by trimming away the excess fabric from the curved piece. You should be able to remove a layer of gray and pink, but be sure to leave a ¼˝ seam allowance on both pieces. Be careful not to trim the top layer.

BLOCK OPTIONS

To make a 4˝ version, cut a 4½˝ equilateral triangle. Reduce the Block 8 pattern by 50% and redraw the ¼˝ seam allowances.

To make a 16˝ version, cut a 16½˝ equilateral triangle. Enlarge the Block 8 pattern by 200% and redraw the ¼˝ seam allowances.

Block 9

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 2 strips 1˝ × fabric width, subcut into 6 strips 1˝ × 9˝

•  Black: 2 strips 1˝ × fabric width, subcut into 6 strips 1˝ × 9˝

•  Gray: 1 rectangle 6˝ × 9˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the 12 black and pink strips together, alternating colors. Press.

2. Add the gray rectangle. Press.

3. Center and trace the equilateral triangle trimming template and cut along the traced lines.

Save the other half of the strip set to make another Block 9.

Sizing Options

Block 10

Block Stats

•  Log Cabin–style piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Gray: 1 equilateral 3˝ triangle*

•  Black: 1 strip 1½˝ × fabric width

•  Pink: 1 strip 1½˝ × fabric width

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Sew the black strip to one side of the triangle. Press the seams open and trim away the excess fabric at each end, as shown.

2. Repeat Step 1 to sew the remaining black strip to the bottom and left side of the triangle.

3. Starting with the upper right side of the triangle unit, repeat Steps 1 and 2 to add the pink border.

Sizing Options

Block 11

Block Stats

•  Half-square triangle (HST) piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 square 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally*

•  Black: 2 squares 3˝ × 3˝, cut once diagonally*

•  Gray: 1 square 5˝ × 5˝, cut once diagonally*

2 rectangles 4˝ × 5˝

1 equilateral 5˝ triangle**

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*You will have 1 triangle left over.

**Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Sew a black and pink triangle together to make an HST unit. Trim to 2½˝ × 2½˝. Add the remaining black triangles as shown. Press the seams toward the black triangles.

2. Add the gray half-square triangle to the long side. Press.

3. Add the gray 4˝ × 5˝ rectangles to either side. Press.

4. Finger-press to mark the vertical center of the gray equilateral triangle. Sew it, centered, on top. Press.

5. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template, centering the black/pink triangle. Then cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

*You will have 1 triangle left over.

Block 12

Block Stats

•  Log Cabin–style piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 1 equilateral 2½˝ triangle*

•  Yellow: 2 strips 1¼˝ × 6˝

1 strip 2¼˝ × 8˝

•  Gray: 2 strips 1¼˝ × 9˝

1 strip 2˝ × 12˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. To the top right and left of the black triangle, sew the 1¼˝ × 6˝ yellow strips. Press the seam open and trim the excess fabric after each side.

2. Add the 2¼˝ × 8˝ yellow strip to the bottom. Press the seam open and trim the excess fabric.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to add the gray border.

4. If necessary, use the equilateral triangle trimming template to trim the block.

Sizing Options

Block 13

Block Stats

•  Improv

•  Top-stitch appliqué

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 equilateral 8½˝ triangle*

•  Black: 2 circles 3½˝ in diameter, using the equilateral triangle Block 13 circle pattern

•  Thread: matching black for topstitching

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. With right sides together, sew around the circles using a ¼˝ seam allowance. Cut a hole in the back circle and trim the circle, leaving about ½˝. Notch the seam allowance, being careful not to cut through the seam. Turn the circle right side out and press.

2. Fold the triangle in half through each side to locate the center of the equilateral triangle and finger-press.

3. Place the circle over the center point of the triangle and pin or glue baste in place. Using coordinating thread, topstitch the circle in place.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Experiment with the location of the circle within the triangle.

Sizing Options

Block 14

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Yellow: 1 strip 1½˝ × 8½˝

1 rectangle 2˝ × 3˝

1 rectangle 2˝ × 6˝

2 rectangles 3½˝ × 5½˝

•  Black: 1 rectangle 2˝ × 4˝

1 rectangle 2˝ × 6˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew together the black 2˝ × 6˝ and yellow 2˝ × 3˝ rectangles, and the black 2˝ × 4˝ and yellow 2˝ × 6˝ rectangles, at the short ends. Press the seams toward the black.

2. Lay out the pieces as shown. Sew the pieces together, aligning the bottom edges. Press as desired.

3. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Experiment with the look of this block by flipping the layout of the 2 pieced strips. You could also lengthen the black strips to adjust the positioning up or down—just be sure to align the bottoms of the unpieced yellow rectangles.

Sizing Options

Block 15

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Gray: 2 strips 1⅝˝ × 8½˝

•  Black: 2 strips 1⅝˝ × 8½˝

1 strip 2˝ × 8½˝

•  Yellow: 2 strips 1⅝˝ × 8½˝

1 strip 2˝ × 8½˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the strips together, alternating the colors and using the 2 wider strips for the outer strips.

2. Center and trace the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 16

Block Stats

•  Improv

•  Top-stitch appliqué

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 1 equilateral 8½˝ triangle*

•  Pink: 3 strips 1˝ × 12˝, on the bias

•  Thread: coordinating pink for topstitching

•  Optional: ½˝ bias tape maker

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Make each bias strip into bias tape by folding the bias strip in half lengthwise. Unfold the bias strip and then fold and press each raw edge in to the centerline.

2. Position the bias tape as desired on the black triangle. To make the bias tape curve, press using steam. Pin or glue baste in place.

3. Topstitch each bias strip in place along both long edges. Trim the excess.

BLOCK OPTIONS

This block is full of possibilities. You can manipulate the bias tape in any number of ways; a loop-de-loop or flower are just two ideas.

Sizing Options

Block 17

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Improv

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 4 strips 1⅛˝ × 8˝

•  Yellow: 4 strips 1⅛˝ × 8˝

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 3½˝ (A)

1 rectangle 1¾˝ × 4½˝ (B)

1 rectangle 2˝ × 7˝ (C)

1 rectangle 1⅜˝ × 9˝ (D)

1 rectangle 1½˝ × 12˝ (E)

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. First sew the 1⅛˝ × 8˝ black and yellow strips together into pairs. Press the seams toward the black.

2. Mark the centers of yellow rectangles A–E.

3. Lay out the yellow rectangles A–E and the black-and-yellow unit pairs as shown. Align the centers of the yellow rectangles A–E. Experiment with arrangements of the black-and-yellow pairs by shifting them left or right. Try cutting the pairs, flipping them, and sewing them together, as in the bottom strip.

4. Sew the pieces together. Press the seams toward the yellow rectangles.

5. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

BLOCK OPTIONS

While keeping yellow rectangles A–E aligned, play with the placement of the black-and-yellow paired units.

Sizing Options

Block 18

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 square 1⅝˝ × 1⅝˝

2 squares 5˝ × 5˝

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 7˝

1 rectangle 2½˝ × 5˝

•  Yellow: 2 squares 2˝ × 2˝

•  Black: 1 rectangle 1⅝˝ × 2˝

1 rectangle 2˝ × 3⅛˝

•  Gray: 1 rectangle 1⅝˝ × 2˝

1 rectangle 2˝ × 3⅛˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Lay out the smaller pieces, as shown. Sew the pieces into rows. Press the seams in alternating directions.

2. Piece the rows together and press the seams open.

3. Sew the pink 5˝ × 5˝ squares on the gray sides, as shown. Add the 2½˝ × 5˝ pink rectangle to the right and the 2½˝ × 7˝ pink rectangle to the top. Press the seams toward the pink rectangles.

4. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Be sure to leave a ¼˝ seam allowance along the edges of the block. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 19

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Yellow: 4 strips 1½˝ × 4½˝

•  Black: 2 strips 1½˝ × 4½˝

•  Gray: 2 rectangles 4˝ × 6˝

2 squares 4˝ × 4˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the yellow and black strips together into 2 strip sets. Stagger the strips by roughly ½˝ up for the first strip set and down for the second. Press.

2. Add a gray 4˝ × 4˝ square to each strip set, staggered as in Step 1. Press.

3. Add a gray 4˝ × 6˝ rectangle to each strip set, aligned with an end of the yellow strip. Press.

4. Line up the 30° line on a rotary cutting ruler with the outer edge of the gray rectangle in each strip set, so that all parts of the strip set extend just past the straight edge of the ruler. Cut along the edge of the ruler.

5. Sew the 2 pieces together along the cut edge. Press the seam open.

6. Center and trace the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 20

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 1 strip 1¼˝ × fabric width

•  Yellow: 1 strip 1½˝ × fabric width

1 strip 1½˝ × 3˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the black and yellow fabric-width strips together along the long edges. Press the seams toward the black.

2. From the black-and-yellow strip set, cut 1 rectangle 2¼˝ × 10½˝, 1 rectangle 2¼˝ × 8½˝, 1 rectangle 2¼˝ × 6½˝, and 1 rectangle 2¼˝ × 4½˝. Mark the centers.

3. Sew all pieces together, aligning the centers. Press the seams toward the black.

4. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 21

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 2 strips 2½˝ × 5½˝

•  Gray: 2 strips 2½˝ × 8˝

1 square 2⅞˝ × 2⅞˝, cut once diagonally to yield 2 half-square triangles (HSTs)

2 rectangles 3½˝ × 5½˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. From 1 pink strip, cut 1 diamond: First make a 45° cut close to the edge of the strip. Then make a second 45° cut 2˝ away to make a 2˝ diamond. Cut a second 2˝ diamond in the opposite direction from the remaining pink strip.

2. Make a 45° cut close to the edge of each gray strip in opposite directions as shown. Discard the small piece.

3. Sew the gray triangles, pink diamonds, and gray strips into 2 mirrored units. Press the seams in opposite directions.

4. Sew all the pieces together, aligning the bottom edges. Press as desired.

5. Center and trace the equilateral triangle trimming template. Leave a ¼˝ seam allowance for the points along the bottom edge, and cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 22

Block Stats

•  Piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 4 equilateral 2½˝ triangles*

1 equilateral 6½˝ triangle*

•  Black: 3 equilateral 2½˝ triangles*

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Sew the small triangles together into a strip, alternating colors. Press the seams open.

2. Add the pink 6½˝ triangle. Press.

Sizing Options

Block 23

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Yellow: 1 strip 1½˝ × 10½˝

1 equilateral 6˝ triangle*

•  Gray: 1 strip 1½˝ × 12½˝

1 strip 1½˝ × 8½˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Finger-press to mark the centers. Sew the pieces together. Press the seams as desired.

2. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 24

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Black: 2 strips 1˝ × 10½˝

•  Pink: 1 strip 1˝ × 10½˝

•  Gray: 1 strip 1½˝ × 12½˝

1 equilateral 6½˝ triangle*

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

*Reminder: Equilateral triangle cut size = blunt-tip triangle height

PIECING

1. Sew the black and pink strips together along the long edges. Press the seams toward the pink.

2. Add the gray strip and triangle. Press the seams toward the gray.

3. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 25

Block Stats

•  Improv

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Yellow: 4 strips 1½˝ × 4½˝

•  Black: 2 strips 1½˝ × 4½˝

•  Gray: 2 rectangles 2½˝ × 10½˝

2 rectangles 4˝ × 6˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the yellow and black strips into 2 strip sets. Stagger the strips by roughly ½˝ up for the first strip set and down for the second. Press the seams in opposite directions.

2. Using the 60° line on your acrylic ruler, trim the strip sets to 2½˝ wide.

3. Make a 60° cut in each gray 2½˝ strip so that there is about 4˝ on one side.

4. Add the angled gray strips to each yellow-and-black strip set. Press.

5. Sew the 2 units together. Press the seams open. Trim the bottom, leaving a ¼˝ seam allowance for the point.

6. Add the gray rectangles on the sides. Press.

7. Center and trace the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Block 26

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Pink: 1 strip 1½˝ × 12˝

1 rectangle 6˝ × 8½˝

•  Gray: 1 rectangle 4˝ × 12˝

•  Trimming template: equilateral triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the pink strip to the gray rectangle. Press.

2. Line up the 30° line on your acrylic ruler with the raw edge of the pink strip, as shown. Cut.

3. Add the pink rectangle to the cut edge. Press.

4. Trace around the equilateral triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Options

Paper-Pieced Blocks

Block Stats

•  Paper piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Equilateral Triangle

•  Fabric scraps: assorted

•  Pattern: a copy of the desired equilateral triangle block foundation pattern

PIECING

1. Paper piece each block using the corresponding foundation patterns.

2. If necessary, sew the A and B foundation sections together. Press the seams open.

BLOCK OPTIONS

To make a 4˝ version, reduce the foundation pattern by 50% and redraw the ¼˝ seam allowances.

To make a 16˝ version, enlarge the foundation pattern by 200% and redraw the ¼˝ seam allowances.

equilateral sampler

Finished quilt: 72½˝ × 72½˝ Finished triangle: 8˝ Finished block: 12˝ × 12˝

This is the main sampler quilt for the equilateral triangle blocks, which showcases all 36 blocks. Each triangle is set into a square block. Make 1 block for a mini quilt or a pillow. Resize the quilt by increasing or decreasing the number of blocks. For a fun design idea, you could rotate a few of the blocks so that the triangles point in different directions. I added black and gray to my palette to increase the graphic impact.

Materials

Materials Black (Kona Pepper): ½ yard

Bright pink (Kona Pomegranate): ½ yard

Medium gray (Kona Graphite): ½ yard

Pink (Kona Watermelon): ½ yard

Yellow (Kona Citrus): ½ yard

White: 5¾ yards*

Backing: 6¾ yards

Batting: 80˝ × 80˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

*Cutting assumes 41˝ fabric width.

Cutting

During quilt top assembly, you will be piecing the white background pieces together on the bias. It’s not necessary, but you might consider starching your fabric before cutting.

WHITE

•  Cut 24 strips 7˝ × fabric width. From each strip, subcut 3 rectangles 7˝ × 13½˝ for a total of 72 rectangles.

•  Cut 12 strips 2½˝ × fabric width. From each strip, subcut 3 rectangles 2½˝ × 12½˝ for a total of 36 rectangles.

piecing

Use a ¼˝ seam allowance. Press seams toward the background fabric.

TRIANGLES

1. Use the equilateral block instructions and the trimming template and foundation patterns to make the 36 equilateral triangle 8˝ blocks.

2. Trim off the lower right corner from each white background rectangle: Mark 1˝ from the corner on the long side and 1¾˝ from the corner on the short side, draw a line between the marks, and cut along the line.

NOTE If you are using printed fabric, you will need to trim the corners from the rectangles a bit differently: 36 of the rectangles should have the lower right corner trimmed, while the other 36 should have the lower left corner trimmed.

3. For each block, lay out 2 mirrored trimmed rectangles on the sides and 1 white 2½˝ × 12½˝ strip along the bottom of the block.

Block Stability

The 12½˝ strip will be the backbone of the resulting block. It will assist in aligning the triangles as the quilt top comes together, block by block. The strip is the only piece of the background that is not on the bias. So this piece will likely be true to size when compared with the other pieces.

4. Add the left background piece. Trim the excess fabric from the rectangle, as shown.

5. Add the right background piece.

6. Center and add the white strip.

Fold the white strip in half and finger-press to mark the center. You can also do this with the triangle blocks.

7. Square up the block to 12½˝ × 12½˝. Use the white strip at the bottom of the unit as a guide.

assembling the quilt top

1. Lay out the blocks on a design surface. As you evaluate your layout, think of overall color, level of contrast, and each block’s piecing technique.

2. Piece the blocks into rows. Press the seams in alternating directions: Press the seams in rows 1, 3, and 5 to the right and the seams in rows 2, 4, and 6 to the left.

3. Sew the rows together. Press the seams as desired.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 80˝ × 80˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

upstart

Finished quilt: 60½˝ × 72½˝ Finished triangles: 8˝ and 16˝

This playful quilt pattern is wide open to adaptation and customization. Get creative with the 36 equilateral block patterns. Play with the arrangement of triangles or copy the design as is. Experiment with pattern and color to create movement among the triangles.

The quilt I made shows 25 regular 8˝ equilateral blocks and 4 large 16˝ equilateral blocks. I used 11 solid-color Base blocks to add large pops of color and allow a resting place for the eye.

There are 108 possible 8˝ triangles that can be pieced. As shown, there are 4 large 16˝ triangles and 92 regular 8˝ triangles that you could fill with blocks and color. You can also create another 16˝ triangle—just take away 4 regular 8˝ triangles. Likewise, you could make a few small 4˝ triangles; 4 small triangles combine to make 1 regular 8˝ triangle.

There’s just so much you can do that I can’t describe it all here. But I cannot wait to see what you come up with!

Note: For demonstration purposes, the large 16˝ triangles are shown as 4 regular 8˝ triangles grouped together.

Materials

Bright pink (Kona Pomegranate): ½ yard

Dark peach (Kona Creamsicle): ½ yard

Light peach (Kona Ice Peach): ½ yard

Light pink (Kona Peony): ½ yard

Magenta (Kona Sangria): ½ yard

Pink (Kona Watermelon): ½ yard

Purple (Kona Berry): ½ yard

Red-purple (Kona Cerise): ½ yard

Yellow (Kona Citrus): ½ yard

White: 2⅝ yards

Backing: 4½ yards

Batting: 68½˝ × 80½˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

Wait on this step until after you’ve pieced your equilateral triangle blocks. Then you will know how many background triangles you will need.

WHITE

From the white fabric, you will need to cut the background 8½˝ triangles (see Equilateral Base Triangle,). The number of triangles you will need depends on how many equilateral blocks you decide to make. Subtract the number of equilateral blocks made from 108 to find the total number of background triangles needed for a layout like mine.

Here’s what I did:

•  I cut 8 strips 8½˝ × fabric width. From each strip, I used the 8˝ equilateral triangle trimming template to cut 7 triangles 8½˝ high. I needed 56 triangles 8½˝ high.

•  I cut 2 strips 9⅛˝ × fabric width. From the strips I cut a total of 9 rectangles 9⅛˝ × 5⅜˝. I subcut each rectangle in half once diagonally to get 18 total half-equilateral triangles. (These half-equilateral triangles will go on either end of the rows.)

Here’s the math so you can adapt the pattern:

For every 7 background 8˝ triangles, you will need 1 strip 8½˝ × fabric width.

(The number of background triangles you need ÷ 7 = the number of fabric-width strips you’ll need.)

COLORED BASE TRIANGLES

From your yardage, you may consider cutting base triangles to supplement your quilt design (see Equilateral Base Triangle,). I used 11 solid-color base triangles.

piecing

TRIANGLES

1. Use the equilateral block instructions to make as many triangles as you like. I used these equilateral blocks: 1–3, 5–17, 20, 22–30, and 33–35.

2. Lay the triangle blocks and any base triangles out on a design surface. Evaluate the layout for color, contrast, and ease of assembly. Note that the quilt top will be assembled on the diagonal, which allows you to add in different-sized triangles (see Assembling the Quilt Top, below).

3. When you have chosen your final layout, add the background triangles and half-triangles to the design surface.

assembling the quilt top

Assemble the quilt top by making diagonal rows. Depending on your arrangement and triangle size, use two different methods to make the rows. Sew like-sized triangles into rows (1) and different-sized triangles into groups and then double rows (2).

1. For rows with like-sized triangles, sew the rows together by first sewing the triangles into pairs. Press the seams open. Sew the pairs together to complete the row. Press the seams open.

Sew triangles into rows.

2. For rows with different-sized triangles, you’ll first need to sew the smaller triangles together into groups of 4. Press the seams open. Then piece the groups and larger triangles together into the row. Press the seams open.

Sew triangles into groups.

3. Sew the rows together to assemble the quilt top. Press the seams to one side.

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 68½˝ × 80½˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

Quilt assembly

Pieced by Felice Regina

skylines

Finished quilt: 65¼˝ × 80½˝ Finished triangles: 8˝ and 16˝

The Skylines quilt allows you to make as many of the equilateral triangle blocks as you want with maximum effect, or make only a handful and still end up with a quilt large enough to cuddle. Make it your own by mixing and matching the equilateral triangle blocks to suit your preference, or copy the design as shown. Play with the pattern and color to create movement and texture.

As shown, the quilt uses 25 regular 8˝ equilateral triangle blocks, 19 base triangles, and 2 large 16˝ triangles. There are a possible 44 regular 8˝ triangles. Or nix the large triangles and get even more possibilities to play with a possible 52 equilateral triangles.

Size the pattern up by making the quilt wider with the addition of more triangles in the center panel. Make it long enough for a bed by lengthening the borders. If you are feeling adventurous, you could scale down the size by using 4˝ triangles.

Okay! Let’s get started.

Materials

Additional yardage may be needed if large 16˝ triangles are pieced.

Bright pink (Kona Pomegranate): ½ yard

Dark peach (Kona Creamsicle): ½ yard

Pink (Kona Watermelon): ½ yard

Purple (Kona Berry): ½ yard

Yellow (Kona Citrus): ½ yard

Red-purple (Kona Cerise): 3½ yards

Backing: 5⅛ yards

Batting: 73˝ × 88½˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

RED-PURPLE

•  Cut 8½˝ triangles (see Equilateral Base Triangle,). The number of triangles you need depends on how many equilateral blocks you decide to make.

•  Cut 4 rectangles 5⅜˝ × 9⅛˝. Cut each rectangle in half diagonally to get 8 half-equilateral triangles.

•  Cut 1 piece 66˝ × fabric width for the upper border.

•  Cut 2 pieces 16½˝ × fabric width for the lower border.

piecing

TRIANGLE BLOCKS

Use the equilateral block instructions to make your favorite blocks for this quilt. Felice Regina, who pieced this quilt, chose Blocks 1, 3, 5–8, 10–14, 17–19, 21–26, and 29–34.

CENTER PANEL

1. Lay out the blocks, base triangles, and half-equilateral triangles on a design surface. Play with the arrangement until satisfied. The quilt panel will be assembled in diagonal rows to accommodate any large 16½˝ triangles.

2. Begin assembling the center panel by first sewing the triangles into rows and groups.

To piece the rows, sew the triangles into pairs, and then sew the pairs together to complete the row. Press the seams open.

Sew triangles into rows.

For rows with different-size triangles, sew the smaller triangles together into groups of 4 and then piece the groups and larger triangles together. Press the seams open.

Sew triangles into groups.

3. Sew the rows together to assemble the center panel. Press the seams as desired.

assembling the quilt top

1. Piece both of the 16½˝-wide rectangles together to make the lower border, as shown in the quilt assembly diagram. Press the seam to the side.

2. Measure the center panel horizontally through the center. Trim the upper and lower borders to fit.

3. Sew the lower and upper borders to the center panel. Press the seams toward the borders.

4. Trim the upper border so the quilt top measures 80½˝ high.

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 73˝ × 88½˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

Quilt assembly

facets

Finished quilt: 30½˝ × 40½˝ Finished triangle: 8˝

Facets is a small quilt, offering you a chance to make a project without committing to making all the triangles. You can choose up to fourteen blocks to make.

This quilt is different in that the triangles come together to form a gem shape, so consider how the blocks at the edges will define the gem shape. Play with the colors in the background to create additional movement. I personally think an ombré effect would be cool.

Materials

Bright pink (Kona Pomegranate): ½ yard

Dark peach (Kona Creamsicle): ½ yard

Gold (Kona Yarrow): ½ yard

Pink (Kona Watermelon): ½ yard

Red-purple (Kona Cerise): ½ yard

Yellow (Kona Citrus): ½ yard

Purple (Kona Berry): 1¼ yards

Backing: 1⅜ yards

Batting: 38½˝ × 48½˝

Binding: ⅜ yard

Background Cutting

PURPLE

•  Cut 2 rectangles 4½˝ × 30½˝.

•  Cut 1 strip 8½˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 2 rectangles 8½˝ × 17˝.

•  Cut 2 strips 8½˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 2 rectangles 8½˝ × 12˝ and 4 rectangles 8½˝ × 8˝.

For the 8½˝ purple rectangles, you will need to make a 60° cut at the very edge of the rectangle, as shown. Note that if you are using a printed fabric, you will need to make the cut in the opposite direction for half the rectangles.

piecing

TRIANGLES

Use the equilateral block instructions to make 14 of your favorite 8˝ blocks for this quilt. I chose Blocks 1, 5–8, 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, 29, 31, and 34. I also threw in 1 base triangle.

assembling the quilt top

1. Lay out your triangles and play with the arrangement. Note how the blocks fit together in terms of color and contrast. Also lay out the background rectangles. Can you see the gem shape?

2. Sew the triangle blocks into pairs and then sew the pairs together. Refer to the quilt assembly diagram to sew the triangle strips and background pieces together into rows. Press the seams in alternating directions.

3. Sew the rows together, along with the top and bottom 4½˝ × 30½˝ border strips.

Fold the 4½˝ × 30½˝ rectangles in half lengthwise and finger-press to mark the center.

4. Trim the sides even with the top and bottom borders to square the quilt top.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Trim the quilt backing to 38½˝ × 48½˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

right triangles

This section is devoted to right triangles, which are triangles with a 90° angle. These triangles are very easy to use as classic half-square triangles (HSTs). In fact, I designed the blocks to be used easily in HST patterns. So feel free to use the twenty blocks in your own HST quilt designs.

Following the instructions on how to make the Base blocks, there are twenty block patterns. Techniques involved are, for the most part, using the trimming template, HST piecing, and paper piecing.

There are four right triangle quilt projects included in this book; most make a throw-sized quilt. There are projects that max out on triangles, allowing you to experiment with block options (and there are a lot of options for this section!). There are also projects for larger quilts that use a smaller number of blocks. I’ll list which blocks I used in each pattern, but please choose whichever blocks you love.

special notes

COLOR PALETTE

For this section I chose icy blues with a spicy yellow and soothing teals. If I want a sharp and graphic look,

I use fewer colors, but when I want more texture, I use more shades and tones.

Right triangle color palette

TRIANGLE SIZE

All triangles in this section are the same size. Each triangle measures 8˝ finished on the short sides and can be used in any quilt design for 8˝ finished blocks.

8˝ finished right triangle

BLOCK OPTIONS

The possibilities for creating derivatives of these block patterns are nearly endless. Just within the twenty block patterns I provide, there are many options. I’ll show you when we get to each block, so be on the lookout for block options.

right triangle blocks

Base block

Half-Base block

Make a copy of this page and use it as a planning sheet while you make your project.

right triangle blocks (Base–Block 20)

Base and Half-Base Blocks

BASE BLOCK

Let’s start with the basics! These are the two basic right triangles that are the easiest to make. These base blocks do a couple of things. One, the base triangles give the eye a place to rest in an otherwise busy quilt. And two, when you are done with a quilt but the quilt isn’t, throw in some base triangles to finish it up!

To make the Base block, cut a square 8⅞˝ × 8⅞˝ and then cut the square in half once diagonally. This yields 2 Base blocks.

HALF-BASE BLOCK

A Half-Base block is just that: half of a Base block. To make a Half-Base block, cut a square 9¼˝ × 9¼˝ and then cut the square in half twice diagonally. This will yield 4 quarter-square triangles for 4 Half-Base blocks.

•  Sew 2 Half-Base blocks together and you’ve got a swell-looking block.

•  Cut a group of Half-Base blocks before piecing the blocks for your selected quilt project. This way you’ll have Half-Base blocks at the ready to make Halfsie blocks.

Block 1

Block Stats

•  Trimming template

•  Lots of block options

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Blue: 2 strips 2½˝ × 10˝

•  Black: 2 strips 2½˝ × 10˝

•  Trimming template: right triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the strips together, alternating colors. Press to one side.

2. Trace around the right triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

BLOCK OPTIONS

By using the half-base trimming template, you can cut half-base units from the strip set in interesting ways. And—oh, look—there’s a smaller version of Block 19!

And by using different colors or by rotating the direction of the trimming template, you will find different looks.

Reversed

Block 2

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  White: 1 rectangle 4½˝ × 13˝

1 strip 1¼˝ × 13˝

•  Black: 2 strips 1¼˝ × 13˝

•  Trimming template: right triangle

PIECING

1. Piece the white and black strips together. Press the seams to one side.

2. Position the right triangle trimming template so that the long side of the triangle aligns with the edge of black fabric. Trace around the template and cut along the traced lines.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Flip the orientation of the trimming template for a different look.

Block 3

Block Stats

•  Half-square triangle (HST) piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  White: 2 squares 4⅞˝ × 4⅞˝, cut once diagonally*

•  Blue: 1 square 4⅞˝ × 4⅞˝, cut once diagonally*

*There will be 1 extra triangle.

PIECING

1. Sew 1 white triangle and 1 blue triangle together on the long sides. Press the seam to one side.

2. Add 1 white triangle to the blue side. Press the seam toward the white triangle.

3. Add the remaining white triangle. Press the seam toward the white triangle.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Add a third color and rotate the half-square triangle to make this block variation.

Block 4

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Half-base trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Black: 4 strips 1½˝ × 10˝

•  Yellow: 4 strips 1½˝ × 10˝

•  Trimming template: half-base

PIECING

1. Make 2 strip sets. Press the seams in one direction for one set and in the opposite direction for the other.

2. Align the half-base trimming template with the yellow side of a strip set. Trace the template and cut along the traced lines. Repeat for the second strip set.

3. Sew the 2 pieced triangles together along the short sides. Press the seam open.

BLOCK OPTIONS

In Step 2, rotate the orientation of the trimming template.

HALFSIES

Make Halfsie blocks by piecing each half to a Half-Base block.

Block 5

Block Stats

•  Log Cabin–style piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Blue: 1 square 4⅞˝ × 4⅞˝, cut once diagonally*

•  White: 1 strip 2˝ × fabric width. Cut into rectangles 2˝ × 8˝, 2˝ × 10˝, and 2˝ × 16˝.

•  Trimming template: right triangle

*You will have 1 extra triangle.

PIECING

1. Sew the white 2˝ × 8˝ rectangle to one short side of the blue triangle. Press the seam open.

2. Add the white 2˝ × 10˝ rectangle to the opposite side. Press the seam open.

3. Trim the white ends that extend past the edge of the triangle.

4. Add the 2˝ × 16˝ rectangle, centered. Press the seam open.

5. Center and trace around the right triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Block 6

Block Stats

•  Half-square triangle (HST) piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Black: 1 Half-Base block

•  Blue: 1 square 4⅞˝ × 4⅞˝, cut once diagonally*

•  White: 1 square 4⅞˝ × 4⅞˝, cut once diagonally*

*There will be 1 extra triangle.

PIECING

1. Sew the blue and white triangles together, as shown. Press the seam open.

2. Sew the pieced triangle to the Half-Base block. Press the seams toward the Half-Base block.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Change up the color placement of the HSTs to alter the look.

Block 7

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Half-base trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Yellow: 2 strips 1½˝ × 10˝

•  White: 2 rectangles 3⅝˝ × 10˝

•  Trimming template: half-base

PIECING

1. Sew a yellow strip to each white rectangle. Press in opposite directions.

2. For each unit, align the long side of the half-base trimming template with the edge of the yellow fabric. Trace around the template and cut along the traced lines.

3. Sew the halves together, as shown. Press the seam open.

BLOCK OPTIONS

After Step 2, sew each half to a Half-Base block. Press.

Block 8

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Block options

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  White: 1 and 1 reversed using right triangle Block 8 template A

1 and 1 reversed using right triangle Block 8 template B

1 square 3¼˝ × 3¼˝, cut twice diagonally to yield 4 triangles (C); you will have 2 extra.

•  Blue: 3 squares 2⅞˝ × 2⅞˝, cut once diagonally (D)

1 square 3¼˝ × 3¼˝, cut twice diagonally to yield 4 triangles (E); you will have 2 extra.

•  Optional: right triangle trimming template

PIECING

1. Lay the pieces out as shown.

2. Sew the pieces together to make a row. Press the seams open. It may help to mark the intersections of the ¼˝ seam allowances for accurate piecing.

3. Sew the rows together. Press the seams as desired.

4. If needed, position the right triangle trimming template so that the triangle points align with the ¼˝ seamline. Trace around the template and cut along the traced lines.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Instead of piecing the halves together, piece each half to a Half-Base block. Press.

Block 9

Block Stats

•  Half-square triangle (HST) piecing

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Blue: 1 square 4½˝ × 4½˝

•  White: 1 square 4⅞˝ × 4⅞˝, cut diagonally once

PIECING

1. Sew a white triangle to the top of the blue square. Press the seam toward the triangle.

2. Sew the second triangle to the right of the blue square. Press the seam toward the triangle.

Block 10

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Half-base trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Blue: 1 strip 2⅝˝ × 10˝

•  Black: 1 strip 2½˝ × 10˝

•  White: 1 Half-Base block

•  Trimming template: half-base

PIECING

1. Sew the blue and black strips together. Press the seam toward the black strip.

2. Trace around the half-base trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

3. Add the Half-Base block. Press the seam toward the Half-Base block.

BLOCK OPTIONS

Instead of sewing the unit to a Half-Base block, double it up and sew the 2 units together.

Paper-Pieced Blocks

Materials and Cutting for 8˝ Right Triangle

•  Fabric scraps: assorted

•  Pattern: a copy of the desired right triangle block foundation pattern

PIECING

1. Paper piece each block using the corresponding foundation patterns.

Note:

For Block 11, make 2 foundations and sew them together along the short sides.

For Blocks 13, 14, 15, and 17, sew the foundation-pieced half-base unit to a Half-Base block.

For Blocks 12 and 16, sew foundations A and B together. Press the seams open.

Sew paper-pieced triangles together (Block 11 shown).

BLOCK OPTIONS

Repeat Step 1 above to make a second pieced unit. Rotate one of the units to make this variation.

Block 17 variation

REFLECTION

Instead of sewing the unit to a Half-Base block, sew the pieced unit you made in Step 1 to a mirrored version. You’ll need to make a mirrored version of the template and then paper piece it as directed in Step 1. Sew the pieces together and press the seam open.

Block 17 variation

HALFSIES

Instead of piecing the halves together, sew the halves to a Half-Base block. Press the seams toward the Half-Base block.

Block 11 Halfsies

graphic right triangle sampler

Finished quilt: 62˝ × 70½˝ Finished triangle: 8˝

Try your hand at making all twenty right triangle blocks (plus one extra) in this graphic and bold sampler quilt. Keep the palette simple and elegant by choosing just a few colors, or spice it up by adding more.

As shown, the quilt finishes at a nice throw size, but you could beef up the borders for a bed quilt or scale down the size of the triangles for a smaller version.

Materials

Black (Kona Pepper): ½ yard

Blue (Kona Riviera): ½ yard

White (Kona Snow): ½ yard

Yellow-green (Kona Wasabi): ½ yard

Light gray (Kona Ash): 4 yards for background

Backing: 4⅝ yards

Batting: 70˝ × 80½˝

Binding: ⅝ yard of light gray (Kona Ash)

Cutting

LIGHT GRAY

•  Cut 3 strips 9¼˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 11 squares 9¼˝ × 9¼˝.

Subcut each square diagonally twice to yield 44 quarter-square triangles (2 will be extra).

•  Cut 2 strips 6¼˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 14 pieces 6¼˝ × 4½˝ (A).

•  Cut 6 strips 6¼˝ × fabric width.

Subcut 4 strips into 4 pieces 6¼˝ × 22½˝ (D) and 4 pieces 6¼˝ × 15½˝ (C). Subcut the other 2 strips into 2 pieces 6¼˝ × 15½˝ (C) and 4 pieces 6¼˝ × 8½˝ (B).

•  Cut 12 strips 2½˝ × fabric width. Trim each strip to 2½˝ × 36¾˝.

•  Cut 4 strips 5½˝ × fabric width. Trim each strip to 5½˝ × 36¾˝.

piecing

1. Use the right triangle block instructions to make 1 of each block, plus 1 extra of your choosing. (I made an extra Block 6.) Make a total of 21 right triangle blocks.

2. Sew a background triangle to the left side of each right triangle block. Press the seams toward the background.

3. Sew a second background triangle to the right side of each right triangle block. Press the seams toward the background. Trim off the dog-ears.

4. Lay out the block units and background pieces A–D, using the quilt assembly diagram as a guide.

5. Sew the blocks into columns with the A, B, C, and D pieces. Press the seams away from the blocks.

Before piecing the rows, mark the centers of the A pieces along the 4½˝ sides. This will help to align the rows during the last step.

6. Sew the 12 strips 2½˝ × 36¾˝ in pairs to make 6 sashing strips. Press the seams to one side.

7. Sew the 4 strips 5½˝ × 36¾˝ in pairs to make 2 borders. Press the seams to one side.

8. Lay out the columns, sashing, and border strips. Sew together to assemble the quilt top. Press the seams toward the sashing strips.

As you sew the rows together, align the point of each right triangle block with the center mark of the adjacent A piece.

9. Trim the top and bottom to square up the quilt top.

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 70˝ × 80˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

Quilt assembly

saturn

Finished quilt: 62¾˝ × 62¾˝ Finished triangle: 8˝

Saturn features up to 32 right triangle blocks. Make any combination of your favorite right triangle blocks, or consider mixing in some Base blocks. I chose to make 25 right triangle blocks and 1 Half-Base block; I substituted base triangles for the rest.

As shown, the triangles finish at 8˝. Adapt the finished size of the quilt by adding borders, or scale the blocks down to 4˝ or 6˝.

Materials

Blue-green (Kona Jade Green): ½ yard

Deep gray (Kona Charcoal): ½ yard

White (Kona Snow): ½ yard

Pale gray (Kona Silver): 3¾ yards*

Backing: 4⅛ yards

Batting: 70¾˝ × 70¾˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

*Requires at least 40½˝ of usable fabric width or additional yardage to piece.

Cutting

PALE GRAY

•  Cut 15 strips 8½˝ × fabric width.

From 6 strips, subcut 12 rectangles 8½˝ × 16½˝ (A).

From 3 strips, subcut 10 squares 8½˝ × 8½˝ (B).

From 1 strip, subcut 2 rectangles 8½˝ × 20½˝ (C).

From 5 strips, subcut 5 rectangles 8½˝ × 40½˝ (D).

piecing

TRIANGLE PAIRS

1. Use the right triangle block instructions to make 32 right triangle blocks. I used Blocks 1–9 and 11–18.

2. Refer to the quilt assembly diagram to experiment with the block layout. Think about color and balance.

3. Piece the right triangle blocks into pairs. Press the seams as desired. Make 16 pairs.

ASSEMBLING THE QUILT TOP

1. Referring to the quilt assembly diagram, lay out the triangle pairs and pieces A–D.

2. Sew the triangle pairs and rectangles A, B, C, and D into diagonal rows. Press the seams open.

While you are piecing the units into rows, take care that the orientation of the triangle pairs remains as planned.

3. Sew the rows together, aligning and pinning the corners of the triangle pairs first. Press the seams as desired.

Work from the center row out, matching and pinning the triangle units first. This will help ensure proper placement and spacing of the triangle units.

4. Square up the quilt top. Leave a ¼˝ seam allowance where the points meet the quilt edge.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 70¾˝ × 70¾˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

wake

Finished quilt: 57⅜˝ × 68¾˝ Finished triangle: 8˝ Finished block: 11⅜˝ × 11⅜˝

Wake allows you plenty of opportunity to play. In this quilt, the right triangle blocks are sewn in combination into different square blocks. This quilt uses three of each block. Instead of making three of the exact same block, keep the viewer guessing by changing up the look of the block using the block options, color, or halfsie options.

Materials

Aqua (Kona Breakers): ½ yard

Black (Kona Pepper): ½ yard

Dark teal (Kona Celestial): ½ yard

Light green (Kona Pond): ½ yard

Teal (Kona Ultra Marine): ½ yard

Turquoise (Kona Turquoise): ½ yard

Yellow-green (Kona Wasabi): ½ yard

Pale gray (Kona Silver): 2¼ yards

Backing: 3¾ yards

Batting: 65½˝ × 77˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

PALE GRAY

•  Cut 8 strips 8⅞˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 30 squares 8⅞˝ × 8⅞˝.

Subcut each square diagonally once to yield 2 triangles for a total of 60 background triangles.

piecing

1. Use the right triangle block instructions to make 60 right triangle blocks. I chose to make 3 of each block, but you may choose differently.

2. Piece each triangle block to a background triangle along the short sides. Press.

assembling the quilt top

1. Lay the pieced triangles out on a design surface and play with the arrangement. While you finalize your design, think about balance in color and contrast, block type, and ease of assembly.

2. Sew the triangle pieces together to form square blocks. Press the seams open. Each square block should measure 11⅞˝ × 11⅞˝ unfinished.

3. Piece the squares into columns. Press the seams in alternating directions: For columns 1, 3, and 5, press the seams up. For rows 2 and 4, press the seams down.

4. Sew the columns together. Press the seams as desired.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 65½˝ × 77˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

twilight

Finished quilt: 62˝ × 73½˝ Finished triangle: 8˝

This quilt plays with the much-loved Flying Geese block. The graphic triangle blocks bring boldness to the geese, and the change in background color further enlivens the design.

There are 38 possible geese for you to fill with right triangle blocks in the quilt as shown, but you can make up to 44 Flying Geese/right triangle combos if desired. Mix in some base triangles and Half-Base blocks to add large hunks of color and a place for the eye to rest.

Materials

Black (Kona Pepper): ½ yard

Blue-green (Kona Jade Green): 1 yard

Light blue-green (Kona Candy Green): 1 yard

Light green (Kona Pond): 1 yard

Yellow-green (Kona Wasabi): 1 yard

White (Kona Snow): 2⅞ yards

Backing: 4 yards

Batting: 70˝ × 82˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

You need 2 half-square triangles for each Flying Geese block—76 total for this layout. Feel free to change up the quantities of each color to suit your design.

BLUE-GREEN

•  Cut 2 strips 6⅝˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 8 squares 6⅝˝ × 6⅝˝. Cut each square in half diagonally to yield 16 triangles.

LIGHT BLUE-GREEN

•  Cut 2 strips 6⅝˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 7 squares 6⅝˝ × 6⅝˝. Cut each square in half diagonally to yield 14 triangles.

LIGHT GREEN

•  Cut 2 strips 6⅝˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 8 squares 6⅝˝ × 6⅝˝. Cut each square in half diagonally to yield 16 triangles.

YELLOW-GREEN

•  Cut 2 strips 6⅝˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 8 squares 6⅝˝ × 6⅝˝. Cut each square in half diagonally to yield 16 triangles.

WHITE

•  Cut 3 strips 11¾˝ × fabric width.

•  Cut 2 strips 6⅝˝ × fabric width. Subcut into 7 squares 6⅝˝ × 6⅝˝. Cut each square in half diagonally to yield 14 triangles.

•  Cut 4 strips 8½˝ × fabric width.

•  Cut 3 strips 2½˝ × fabric width.

piecing

1. Use the right triangle block instructions to make up to 38 right triangle blocks. I made 24 right triangle blocks and used 13 base triangles and 1 Half-Base block. I chose Blocks 1–19.

2. Refer to the quilt assembly diagram to lay out your blocks and base triangles in 4 columns on a design surface. Play with the overall layout of the blocks, balancing the contrast and color placement.

3. If you want background rectangles between the Flying Geese blocks, cut 6¼˝ × 11¾˝ rectangles from a 11¾˝-wide white strip and place them now. I used 2 rectangles, 1 at the top of one column and 1 at the bottom (C).

4. Cut the 2 remaining white 11¾˝-wide strips in half through the width and arrange as desired at the top and bottom of the Flying Geese columns (A and B). These will be trimmed down later.

5. Sew a background triangle to the left side of each of the right triangle blocks. Press the seam toward the background.

6. Sew another background triangle to the right side of each right triangle block to make a Flying Geese block. Press the seam toward the background.

assembling the quilt top

1. Sew the Flying Geese blocks and any interior white rectangles together in columns. Add the larger white strips at the tops and bottoms of the columns, following your layout. Press the seams in alternating directions: In rows 1 and 3, press the seams up. In rows 2 and 4, press the seams down.

2. Trim all 4 columns to the same height (or the height of 12 Flying Geese blocks, if you have a column without background fabric at the top and bottom).

3. Sew the columns together, pinning the intersections of the Flying Geese blocks to align them. Press the seams as desired.

4. Sew the 2½˝ white strips together end to end to form 1 long strip. Press the seams to one side. Measure the quilt horizontally through the center and cut 2 strips to fit.

5. Sew the 2½˝-wide strips to the top and bottom of the center panel. Press the seams toward the 2½˝ strips.

6. Sew the 8½˝ strips together end to end to form 1 long strip. Press the seams to one side. Measure the quilt vertically through the center and cut 2 strips to fit.

7. Sew the 8½˝-wide strips to the sides of the center panel. Press the seams toward the 8½˝ strips.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 70˝ × 81˝

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

isosceles triangles

This section covers isosceles triangle blocks and quilts. An isosceles triangle is a triangle with two equal sides and two equal angles. The blocks themselves are designed to play simply with each other. The piecing isn’t complicated; the challenge is in the unusual angle.

Following the instructions on how to make the isosceles base blocks, there are fourteen block patterns. Techniques rely mostly on strip piecing, paper piecing, and using the isosceles triangle trimming templates.

After the block patterns, you’ll find three quilt projects that play with the simplicity of the blocks in repetition. One quilt maxes out on triangles. One allows you to use a small number of triangle blocks but still get a sizable quilt. I’ll list the blocks I used in each pattern, but please choose whichever blocks you love.

special notes

COLOR PALETTE

I chose a navy and peach color palette for this section. Within each color, I used a few variations. This way I could add color and texture without straying too much from my palette.

Isosceles color palette

TRIANGLE SIZES

Quilt projects in this section use either the 6˝ or 12˝ isosceles triangles. The sampler uses 12˝finished isosceles triangles, and therefore, the block patterns are written for the 12˝ size. Cutting instructions for the 6˝ finished isosceles triangles can be found in the sizing options for each block.

Important Takeaway

When I refer to the “size” of the isosceles triangle, I mean the finished height (either 6˝ or 12˝) of the triangle.

Blunt-tip 12½˝ unfinished isosceles triangle

Blunt-tip 6½˝ unfinished isosceles triangle

Size = triangle height

isosceles triangle blocks

Base block

Make a copy of this page and use it as a planning sheet while you make your project.

isosceles triangle blocks (Base–Block 14)

Isosceles Base Triangle

BASE BLOCK

Use Base blocks for a large splash of color or a place for the eye to rest.

The quilt projects rely heavily on the Base block for quilt-top construction.

Cutting Several Isosceles Triangles from Yardage

Cut fabric widths equaling the height of the unfinished blunt-tip triangle. For example, if you are using 12˝ isosceles triangle blocks, cut a strip that is 12½˝ × fabric width. Unfold the fabric width and use the 12˝ isosceles triangle trimming template to cut several triangles.

Cutting isosceles triangles from a strip

Cutting 1 Isosceles Triangle

Cut a rectangle 11˝ × 12½˝. Use the 12˝ isosceles triangle trimming template to trace the pattern, and then cut along the traced lines.

Cutting 1 isosceles triangle at a time

Cut a rectangle 5¾˝ × 6½˝. Use the 6˝ isosceles triangle trimming template to trace the pattern, and then cut along the traced lines.

Block 1

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangles

•  Dark blue: 1 strip 1½˝ × 9˝

2 strips 1½˝ × 5˝

•  Light blue: 2 strips 1½˝ × 11½˝

3 strips 1½˝ × 6˝

2 rectangles 4˝ × 8˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the dark blue strip 1½˝ × 9˝ to a light blue strip 1½˝ × 6˝. Sew the 2 dark blue strips 1½˝ × 5˝ to the other 2 light blue strips 1½˝ × 5˝. Press the seams toward the dark blue.

2. Lay out and sew all the strips together, aligning the bottom edges. Press.

3. Center and trace the isosceles triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Block 2

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Dark blue: 4 strips 2⅜˝ × 6˝

2 strips 4˝ × 6½˝

•  Peach: 4 strips 2⅜˝ × 6˝

2 strips 4˝ × 6½˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Piece the strips together, alternating the colors, and put the wider strips at the ends to make 2 strip sets, as shown. Stagger the strips in the first strip set about 1˝ up from the previous strip and in the second about 1˝ down from the previous strip.

2. Align the 30° line on your acrylic ruler with one of the seams in the strip set and trim the right side. Repeat with the other strip set, but trim the left side.

3. Sew the pieces together along the cut edges. Press the seams open.

4. Center and trace the isosceles triangle trimming template, aligning the bottom “V” with the ¼˝ seam allowance. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Stagger the strips ½˝.

Block 3

Block Stats

•  Piecing

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Peach: 1 piece, using the 12˝ half-isosceles triangle trimming template

•  Light peach: 1 piece, using the 12˝ half-isosceles triangle trimming template*

*For patterned fabric, flip the template upside down.

PIECING

1. Sew the 2 pieces together along the long edges. Press the seam to one side.

Sizing Option

*For patterned fabric, flip the template upside down.

Block 4

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Navy: 1 square 8˝ × 8˝

•  Peach: 1 strip 2½˝ × 13˝ and 1 strip 2½˝ × 15˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Use the 12˝ isosceles triangle trimming template to cut an isosceles triangle from the navy square, as shown.

2. Sew the 13˝ peach strip, centered, to the right side of the triangle. Press the seam to the side. Trim the excess fabric away.

3. Sew the 15˝ peach strip to the left side, making sure that the majority of extra fabric is at the top of the triangle. Press the seam to the side.

4. Trace around the isosceles triangle trimming template and cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Block 5

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Blue: 2 squares 4½˝ × 4½˝

1 square 8½˝ × 8½˝

•  Peach: 3 squares 4½˝ × 4½˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Use the isosceles triangle trimming template to cut 2 triangles from the 4½˝ × 4½˝ squares and 1 triangle from the 8½˝ × 8½˝ square.

2. Sew the small triangles together, alternating the colors. Press the seams open.

3. Add the 8½˝ blue isosceles triangle to the top. Press the seam to the top.

Sizing Option

Block 6

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Navy: 1 square 8˝ × 8˝ and 1 strip 2½˝ × 16˝

•  Turquoise: 1 strip 2½˝ × 13˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Use the isosceles triangle trimming template to cut an isosceles triangle from the navy square 8˝ × 8˝, as shown.

2. Sew the turquoise strip to the right of the isosceles triangle. Press the seam to one side and trim.

3. Sew the navy strip to the right of the turquoise strip. Press the seam to one side.

4. Trace around the isosceles triangle trimming template and cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Block 7

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Peach: 1 square 5˝ × 5˝

•  Blue: 1 rectangle 8½˝ × 12˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the rectangles as shown, aligning the centers. Press the seam to one side.

2. Center and trace the isosceles triangle trimming template. Cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Block 8

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Peach: 6 strips 1½˝ × 11˝

•  Turquoise: 5 strips 1½˝ × 11˝

1 strip 2½˝ × 11˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the strips together, alternating colors. Note that the 2½˝ strip needs to be at the top, where the point will be. Press the seams as desired.

2. Trace around the isosceles triangle trimming template and cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Note: To make the 6˝ block more manageable, you may want to use 3 strips 2½˝ × 6˝ instead of the 6 strips 1˝ × 6˝.

Block 9

Block Stats

•  Piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Peach: 2 squares 6½˝ × 6½˝

•  Turquoise: 1 piece, using the 12˝ isosceles triangle Block 9 template

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Use the isosceles triangle trimming template to cut a 6½˝ isosceles triangle from each of the peach squares, as shown.

2. Add the peach triangles on the lower left and right sides of the turquoise piece. Press the seams away from the center.

Sizing Option

Block 10

Block Stats

•  Strip piecing

•  Trimming template

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Turquoise: 5 strips 1½˝ × 14˝

•  Peach: 5 strips 1½˝ × 14˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Sew the fabric strips together, alternating colors. Press the seams as desired.

2. Align a long side of the isosceles triangle trimming template on the right. Trace around the template and cut along the traced lines.

Sizing Option

Block 11

Block Stats

•  Piecing

Materials and Cutting

•  Peach: 1 piece, using the 12˝ isosceles triangle Block 11 template

•  Navy: 1 square 6½˝ × 6½˝

•  Trimming template: 12˝ isosceles triangle

PIECING

1. Use the isosceles triangle trimming template to cut an isosceles triangle from the navy square, as shown.

2. Sew the navy triangle to the peach piece. Press the seam as desired.

Sizing Option

Paper-Pieced Blocks

Block Stats

•  Paper piecing

Materials and Cutting for 12˝ Isosceles Triangle

•  Fabric scraps: assorted

•  Dark blue: 1 half-isosceles 12˝ triangle for Block 12

•  Pattern: a copy of the desired 12˝ isosceles block foundation pattern

PIECING

1. Paper piece each block using the corresponding foundation patterns.

2. For Block 12, sew the paper-pieced foundation pattern to the dark blue half-isosceles triangle. Press the seam to the side.

Sew 2 pieces together for Block 12.

Sizing Option

isosceles sampler

Finished quilt: 54½˝ × 64½˝ Finished triangle: 12˝

With this sampler you can make one of each of the isosceles blocks and end up with a big and bold quilt. At 12˝, the finished triangles come together to create a nice throw quilt. Increase the borders for a larger quilt. By using the 6˝ triangles, you could make a bold little quilt finishing at 28½˝ × 31½˝.

Materials

Dark blue (Kona Nightfall): ½ yard

Dark peach (Kona Creamsicle): ½ yard

Dark teal (Kona Celestial): ½ yard

Light peach (Kona Ice Peach): ½ yard

Sea blue (Kona Oasis): ½ yard

Turquoise (Kona Cyan): ½ yard

White (Kona White): 3 yards

Backing: 3⅝ yards

Batting: 62½˝ × 72½˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

WHITE

•  Cut 3 strips 12½˝ × fabric width. Using the 12˝ half-isosceles triangle trimming template, cut 30 half-isosceles triangles.

•  Cut 5 strips 2½˝ × fabric width.

•  Cut 2 length-of-fabric strips 12½˝ × 54½˝.

piecing

TRIANGLES

Use the isosceles triangle block instructions to make 1 of each block. Make 1 extra block—or do what I did, and cut a base triangle—for a total of 15 blocks.

PIECING

1. Sew a half-isosceles triangle to the left of each isosceles block. Press the seam to the side.

2. Sew a half-isosceles triangle to the right side of each isosceles block. Press the seam to the side.

assembling the quilt top

1. Lay out the isosceles blocks on a design surface. Consider color, contrast, and balance as you work toward the final composition. I rotated every other block.

2. Sew the isosceles blocks together into rows. Press the seams as desired.

3. Sew 3 white 2½˝ strips together end to end to make 1 long strip. Press the seams as desired. Cut into 2 strips 2½˝ × 50½˝.

4. Add these strips to the top of the bottom and middle rows. Press the seams toward the sashing strips.

5. Sew the rows together. Press the seams toward the sashing strips.

6. Measure the center panel vertically through the middle. Cut the remaining 2 white 2½˝ × fabric width strips to fit.

7. Sew the trimmed 2½˝ white strips to each side of the center panel. Press the seams toward the strips.

8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to measure and add the 12½˝-wide strips to the bottom and top of the center panel. Press the seams toward the strips.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 62½˝ × 72½˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

riptide

Finished quilt: 69½˝ × 70½˝ Finished triangle: 6˝

This quilt plays with the notion of simple but bold repeating patterns. Each block is repeated across the width of the quilt. Play with color or change up the intensity of block. For example, you could make a smaller number of blocks and arrange them randomly amongst the solid background triangles.

Materials

Dark blue (Kona Nightfall): 1 yard

Dark peach (Kona Creamsicle): 1 yard

Dark turquoise (Kona Caribbean): 1 yard

Light peach (Kona Ice Peach): 1 yard

Peach (Kona Peach): 1 yard

Sea blue (Kona Oasis): 1 yard

Turquoise (Kona Cyan): 1 yard

Dark teal (Kona Celestial): 3½ yards

Backing: 4⅝ yards

Batting: 77½˝ × 78½˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

DARK TEAL

•  Cut 12 strips 6½˝ × fabric width. Using the 6˝ isosceles triangle trimming template, cut 12 triangles from each strip.

•  Cut 1 strip 6½˝ × fabric width. Cut 22 half triangles, using the 6˝ half-isosceles triangle trimming template.

•  Cut 7 strips 2½˝ × fabric width.

piecing

TRIANGLES

Use the 6˝ isosceles triangle block instructions to make 13 each of your 11 favorite blocks. I chose the Base block and Blocks 3, 4, 6–12, and 14.

assembling the quilt top

1. Lay out the blocks, background triangles, and half-isosceles triangles to decide the final composition.

2. Begin assembling the rows by sewing the triangles into pairs. Each pair should be 1 block and 1 background triangle. Press the seams as desired. (There will be a leftover block.)

3. Finish the rows by sewing the pairs together, adding the half-isosceles triangles at the ends. Press the seams as desired.

4. Sew the rows together. Press as desired.

5. Measure the quilt top vertically through the middle.

6. Sew the 2½˝ strips together to make 1 long strip. Press the seams to the side. From this long strip, cut 2 strips to fit.

7. Sew the strips to the left and right sides of the quilt top. Press the seams toward the border.

8. Measure the quilt top horizontally through the middle. Cut the remaining long 2½˝ strip into 2 strips to fit.

9. Sew the strips to the top and bottom of the quilt top. Press the seams toward the border.

Quilt assembly

finishing

1. Make a quilt backing 77½˝ × 78½˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

stardust

Finished quilt: 62½˝ × 72½˝ Finished triangle: 12˝

This quilt shows a modern arrangement of 12˝ finished isosceles triangles with a graphic twist. My quilt shows 23 graphic pieced triangle blocks, but there are a possible 33 triangles to create as isosceles triangle blocks. You might also like to play with the 6 half-triangles at the right border to carry the design off the edge.

For a baby quilt, the blocks can be scaled to 6˝ using the sizing options given in each block.

Materials

Black (Kona Pepper): ½ yard

Dark peach (Kona Creamsicle): ½ yard

Dark teal (Kona Celestial): ½ yard

Dark turquoise (Kona Caribbean): ½ yard

Pale gray (Kona Silver): ½ yard

Light peach (Kona Ice Peach): ½ yard

Medium gray (Kona Graphite): ½ yard

Peach (Kona Peach): ½ yard

Turquoise (Kona Cyan): ½ yard

Dark blue (Kona Nightfall): 2½ yards

Backing: 4⅝ yards

Batting: 70½˝ × 80½˝

Binding: ⅝ yard

Background Cutting

DARK BLUE

•  Cut 6 strips 12½˝ × fabric width. Set aside 3 strips for rows 1, 2, and 3.

Trim 1 strip to 12½˝ × 32˝ for row 4.

Trim 2 strips to 12½˝ × 28˝ for rows 5 and 6.

(Save the trimmed-off pieces to add to rows 1 and 2 when assembling the quilt top.)

piecing

TRIANGLES

1. Use the isosceles triangle block instructions to make up to 33 of your favorite blocks. I made multiples of some blocks and used 9 base triangles.

2. Cut 6 half-isosceles base triangles, using the 12˝ half-isosceles triangle trimming template.

assembling the quilt top

1. Refer to the quilt assembly diagram to lay out your isosceles triangle blocks and Base blocks on a design surface in rows. Decide on your final layout. As you work with the composition, consider color placement and contrast.

2. Lengthen the background fabric strips for rows 1 and 2 by sewing the longer background scrap to the row 1 strip and one of the shorter scraps to the row 2 strip. Press the seams to the side.

3. Referring to the quilt assembly diagram, trim the right-hand end of the background strips using the 12˝ isosceles triangle trimming template, as shown.

For rows 4 and 5, be sure to flip the template to get the angle you need. This is especially important if you are using printed fabric.

4. Begin assembling the rows by sewing the triangles into pairs. Press the seams as desired.

5. Finish the rows by sewing the pairs together. Then add the angled background strips to the left-hand side of the rows. Press the seams as desired.

6. Sew the rows together. Press as desired.

7. Trim the left side of the quilt top even with the top row.

Quilt assembly

finish

1. Make a quilt backing 70½˝ × 80½˝.

2. Baste and quilt as desired.

3. Bind the quilt, using your preferred method. Enjoy!

For all printable patterns or digital content: http://tinyurl.com/11186-patterns-download

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about the author

Having grown up around quiltmaking, Rebecca has always found inspiration in traditional designs and classical piecing techniques. After making her first official quilt for her first official apartment in college, Rebecca began to explore modern and improvisational quiltmaking. The journey led Rebecca to discover her voice as a maker.

Rebecca’s love of color is best exemplified in her first book, Modern Rainbow: 14 Imaginative Quilts That Play with Color, which debuted in 2015. Rebecca believes firmly in the power of color as a driver of creativity. If it’s not colorful, don’t do it.

One of the best things about quiltmaking is that makers each create what they love using their favorite colors, techniques, or patterns. Therefore, Rebecca’s favorite patterns to write are those that allow the maker’s personality to shine through.

Rebecca lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, four children, and two dogs.

You can find more about Rebecca and her quilts by visiting her blog, bryanhousequilts.com.

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Modern Triangle Quilts Download

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