Create No-Hassle 1/2-Square Triangles
Half-square triangles are the foundation for many quilt designs. Today, I’ll show you how to make super-easy 1/2-square triangle blocks the no-hassle way in my newest Sewing With Nancy series, No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks.
During the first episode on Sewing With Nancy, learn to create six different blocks, all made with 1/2-square triangles. During the second episode—next week’s feature—learn about 1/4-square triangles. Here’s a sneak peek into this week’s Sewing With Nancy episode!
The Box Quilt (1898)
One of the more streamline quilt blocks to create from 1/2-square triangles is the Box Quilt. First illustrated in print in 1898, it’s created with eight 1/2-square triangle blocks and a square. The design has great movement, reminding me of a pinwheel.
Shadow Play
Instead of making all the 1/2-square triangles from the same fabrics, stitch together three different color combos. I call this block, Shadow Play, where the fabric choices create the impact.
Godey Design
Godey’s Lady’s Book was a monthly magazine published in Philadelphia between 1830 and 1876. Before the Civil War, it was the most widely circulated magazine in the United States. Sarah Josepha Hall was the editor of the magazine from 1837 to 1877; she also wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” One of the designs featured in the magazine in 1858 was simply called, Godey Design.
Square in a Square
When researching quilt block names, I found literally dozens of quilt blocks named a Square in a Square. With seemingly limitless geometric options with squares, no wonder it’s a common name. Regardless, it’s an attractive block all designed with 1/2-square triangles.
May Basket
May Basket is another frequently used name for a quilt block. I also found this block named, Cactus Flower. Your fabric choice will dictate the name. This version combines two sizes of finished triangles: 3-1/2″ and 6-1/2″, giving the block a center focal point.
Nancy’s Spool
This block may or may not be an original arrangement of 1/2-square triangles. My guess is that it has been created before, but since I couldn’t find it in print, I boldly named it Nancy’s Spool.
How to Make 1/2-Square Triangles
During the TV episode, I share how to easily make the above blocks as well as basic 2-1/2″, 3-1/2″, 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″ and 6-1/2″ half-square triangles. (Next week, learn 1/4-square triangle tips!) There’s no hassle and no need to cut a single triangle! The measurements are printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge\ that I designed for Clover.
- Reference the left side of the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge to select a half-square block size.
- Cut crosswise strips of two fabrics—the size is printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge. Cut strips into squares.
- Lay the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge onto squares to double-check the block size. If the block set is larger or smaller than the confines of the gauge, re-cut the blocks.
- Mark a center diagonal line through No-Hassle Triangles Gauge die cut openings.
- Stitch a scant 1/4″ from each side of the center marking.
- Cut along the center diagonal line.
- Presto, there are now two accurate 1/2-square triangles!
Watch No-Hassle Triangles (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Make This Sampler Quilt at Home
The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt book shows exactly how to make the 12-block sampler quilt. Hint: the remaining six blocks will be featured next week. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge.
Bye for now,
Linda King
Hi Nancy,
I love all the blocks, but my favorite is the Godey Block. I love stars, never had done one, you make it so easy to do. I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for giving me a chance to win,
Kathy Tripp
Pretty blocks–my favorite is the square in a square–love all of the color play and design going on. Nice tool with all of the reference info right on it!
Jean Cillins
Hi Nancy
i love all the blocks but my favorite is the box quilt. Can’t wait to try it.
Anne Z.
I love the Godey design. Stars are my favorite and what a simple way to create them!!!
Lynda A.
I love the Nancy’s Spool Block. Since I love all things sewing, I would love to make a wall hanging using this pattern for my sewing room! Thanks Nancy, for developing this block!!
Barb radek
love the May basket. Perfect for a spring themed block exchange.
Linda Trimble
Time for my first granddaughter’s senior year quilt. We think alike, we both love the Godey block. Now to agree on colors!
Darci Gawthrop
My favorite square is the box quilt square, followed closely by Godey Design. I must be an old soul because I love all the old traditional blocks, but I do love them all!
Linda Kernodle
Nancy, you always make things easier. Thanks for the help on half-square triangles. My favorite is the Box Quilt.
Lois Williams
I like the idea if combining the blocks in a project, but I think my favorite is the basket.
Ellie P
Stars and more stars are found in my quilts. So the Godey design is my favorite.
Tina
The godey block is my favorite. I hope to win so I can try making it.
Gwenn J.
The Box Quilt design brings back wonderful childhood memories of summertime and pinwheels.
Delilah Treft
I have always loved the the blocks that portray stars.
So in this case it is the Godey Design. It reminds me of the Hunters Star which I also love.
AS
Square in a Square
Brenda
Nancy’s Spool, of course! thanks for the chance to win.
Robyn
I love all the techniques, as well as the blocks! Th color choices are amazing! Keeping my fingers crossed!
Sharon Mathewson
Thank you Nancy for this great opportunity. I love the “square. In a square” block. I love the play of color and pattern within the block. Please help my Bucket List Fullfillment Program by awarding me this great gift. I have always wanted to make a quilt.
Christine
Nancy’s Spools is my favorite block. And the No Hassle Triangles Gauge looks like it would make sewing half square triangles so much easier!!
Joyce Gooden
It really is hard to choose. The shadow play or the May basket. I like the whole quilt. Now that I see how to do it. It is a breeze. I am new to doing quilts, so this is great. 🙂
Eleanor Strecker
I would love to try the May Basket. You make it look so easy. Now maybe I won’t be afraid to try it. Thanks
Janice
The Godey Design, I love the block overall.
Linda
My favorite is shadow play.
Verena
The Godey block is my favorite! I am currently making a Christmas quilt with this block and your No Hassles triangle tool would be a big help!!
Mathilda Meffert
The Nancy’s Spool block will be great for a large center block for a quilt for the bed in my sewing room. My granddaughters sleep in the room when they come to visit. The block looks like a spool with two butterflies in the block.
Marilyn
I really like Shadow Play the best.
Patricia in Iowa
It’s a tie between Godey’s Design and Nancy’s Spool.
donnalee smith
Hi Nancy. I like the Godey design and the box quilt. It is hard to choose between the two. I guess it would depend on who one was giving the quilt to. Thanks for all you do.
Ilana
I like the Godey Design.
Sandi Campie
I love using half square triangles and would love to use the new Clover tool to make them even easier. My favorite block is Square with in a Square because it has the effect of drawing you to the center and back out again as if the squares were increasing or decreasing in size. Life is good when quilting!
Diane Q
What an easy way to mark the cutting and sewing lines for half-square triangles–the usual methods just don’t seem to work well for me.
Jean
The Godey design is my favorite, but love the way you can make so many designs just by shuffling the fabric patterns.
Margaret Lawrence
I love Nancy’s Spool! What an intriguing tool – thanks for the chance to win one!
Cheryl M
I love the Godey block. I will be using that in a quilt for my niece. She is all about purple, so that is what color it will be.
Debe
I really like the May Basket & the Godey Star. Nancy’s spool would be a great small quilt to decorate a sewing room or machine cover.
Debbie
I love the square in a square.
Sandra
I like them all!
Elizabeth Mancini
I like the Godey design.It is an easy way to make stars for any season. I am looking forward to making one with Crhistmas fabric for the up coming season
Mary Jo Peterson
I can’t wait to try this tool. I have a friend who makes a quilt top every one to two weeks for her church. This would be a great help to her, also.
Diana
I like the shadow box
Denise gebing
Oh my gosh! I love all of the blocks but my faovorite is the May Basket. I have always struggled with making 1/2 squared triangles and Am anxious to try this new tool!!!
Lisa-Karen Meetze
Love them all. Looking forward to trying the new tool!
peggy hendrickh
I love the shadow play…such great possibilities!
Linda P.
My favorite square is Godey Design. I just love the way it looks. The others are very nice too.
Dawn
It is very hard to decide, but I think I like Nancy’s Spool the best.
Linda Pearce
My favorite square is Godey Design
Kristi D.
My favorite is square in a square. Always loved these kind of blocks.
Susan Novak
My favorite is the Godey Design. It is neat and clean and not too “Wild” for my taste. 🙂
Pauline Sawatsky
I like your way of making the square in a square block.
Nadine W
I think Square in a Square is my favorite, followed closely by the Box Quilt, and the Godey Block. The triangle gauge may be just the tool I need to succeed with 1/2 square triangles. Thanks for the chance to win.
Louise Wagner
What an ingenious tool~ that is something that I would certainly use a lot! Love your sewing talents!! Thanks for the opportunity to win this tool.
Karen P
Nancy’s spool! It will be the pattern for my sewing room quilt. I’ve been looking for the perfect block. It will be my first quilt and oct. 23 is my birthday!!
Mary S
There are two that caught my eye. Godey Design and Square in a Square. Thank you for sharing.
Carole Diehl
I think the shadow play block is my favorite. I would love to try using your new tool to make the blocks in two shades of blue. I imagine that you would get interesting secondary patterns depending on your arrangement of the darks and lights.
Linda Lampson
Love the Godey design; so much life and movement. The ruler is ingenious. Wow!
Polly
I love them all, but I especially like the movement that can be produced with the Box Quilt block.
leora b
I love the square in square.. your technique makes it look so easy.
Barbara Greene
I like the square in a square. I think I really need this tool to make sure my blocks are all the same.
Marji L
Really like the May Basket! The no hassle triangles gauge looks great!
Pamela
My favorite block is the Godey Design. I love quilts made with star blocks.
Pamela
I favorite is the Godey Design. I like to make stars and my favorite quilt blocks are star blocks.
Trish Frankland
I have a block exchange coming up, and I’m thinking Shadow Play is going to be my option!
Lee D
My favorite is the Godey Star because it reminds me of my Grandmother who had several Godey’s Lady’s Books at her house. As a child, I used to love reading them and admiring all the fancy designs and clothing illustrations.
Bobi Anderson
I love the effect a half square triangle makes in a quilt, but mine don’t always turn out right. This looks like a much better way to accomplish half square blocks. I really want to give this a try!!!!!
Carol Hydeman
Since I’ve been wanting to make a spool quilt, I am charmed by Nancy’s Spool. Thank you for the opportunity..
Anne
I love the basket block. It makes me think of SPRING!
Sue Houtsma
The square within a square is my favorite. I haven’t made my first quilt and I enjoy learning all I can from these emails
Libby
My favorite if Godey Block because I find myself always looking for Star Blocks and I love this history behind this block. Thanks for sharing !
Becki Kelso
I love the Godey block. I’m a huge fan of the old fashioned patchwork blocks.
Sharon
I love them all but if I has to choose just one I would pick the square in a square.
karen copstead
Nancy’s Spool, is going to be a versatile block to rotate in the layout. It will give lots of quilting area to play with! Half square gauge looks great. Love the interesting history of Godey’s publication.
Lydia
I like all six but if I had to choose a favorite I would pick the Box Quilt, thank you Nancy
Candace W
It is hard to decide! I have not tackled a project like these but am inspired to go for it!
Betty Harden
I love Nancy’s Spool. All are lovely, and I will try all of them. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Really like what this tool does. Would love to have the tool.
Robin
I’ve always loved the square in a square design! Can’t wait for the PBS app to be available for Androids; then I can take Nancy with me everywhere!
Amelia M. McNairy
I like Nancy’s Spool the best because I love the spool motif.
Karol
Hard to decide on a favorite but if I have too (LOL) it would be the square in a square.
Lani
I love Nancy’s Spool as it reminds me of my dear mother who was an avid seamstress. It made me smile…good memories. Thanks!
Barbara
I like the Godey Design best – star blocks are always one of my favorites!
Christina Gonzalez
I would love to make the Godey Design. The fabric choices are awesome.
Kris
Choosing one block was tough because I like three if them the same, so I think I’ll pick the Godey Design block as my favorite.
Diane S.
I think I like Shadow Play the best. I haven’t learned to do triangles yet. I’m concerned about stretching the bias edge.
Jeri
The Godey is my favorite. As a beginner quilter, this block would make me look like I was experienced. All the blocks look great, can’t wait to try them all.
TinaJ
My favorite is the May basket, but I’d love to make the Nancy’s Spool quilt, too.
Barbara Howe
What a great shortcut to make something “simple” that looks complicated. I can’t wait to try the square within a square. Thanks Nancy
Dell
My favorite is Nancy’s Spool
Jan
I have two favorite blocks … the Box Quilt and the Square in a Square. It’s amazing how many different designs can be created with half-square triangles.
Joanne P.
I like Nancy’s Spool. There are several others I like too, but thought the spool layout was very interesting. Something different.
KayZee
It is difficult to pick a favorite, but I’ll say The Box Quilt. That tool really looks as though it would come in handy in my quilting.
Jeanniebella
My favorite is the Box Quilt block. The simple, graphic nature of this block gives it an uncomplicated boldness that I like.
Patty Lehmenkuler
Hi Nancy,
I love all of them! Since I have to make a choice I would have to pick the Godey design.
Margaret Zupfer
I like the Godey Block for the possible pattern changes.
Clara Chandler
The very versatile Square in a Square is my favorite and I like the one picture with a variety of fabrics in the triangles. I’ll have to try the gauge. Thanks, Nancy.
Jeanne Schimmel
I have been following your programs and information since the middle 90’s. I am still using some of your patterns, so I would really get to learn more about making half block patterns if I were a winner.
Lori Chvojka
My favorite is Nancy’s Spool. I just think it is the perfect square for sewing enthusiasts. I want to make a whole quilt out of this block.
Lucy Greenwald
My favorite is the Godey Block. I love anything with stars. Your new tool looks great. Would love to have it.
Becky Payne
Stars are my favorite. I choose the Godey design. I love the tools you create, Nancy!!
Paula
My favorite would be the Godey Design.
vonda wise
i love all the blocks,the godey is my favorite,would love to make it.I love all your books and designs.try to watch a lot of the programs.thanks vonda
Beverly
Hi Nancy and team,
You had me at SPOOLS and then it was a NEW and IMPROVED version that I liked the best! Half squares of any size are difficult to piece…thank you for again, designing a better way!
Judy G
I’m torn between “The Box Quilt” and “Godey Design”. Do I really have to choose? I think I will have to order this book so I can make both!
Robin Harsh
I really love the fabrics you use in this quilt. The colors are wonderful! I always gravitate to star blocks so my favorite of these is the Godey Design. I’m looking forward to this series, I’m a very,very beginner quilter despite sewing for the last 45 years. This is going to be fun!
Chris MG
I love the Godey design, for the historical implications, as well as for its beauty. The tidbit on the Hall being the author of Mary Had A Little Lamb was just a great bonus!
Jeanice
Nancy, your sewing and quilting shows have been a special gift once I moved to WV hills in 1992. You inspired me to begin sewing & quilting again. Your shows can get the younger generation into enjoying fabric creations. I like the Godey and the square in a square. Thank You. JR
kathy
I love Nancy’s spool. Something to make soon!
Florence
The Godey Design is my favorite block, although I like them all. Love the colors and print of the fabrics used in your gorgeous sampler quilt!
Marty
My son loves to star-gaze, so Godey Block will make a great quilt for him!
Marty
Do you have tips to quickly make half-squares much larger than the 7″ capacity of your Clover tool? Thanks!
Sherry Laferriere
I love the May Basket block, because I love any block that has baskets in it. I have two kits using baskets for all the blocks, they are waiting for me to get started on them. Using your new tool would make my job a lot easier. I like your color combination for your sampler.
Kathy Luehrs
love Godey block
Starla
My favorite is the box quilt — I love that pinwheel! What about making a quilt of box quilt squares, each with a different “busy” fabric for its center/
Karen
I love pinwheel blocks so naturally The Box Quilt block is my favorite.
Martha
The Godey Design block is my favorite, although every one is lovely. Love the colors you chose.
sadie bartosik
Just like many others have responded – it is difficult to choose!!
But because Nancy’s Spool is one that’s “new”, guess that’ll be
my choice this time around.
Judy
The Godey Block is my favorite! I can’t wait to try this ruler out the accuracy fascinates me!!
G. Stenbuck
I like the Box Quilt. It reminds me of a pinwheel or even a wagon wheel. I would like to make the Sampler Quilt. Its a great idea to practice ALL of the half-square triangle blocks! I might even come up with some different designs.
Berenice
I have always liked stars, so the Godey design would be my favorite!
Norrice
I just finished a Quilt for my granddaughter, Taylor, and it is the Godey star. She is the star of my life and an angel from heaven!!!
Laurel
Godey. I have not heard of it before and delighted to find a new star pattern which has so many possibilities.
Janet
Stars are my favorite so I like the Godey block.
Donna Anderson
My favorite block is May Basket
Terri Burton
I like the Godeys block quite a bit as well as the May Basket. All the blocks are wonderful and I’d like to make a smaller version of the quilt displayed and think the gauge and the pressing tips demonstrated will help get the best results. Thanks for putting this show together as an inspiration for me to use a group of fabrics I have on hand!
Pat
My favorite block is the Godey Block. I am a new quilter and have learned the hard way the importance of accurate cutting and sewing. Anything that makes this accuracy easier is welcome. The No Hassle Triangle Gauge looks like a valuable tool to help me.
Sue Proffitt
The GODEY DESIGN is the most interesting design for me.
Maria Kincaid
l really like the Godey Block. I am a beginner and can’t wait to try this. Thank you so much. Enjoy your show and have learned so much from you.
Martha
Nancy spool is my favorite. But all of them in a quilt is beautiful.
donna
I like Nancy’s spool. The two small triangles are in interesting twist.
Lou
Square in a square… but they are all pretty cool!
SueZanne
I like the Godey Design. I’ve made a lot of quilts, but never a star design, to many small pieces. With the 1/2-square triangles I will definitely give it a try.
Peggy
A tie: The Godie Design and the Shadow Square.
Libby Mahaffey-Haytas
Godey Design and Nancy’s Spool. Look’s like this may go very easily with your “No-Hassle Triangle Gage”. I can hardly wait to try. I love a “Sampler Quilt” and it looks like you are making it so easy.
Jennifer Fried
Dear Nancy, My favorite is Godey Design. I love your contest. The projects you bring forth are always neat! I have been enjoying your web site so much since I was able to get signed in. I have watched and taped so many of your shows and even recieved a book from one of your ” Nancy’s Cornner” guest. My best to you and all the crew. Jennifer Happy sewing.
Barbara Duval
I really love the Godey Design, I am a fan of star blocks and this one is new to me.
Theresa Brooks
My favorite is the May Basket, but I would love to make a sampler quilt with all of them!
Allen
My favorite this week is the shadow block but there is one in the whole quilt at the top (third down on the right) that I love.
Karen Bryant
I love the square in a square.. It is so versatile using different fabrics. Thanks for all your tips and education, Nancy.
Linda Okrina
I really like the May Basket block. I can envision it made with a spring flower fabric as well as a poinsettia fabric for the holiday season. Very versatile. Great job on the new gadget as well Nancy. Thank you for all you do for the sewing and quilting world. Love you.
Cindy Charlton
I like the Square in a Square. I like the way the fabrics play with each other.
Jean Hardy
love your show and books. I like star quilts.
Marcia
My favorite is the Godey Block. It’s interesting and gives a large pin wheel look.
Judy Forkner
I like all the blocks, but the May Basket is my favorite.
Norrice
I use the Ohio Star most of the time, now I will start using the Godey design now that it is so easy to do. Thanks again
Darla Kimmes
I like Godey Block because it has a clean bold feel that is not too fussy and cluttered looking. The design works well with the fabrics you have selected.
Kay Bennett
Hi Nancy, My favorite is – and always has been – Shadow Play. It reminds me of the Amish quilts I saw and loved a a very little girl. I have made this block many times in many, many different fabrics and never tire of it.
Wilma Hughes
I like The Box quilt. It reminds me of my mom. She made so many nine patch quilts. Thank you for always sharing your talents with us.
Dorothy S.
The Box Quilt is my favorite. I like the twirly look.
Natalie
Hmmm . . . Shadow Play & Nancy’s Spool & Godey’s Design are in a 3-way tie!
Renee
The Godey design is my favorite. I like to arrange HSTs until the design is just right!
Diane
I like the Box Quilt. Thanks!
Karen Pfundtner
I like the Godey the best! I am going to make this quilt for a Christmas present for my daughter. I already have the fabric and I will start the first six blocks this week! I am going to make sure to watch next week for the other six blocks….
Marcia Gaffney
My favorite is Nancy’s Spool. Looks like it would make an awesome sewing room addition.
Paula Zube
Nancy,
My favorite is the square on square. Will have to try this new tool.
Thanks for a chance to win.
Connie Hopper
The square n a square is my favorite.I received a sale catalog from nancys notions n September with santa signing a label on the back of a quilt made with this pattern so I purchased ur ruler and patern book to make this quilt.I*m in the process of making this square n a square quilt in the same colors I though it would be a lovely quilt for the season. Thanks Connie Hopper
Verla Groseclose
I like the godey one really well. I like Sewing with Nancy so much.
Virginia P
I love all the blocks, but I think the Godey Block is the best. I feel more creative with it and love how it looks. It make a beautiful table runner for fall. May make on for Christmas also.