Patchwork Essentials: The Half-Square Triangle: Foolproof Patterns and Simple Techniques from Basic Blocks

by Jeni Baker

Overview

The half-square triangle (or HST for short) is a quilter's most versatile piecing shape, holding seemingly endless design combinations. First Jeni will show readers how to create any sized HST using a handy chart of cut sizes–you'll be using this again and again. Next, learn how to create HSTs three ways before diving into the four workbook sections. Each section features three bold projects incorporating color theory, effective fabric selection, playing with scale and piecing HSTs into larger units to be sub-cut. Use the final three patterns to mix and match your favorite blocks from the gallery of 60 HST block variations. Ready to get started? Grab your colored pencils and inspiration fabrics, because Jeni includes a full coloring page for all 12 patterns. For true beginners through to experienced intermediates, this powerhouse book has something for everyone–it's easy, fun and inspiring HST patchwork for all tastes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781940655161
Publisher:	ABRAMS
Publication date:	10/13/2015
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	654,586
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Jeni Baker is a fabric designer for Art Gallery fabrics as well as a well-know pattern designer. She lectures nationally on the art of quilt making with a focus on exploring effective color choices, one of the most challenging areas for quilters. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and her bunny, George.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Techniques
Traditional Construction Method-4-at-a-time Construction Method; 8-at-a-time Construction Method
Trimming

Chapter 1: Color
The effects of color and fabric choices-Color basics
Fabric placement quilt pattern
Warm/cool value quilt pattern
Black/white + color quilt pattern

Chapter 2: Size Matters
The effects of scale
Super sized quilt pattern
Two different sized HSTs quilt pattern
Three different sized HSTs quilt pattern

Chapter 3: Patchwork Play
Incorporating other elements into a HST-String HST quilt
Patchwork HST quilt
Scrappy HST quilt

Chapter 4:Half-Square Triangles Only-Index of 60 different HST blocks
Single block quilt pattern
Quarter block quilt pattern
32 block sampler quilt pattern

Chapter 5: Tools & Quilting Basics-Tools specific to HSTs
General quilting tools
Basic quilting techniques

Resources & Acknowledgements

Editorial Reviews

12/01/2015
Quilting blogger and fabric designer Baker explores the versatility of half-square triangles (HSTs), a common component used in numerous quilt blocks, in this collection of patterns and techniques. There are several ways to piece a HST, each with its own advantages, and Baker presents the techniques in detail, along with a handy chart listing the square size needed for a variety of common sizes of finished HSTs. The patterns demonstrate the possibilities of this simple shape, and Baker uses color, scale, and setting to show how similar blocks appear different by changing one basic element. Baker is a veteran pattern writer, and the directions for each quilt are clear and well written, with tips for working with HSTs (and the occasional quarter-square triangle) provided throughout. A gallery of 60 HST-based blocks, all on a four-by-four grid, further demonstrates how many combinations are possible from this basic shape, and quilters can create the size of block that suits their needs using Baker's cutting charts. VERDICT Baker combines the precision piecing of traditional quilting with bright, modern fabrics, and the result is a book that will appeal to quilters with a variety of tastes.

Library Journal