On Monday I introduced a new series that we are starting at Simple Simon and Company. Each month, we are going to focus on a basic and simple quilt block that can be used in a variety of quilts. The goal for the 2015 year is to learn 12 new quilt blocks that we can use in many different quilts.
And because we want to make this quilt block challenge do-able for everyone—we are leaving it up to you to decide what you are going to do for your own quilting goal. For example you could make one sampler quilt with all 12 blocks, or if you are adventurous and have lots of time to quilt this year, you can make 12 different quilts with 12 different blocks. The decisions are all up to you! You can decide the sizes of your blocks, the fabrics and of course your own timeline to sew all 12 blocks. But we really would love for you to join us. LiZ and I will be taking turns sewing a quilt each month with the quilt block of the month and show you our work at the end of the month!
This month for our Quilt Block of the Month we are going to be learning all things half-square triangle! It is one of the most basic and versatile quilt blocks and is super popular in quilts because of its endless possibilities. It is one of the first blocks that we both learned in quilting and is still one that we use all the time. It is a great little block ;).
I did a video to show you how to make this basic block that you can use as a reference if you have never made one. Click below to watch how to make a half square triangle block video tutorial….
So hopefully you will join us this year….to either sharpen your quilting skills or make a new friend who is just beginning to quilt. And if you are super experienced maybe you can make up your own half-square triangle pattern that we can add to our pinterest board! I would love for you to leave a comment if you do.
Also, throughout the year we hope to have prizes along the way (that will be chosen randomly throughout the year) so if you do make a half-square triangle block or quilt this year, use the hashtag #simplesimonquiltalong and we will put it in the pool for some great fabric bundles and sewing supplies throughout the year.
Now, whose ready to get this Quilt Block party started?????? MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I am working on a fun half-square triangle design and I can’t wait to show you;)
~Elizabeth
Ok, I’ve never ever sewn a single quilt, but this video just really got me itching to try it out. Hmm, I guess I will have to have a look at my fabric stash later 🙂 Thanks for the intro!
Okay, wait — I have a question: Can you give me any tips on picking fabric? I don’t really have anything sizable in my stash in quilting cotton, so I need to buy something, but I don’t want to break the bank since I’m a first-timer (and it might not go well). Any suggestions? How do I know how much to get? Start with solids maybe? Should I worry about how much the colors contrast or should they all kind of be in the same color family? Should I just get a pre-cut bundle? Okay, that was several questions… but you get the picture, right?
This looks so fun! Also, I love your iron; could you give me any information about brand or where I could find one of my own?
I am loving the idea of making another quilt someday. I KNOW I will do so for my grand kids–and that will be awhile. I made one in my early 20’s and swore never again. However, I am seeing all these great quilts, and love the idea of something handmade and passing down, so I will do again one day. 🙂 I love some of the ones you have featured. It makes me want to make one! I will be saving this video–thanks!
I will warn you that it is quite addicting and fun!!!
Laura,
Pre-cuts or fat quarter bundles are a good way to start. Or what I do is go to the store and pick up 8-10 fat quarters that I like (I like to choose 5-6 colors) and then supplement with white or cream. (It should cost you around $20 -$25 or so with that many fat quarters)
A good rule of thumb for fabrics that I like to use is to pair light and dark fabrics together to give good contrast to your half-square triangle. You can see that a lot of the quilts in the pinterest board use that rule of thumb as well!
8-10 fat quarters should give you two smaller quilts or about one good sized lap quilt…..
I hope that answers your questions!
Elizabeth
The iron is an Oliso brand (http://www.oliso.com/) and one of my favorite sewing gifts I have ever received. I love that it is auto-shut off as well! (I am known for leaving things on.)
Thanks Kristin!
I was so excited when you announced this series– Now I am even MORE excited because I am just pulling fabric for a pinwheel quilt for my little girl! So a big thank you for featuring half square triangles first!! While I plan to use the method you demonstrated for many of the HSTs, I have several fabrics that need to be fussy cut to showcase the print- I would welcome any tips or tricks you might have to accomplish this!
Sarah,
I have a clear 5 inch and 8 inch square quilting rulers that I love for fussy cutting. I can see the part that is going in the HST side of the block….
This is going to be such a fun series. I am excited to see what people come up with. Here’s a link to an HST quilt (free pattern! Shoot!) I pinned awhile ago: http://generationqmagazine.com/mod-chevron-baby-quilt/
* Aww man! That auto-correct!!! Grrr! I meant WHOOT not SHOOT.
This sounds like a lot of fun! I have a question though. If we plan to make a sampler quilt, will all 12 blocks be able to be made in ANY size? Or is there a specific size we should make them? Thanks!
So excited a friend passed thus sling to me. How do I sign up?
Thank you for the Video,It was too easy ,i have made a quilt like this before ,It sure is addicting I was up till 3 am ,worth the lack of sleep. So share this on instgram
This could just be inexperience talking, but it’s a great mystery to me how quilters can get all of their seams matching perfectly. It seems like no matter how careful I am or how closely I watch my seams and measurements, they always seem to get off! Any advice?