Create a Complex Quilt Design Using only Simple Shapes

Quilts and quilt designs are created by combiningmore complex, you can take some of the square
blocks. By changing the shapes of the pieces within apatches in the blocks and divide them in half from
block (i.e., substituting triangles for squares) and/orcorner to corner (commonly called half-square triangles
changing the placement of the colors of the pieces (i.e.,in the quilting world), and create a star design. Using the
switching light fabric for dark fabric), you can create asame half-square triangles and square patches, by
whole new quilt design while keeping construction ofsimply placing the fabrics in a specific design, your
your quilt the same.Simple is the name of the game forcheckerboard or square turns into a basket, or leaf
many quilters. Using one or two shapes for all of theshape, a bow tie shape, or even a series of
pieces in your quilt makes it easy to sew; and squaresdiamonds.Add complexity to your design by increasing
and triangles offer many advantages in terms ofthe number of colors in your quilt, and your design
simplicity. As a beginning quilter, making the sewingchanges once again. And all of those design changes
simple gives you the opportunity to focus on learningcan be created by using only three basic shapes -
and practicing basic quilt making techniques that yousquares, half-square triangles and quarter-square
will use as you develop your craft.Interesting variationstriangles.Quilts are amazing works of art that have
in quilt blocks are achieved through placement of thesurvived the test of time, and will continue to do so as
fabrics in addition to how each patch is divided. Along as there is fabric and quilting imagination.Happy
simple nine patch quilt block can be used as anQuilting!Penny Halgren is a quilter of more than 24
example of how different a block can look just byyears who seeks to interest new quilters and provide
changing the placement of colors within the ninethem with the resources necessary to create beautiful
patches of one block.Using only two colors of fabric inquilts.Visit and sign up for our free newsletter and
alternating squares creates a design like ae-course "The 7 Most Common Quilting Mistakes and
checkerboard. With the same nine patch of two colorsHow to Prevent Them." Resources on the site also
of fabric, using only square patches in each block, youinclude free downloadable quilt block patterns and
can create a pattern that looks like a big X in your quilt.Quilting Articles to help you learn to quilt.
Thus, the Irish Chain, and variations of it.Getting a little