my 9 favorite Triangle Quilts
Triangles are the building blocks of so many special quilts. Getting comfortable with sewing their pretty, perky points is the topic of my Angled course, which is encoring as a community experience starting in September. Once you master the underlying principles, you can sew any triangle, diamond or random pointy shape with aplomb.
Patchwork triangles can be simple or fancy, traditionally pieced or improv pieced, wonky or tidy, scrappy or refined. In every form, I love them! Here are my favorite 9 patchwork triangle quilts.
No. 1 - Geesey Geesey
Certainly a classic triangle patchwork shape, and for good reason - the flying geese block has such great energy. This block has a 1 x 2 ratio and can be sewn in all sorts of clever ways. I prefer a construction method that doesn’t create triangle scraps! You can sew-along with my Geesey quilt pattern. Suitable for your first triangle quilt!
Make it: my Geesey quilt pattern
I’ve sewn a few Geesey Geesey quilts, in addition to this super scrappy number. The pattern is a great way to showcase a single collection, as with my Indie Geese version. You really can’t go wrong with strings of geese. They create natural movement to keep the eye wandering over the quilt.
No. 2 - Cranberry Tart
This quilt may not strike you as a triangle quilt at first, but look again. Those diamonds are actually created from oversized X blocks, each formed from four triangles. Triangles also interrupt the sashing, to extend the showy diamond shapes.
I made Cranberry Tart years ago based on a sketch I created during a design challenge event. The patchwork is pretty dramatic sewn up in these rich, autumnal shades.
I will probably create a pattern someday, and in so doing experiment with a totally different palette. Maybe stormy blues and grays or ocean turquoise and sand?
No. 3 - Teeter Totter
Now here is a triangle quilt that requires no finesse. This easy-peasy project is chain-pieced. There is absolutely no chance of dull points or miss-matched corners. If you like easy, try this one!
Make it: my Teeter Totter quilt pattern
You can even use precut 1 1/2” strips for the sashing if you’re not a fan of cutting! Grab a stack of fat quarters from your stash and you’re good to go.
So far I have sewn three Teeter Totter quilts: Scrappy Ombre, Teeter Totter Two and Lavender Ombre.
No. 4 - LAvender blue
I came across this quilt pattern when participating in Jodi Godfrey’s book tour. The patchwork is meant to be English paper pieced, but I noticed that it could be machine pieced without special seams, and jumped at the chance for speed. I love the way the tiny triangles float in the expansive negative space.
Make it: from the book The Seedling Quilts
More about my Lavender Blue quilt.
No. 5 - Indian Blanket
The simple equilateral triangle is not without its charms. In fact, its perfectly balanced temperament can make a really comforting quilt. When I created this pattern, I combined the easy-going nature of equilateral triangle with a playful mix of scale. It’s really super fun to sew!
Make it: this pattern is included in my Angled course
No surprise then, that I’ve made two. Each time in lovely weather, I do believe. The above quilt has an “ice cream at the beach” sort of palette; whereas, the version below used a consistent gingham background and fostered a woodsy vibe.
More about the beachy Indian Blanket quilt and my Blue Ridge Spring version.
No. 6 - Still Point
I think that Still Point is my fanciest, most complex quilt pattern ever. It relies on y-seams and has so many pieces. When you’re craving a challenging, impressive sew, Still Point will hit the spot. It’s a geometric wonder.
Make it: my Still Point quilt pattern or as part of the Pas de Deux sampler quilt
Notice the subtle use of value. The quilt has four distinct zones, which intersect at the Still Point off-center star.
See more of my Still Point quilt.
No. 7 - After the RaiN
You know how the world shines and sparkles, after the rain? When the sunshine bounces off wet branches, dark sidewalks and washed-clean walls? I like to think this quilt top is akin to that fresh moment. Stormy rain cloud fabrics are swept away to reveal bright, open skies. Such a sharp contrast.
Make it: my After the Rain quilt pattern
This patchwork is sewn via machine foundation paper piecing. It goes together quite quickly. You’ll want to take your time selecting fabrics, as the repetition means that each choice really counts. So far I’ve sewn three versions, and each one felt special: the original Never Easy quilt, AMH After the Rain quilt and Efflorescent After the Rain quilt.
No. 8 - Baby Blanket
Sometimes the simplest ideas is really quite good. This little baby quilt is sewn from even rows of triangles, creating peak after peak of sweetness. Tiny triangles for a tiny scale.
Make it: find details at this blog post
No. 9 - Tipsy
To round out my list of favorites is one last patchwork triangle quilt showcasing improv piecing. In order to improv piece with triangles and still keep points sharp, you really need to understand the principles of angled piecing. Making this quilt was an adventure in stretching my technical limits. I love how it came out!
Make it: master angles via Angled Course + the book The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters.
See more details of Tipsy quilt in this blog post.
Well, I think that gives you some ideas for your next quilt (or two or three)! If you love pointy angles like I do, I may not have mentioned your favorite. Please tell us in the blog comments which triangle block style or pattern you’ve most enjoyed sewing!
