The half-square triangle, or right angle triangle, may be the workhorse in traditional patchwork design but we shouldn’t overlook other types of triangles.  Equilateral, scalene, acute and obtuse triangles can add drama and excitement to our quilts.  I suspect some of these types of triangles are used less frequently because they are not as easy [...]

After squares, triangles are easily the most used geometric shapes in patchwork quilts.  More specifically, it is the right angle triangle – the half-square triangle – that quilters treasure.  This particular triangle has two sides of equal length, two interior angles of 45°, and a third interior angle of 90° (the right angle).  A right angle [...]

I realized that my study of squares and rectangles in quilts was incomplete because my last article focused solely on traditional patchwork quilt block designs. Here are some additional examples of quilts, this time in a more contemporary or art quilt style.

Let’s look at examples of how the element of shape is used in quilt design. We’ll begin with two similar geometric shapes: the square and the rectangle.

Shape is an element of design that is very familiar to quilters. Patchwork blocks are constructed from a variety of geometric shapes; appliqué patches can take on any form or shape. And of course, quilts themselves come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

In this new series, we will be looking at art and design principles and considering how they apply to quiltmaking.  Many of us have come to quilting without an art or design background – myself included.  But it’s never too late to learn!  Besides, as Pablo Picasso once said, “I am always doing that which [...]