I’m sure many of us have been tempted into designing quilts for the reason of wishing to create something dramatic and beautiful without going overboard. And that’s when two color quilts come in. They are easy to make and you only need two colors making it visually appealing. Because they are easy to construct, you will not spend hours thinking about how to beautifully match the aesthetics-you simply select two shades, and voilà you are already halfway there to make something interesting.
Believe me, when you first look at the finished product, you will feel yourself as a wizard in the world of quilting. Not so least, this is an excellent project for quilting enthusiasts with varying skills and experience!
And I must admit, Half Square Triangles (HSTs) are my weakness, these small pieces form the basis of so many wonderful quilt patterns. From pinwheels to zigzags, the list is endless as to what can be done with HSTs. There is something for everyone, whether you are just starting or an experienced quilter in search of a new project with a little more complexity. Two-color quilt with HSTs is the go-to project. So let us start and make this beautiful quilt.
1. How I Choose The Colors
In my mind, there is no debate about not getting the right fabrics, in other words, the fabrics that you select to work with are the fabrics are reversible, so be sure to get them right because they will make your quilt pop. Aiming for a visual distinction that stands out, so here is what I do.
Opt for High Contrast: Keep it simple, if you are layering, one primary color should suffice. I think white paired with navy blue is a very flashy combination, more colors will do the opposite of enhance. When it comes to colors consider them as fabrics with the same use and ideals, where white and black are best friends, They often conflict, yet they complement each other wonderfully.
Remember Basic Color Principles: Now this is where it gets a bit tricky. The yield and pairing colors blue and orange present stunning results as alternates. If you want to experiment go look for a color wheel, It’s an ideal instrument used to obtain specific colors that would make your quilt.
Experiment with your materials: This is the most entertaining of the entire process because it is fabric speed dating. You want to grab the cut pieces of fabric swatches and place them side by side, then experiment with how they interact. And remember this rule correctly: look at it zoomed out, it’s crazy what things combine for viewing purposes.
Here’s a quick tip: Always pre-wash your textiles to prevent possible shrinking and color bleeding when dyeing.
2. My Journey with Half-Square Triangles for a Two-Color Quilt
If you think this segment is relatively easy, you are quite wrong, and I want to apologize for making you believe that there would be no mathematics involved. Since this isn’t rocket science, it’s safe to assume that as long as you understand what the formula means, then calculations should be straightforward. Piecing together a Half Square Triangles looks like this:
“Finished HST size + 7/8″ = HST square cut size”
So, if for example, your finished HST size is 4 inches then all you need to do is to cut fabric squares at 4 7/8 inches. If however, coining this phrase appears to be difficult, all we have to do is add the seam allowance needed at the edges which is 7/8. Just hold onto one trait about this formula- your perspective is about to change.
Next, when you have an HST, it is necessary to find out what amount of fabric you will need. The sequence is as follows:
- Determine the size of a single HST.
- Use the formula to find out the square cut size for your fabric.
- Count the number of blocks needed for the quilt design you wish to have.
- Estimate how much fabric material to have by multiplying the number of blocks with the square cut size.
Extra tip: Cut out a few more squares too. This is just in case you mess up the math (and trust me I have messed up).
3. Advanced Tips I Use for Cutting Fabrics
HSTs (Half-Square Triangles) won’t produce accurate results as long as the pieces haven’t been cut to the proper size. From my experience, cutting turns out to be one of the more important stages of the process. These are the things I never run out of:
Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter must be sharp. This will make sewing a struggle, as a sharp rotary cutter must be dull otherwise, I will be struggling with getting a seamless rotary cut.
Cutting Mat: These mats serve as a roof for my other tools as I have less energy for excessive tasks like patching holes in a quilt; hence, I always have these on.
Ruler: A clear acrylic quilting ruler is a common prerequisite. Without it cutting perfect squares is out of the question.
Scissors: For threading and trimming details, sewing scissors are convenient.
Pins or Clips: Lastly, I always make sure that all the fabric layers are glued with either pins or clips to avoid any chances of unwanted movement during cutting.
Here I will show you my procedure for cutting my squares:
Press the Fabric: Once you have all the material, the first and most important step is to ensure your fabric has no wrinkles, as they can have an adverse effect on cuts.
Square Your Fabric: Once your fabrics are aligned properly you can proceed to sewing, and what this does is facilitate straight lines which help eliminate the chances of cutting across and waste.
Measure and Mark: I use my ruler to determine the size of the HSTs and make light pencil markings on the fabric to ensure everything is neat.
Cut The Squares: Once everything is resolved, I use my ruler to cut the squares. I cut them until none are remaining.
4. My Approach to Sewing and Assembly Methods
I have quite a few methods I use when sewing my HSTs together. All robots have their pros, however, the quickest way when I want a bunch of HSTs is through the Magic 8 method. This is more speed-oriented, and out of two squares makes eight HSTs:
- Put two squares right sides together.
- Use a pencil to draw diagonal lines on the two seams.
- Take a quarter inch seam on both sides of the diagonal.
- Cut along the lines, and eight HSTs from two squares are ready to be used!
Still, for a smaller batch, I use the classic. It’s quite easy: draw a diagonal line on the back of your square, sew the lines, and then cut it again to press the seams open. It’s ideal for smaller items and makes the quilt feel traditional.
5. My Take on Design Possibilities and Layout
With Half Square Triangles, the design possibilities are endless. Here are some patterns that stand out for me:
Chevrons and Zigzags: For me, these patterns are visually stunning and the kind of patterns that give life to a quilt. Chevrons and zig-zag patterns tend to be very simple which means a quilter of any skill level can relish in using them. I consider these patterns to be chic in design.
Pinwheels: Getting my hands on pinwheel kits is something I relish since this pattern, in my opinion, is cross-vintage and lighthearted, thus supplementing any quilt with an element of joy.
Diamonds: These stand out as my ideal pattern while sewing because they possess an intricate look and personality that adds grace to any design.
Hourglass: Conversely, for a more minimalist and cutting-edge aesthetic, hourglass patterns work wonders. They are an evergreen option that can be used in any quilt.
I use HSTs strategically and in a variety of colors and sizes to create contrast but make sure that the colors are evenly distributed. All of it boils down to that gorgeous blend of visual balance. And consider HSTs as a way to add more dynamism to it.
6. How I Do the Final Adjustment
After finishing the quilt top, borders and binding can be added. For me, these quilts are quite simple, and I usually use a solid border to frame it up and focus on the design—no reason to get too fancy with it. For the binding, I would sometimes prefer a different shade – but uniformly colored works well too.
For added visual interest, consider incorporating flying geese units into your quilt design. These units can create dramatic star blocks and other patterns, adding versatility and a striking visual impact.
After borders and binding, quilting is done. Basic diagonal or straight quilting goes well with the geometric designs of HSTs but I sometimes prefer echo quilting or swirl patterns because they can soften the result.
Final step? Pressing. To achieve a professional look, always remember to give the quilt a last press.
And there it is! A well-crafted two-color quilt with Half Square Triangles that is bound to wow anyone who sees it. If I am able to do this, so will you. I wish you all luck, with perfectly straight seams and a never-ending fabric stash!
7. Bringing My Quilt to Life
I always finish my quilt by adding a binding, inserting the backing, and quilting it which makes my work beautiful. I believe that the process of stitching the borders is similar to picture framing as it allows me to choose the binding that best complements the overall quilt.
Sometimes a work can feel too plain, and that’s when I add different embellishments like appliqué or buttons to spice things up. I also like to closely assess the occasion, and if there is a reason I might embroider a date on the backing or stitch a little quote hidden underneath the quilt.
Once done, I can proudly display it in my home or simply gift it to someone close. It’s those tiny additions that never fail to impress me in making a quilt feel bespoke and personal. These aspects of the quilt, whether gluing down the simple binding or completing it with many layers have always fulfilled my imagination.
Reasons Why Making Two-Color Quilts is My Favorite Hobby
A two-color quilt encompasses something unique in its simplicity and elegance. They don’t need multiple colors to pop out because the two shades used in the designs work so well together. There are numerous patterns and techniques, and I use them to create the quilts which allows me creative freedom to express my style that feels classic at the same time.
No matter whether you have been doing quilting for years or it’s your first time knitting, two-color quilts are a good addition to your interior as they will require a bit of creativity from you. The first quilt I crafted was mind-blowingly audacious and stunning. I have never felt that kind of pride while gazing at a finished work.
So for the ones looking for your next quilting project, why not try and finish a fun two-color project? I promise you, not only the end result is satisfying but the journey is fun as well. Happy quilting!
