Patchwork Essentials: The Half-square Triangle; Foolproof Patterns and Simple Techniques from Basic Blocks

For true beginners to experienced intermediates, fashion designer Jeni Baker’s powerhouse book Patchwork Essentials: The Half-Square Triangle has something for everyone—it’s easy, fun, and inspiring patchwork for all tastes.

The half-square triangle (or HST for short) is a quilter’s most versatile piecing shape, holding seemingly endless design combinations. First, Jeni Baker will show readers how to create any size HST using a handy chart of cut sizes—you’ll be using this again and again. Next, learn how to create HSTs three ways before diving into the four workbook sections. Each section features three bold projects incorporating color theory, effective fabric selection, playing with scale, and piecing HSTs into larger units to be sub-cut. Use the final three patterns to mix and match your favorite blocks from the gallery of 60 HST block variations.

Ready to get started? Grab your colored pencils and inspiration fabrics, because Baker includes a full coloring page for all 12 patterns.

Includes photographs and illustrations

Jeni Baker is a fabric designer for Art Gallery Fabrics as well as a well-known pattern designer. She lectures nationally on the art of quilt making with a focus on exploring effective color choices, one of the most challenging areas for quilters. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and her bunny, George.