Radial designs have an inherent geometric beauty, much like the beauty of the Hawaiian islands, formed by lava flowing sinuously from a central volcano. Much of the appeal and tradition of Hawaiian quilts is in unique designs. Hawaiian quilters take pride in the personal expression of the designs they quilt. Fold paper to cut designs for Hawaiian quilts. It's very similar to cut paper snowflakes. Instead of snow, Hawaiian quilters depict the plants and animals of Hawaii.
Fold & Cut Paper to Create Quilt Designs
Make several designs following these instructions to find a favorite. Click the pictures below for a larger view to see each step.
- Fold a piece of paper diagonally so that one short (8 1/2") side is even with one long (11") side.
- Cut the excess paper off so that there is an 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" square of paper folded into a triangle.
- Fold the triangle in half and open it so the fold can be seen.
- Fold the ends of the triangle into the middle so that the first folded edge meets itself right at the second fold. The paper will now be a square. Note: The picture for this step shows the pieces slightly open, the edges do actually meet exactly on the fold.
- Re-fold the square along the second fold so that the paper is a triangle again. Mark the center of the paper.
- Draw a design along the long and short sides on either side of the center. Make a copy of the design before cutting. This makes it easier to repeat and enlarge the design.
- Cut out the design and carefully unfold the paper. Press flat with a warm iron.
Enlarging a Design
Keep in mind that the design proportions will change when the edges are turned for applique. The smaller the finished size, the more noticeable the change. When enlarging a design, it may be desirable to change the proportions. The proportions can be adjusted by drawing the lines of the enlarged design smaller or larger by redrawing the lines just inside or outside of the original.
The design size is 8 1/2" square. Enlarge the copy of the design to the desired size. For example, a 200% enlargement will make a 17" square. Simply divide the desired size by 8.5, and move the decimal 2 numerals to the right, to get the percentage to enlarge. Take it to a copy center, or scan it, enlarge it, and print it on as many pages as needed, cutting and taping the pages together.
Learn more about Hawaiian quilts and how to make them here. Put the things that are special to you in a personalized design. Circular designs can be made by shortening the design on the diagonal to the same length as as the other side. Play and have fun while creating something uniquely your own. Aloha.
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
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