Become a Triangle Master!
This quilt is full of triangles, and the DVD Mentor has techniques and shortcuts to make sewing any kind of triangle easy. When you finish this quilt, you won't think twice about any triangle in any quilt. Sew half-square triangles with this Fluttering Stars DVD Quilting Mentor. |
Learn 6 Ways to Sew Triangles
Become a triangle master with this DVD! In mere minutes, watch the 6 Different Ways to Sew Half-Square Triangles together. In this DVD, you will see from start to finish each of the 6 methods for sewing half-square triangles together described in this series of articles. No guessing what to do next, you see it all. Watch as I sew and share my secrets for success with each of these methods. This one DVD will save you hours of sewing time, will increase the accuracy of your sewing, making your blocks fit together better AND, may save your sanity! |
Understanding Quilt Block Patterns
Sewing Half-Square Triangles
The half-square triangle is a basic piece used in many quilt blocks. Very simply, it is a square that is cut in half from corner to corner (diagonally) to create two triangles within one patch.
As amazing as it sounds, there are several ways to sew these units together. Some of these methods increase the accuracy of the resulting patch (for example Methods 2 and 4). Other methods increase the speed or convenience of sewing many half-square triangles (Methods 5 and 6).
Which method you use depends upon personal preference.
As a review: Method 1 and 2
Method 3 – Two Squares = Two Triangles
This was sent in by Quilter Fay!
This method calls for cutting squares, sewing the seams for the triangles, and then cutting the triangles apart. Sewing the pieces as squares adds stability, and you will be less likely to stretch the fabric. It may add some time to your sewing, since there is extra marking. It may be a good trade off for the increased accuracy.
Step 1 – Cut your fabric into squares. To determine the cut size, take the finished size and add ⅞” to both sides. For example, if you are using 2” squares (finished size), cut 2⅞” squares, just as in the above step.
Step 2 – Place the squares right sides together, and mark a cutting line from corner to corner (diagonally across the square). Next, mark two sewing lines – one on each side of the cutting line ¼” away from the cutting line.
Step 3 – Stitch on both of the sewing lines.
Step 4 – Cut between the sewing lines on the cutting line you marked.
Step 5 - Open each half-square triangle, and press (preferable press the seam allowance so it is under the darker fabric).
Step 6 – Trim the “dog ears” off of the edges of the squares.
Method 4 – One Square = One Triangle
In this method, you will sew a triangle onto a square and the result will be one half-square triangle. I generally do not trim the side of the square that is under the triangle, but use it as a guide for sewing the half-square triangle onto other patches.
Step 1 – Cut one square of fabric that is the finished size of your patch plus your 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Step 2 – Cut one triangle for each square. It is easiest to use or make a template that is the 
size of the triangle including the seam allowances. Mark your fabric (on the wrong side) around the template, then cut. Or place the template on your fabric and cut around the template using a rotary cutter.
Generally it is best to place the square sides of the triangle on the straight and cross grain of the fabric, leaving the long side of the triangle for the bias. (The bias side stretches, and when you sew these triangles together, the bias will be sewn together and be stabilized.)
Step 3 – Lay the triangle on top of the square, right sides of the fabric facing together. Match the corner of the square with the corner of the triangle.The bias of your triangle will run diagonally across the center of your square.
Note that the triangle will take up more than half of the square. This is because of the seam allowance.
Step 4 – Sew the triangle onto the square using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Your stitching will go from one corner of the square across to the diagonal corner.
Step 5 – Fold the triangle open so the right side is showing, and you have a completed half-square triangle.
Methods 1 and 2 Methods 5 and 6
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| I cut all of these half-square triangles out individually, and cried when they all fell on the floor before I even started sewing them together.. |
The QuiltBlockLibrary.com offers a variety of Four Patch, Five Patch, Seven Patch, and Nine Patch Patterns, with suggested color variations. While it is not necessary to stick with the suggested colors, maintaining the placement of dark, light and medium fabrics will allow you to retain the traditional design of the quilt block.
Peaceful Piecing!
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