Thread: Piecing Triangles

I recently decided to make my first quilt, and I'm having trouble getting started. I want to make a "thousand pyramids" quilt with isosceles triangles, but I'm really confused when it comes to piecing the triangles. I've looked at a tutorial for piecing (http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2012/...-tutorial.html) and it's very helpful, but I'm still a little lost.

I've been reading that when the triangles are overlapping, there should be a 1/4" point sticking out from the top and bottom before sewing the seam, but how can I tell when the triangles are overlapped just right? Do I have to measure the "poky bits" on every single pair before I begin sewing? Is there a trick to lining them up quickly and correctly? I cut some triangles out of paper to practice with, but I'm having trouble lining them up so that there's exactly 1/4" on each end.

Also, should I add a 1/4" or 1/2" seam allowance to the height of my triangles when I'm cutting them?

If anyone has tips or can point me in the direction of a book or tutorial that will explain these things, I'd really appreciate it!

Marissa

If you are having trouble lining up you should measure until you can accurately "eyeball" it. Get yourself and old fasioned seam guage to measure. It makes quick easy work of it as you set the guage to 1/4" and all you have to do is hold the guage area to the "ears" to do a quick and easy measure. You can pick them up just about anywhere for a couple of bucks.

It shouldn't take you too long to eyeball it accurately. It is a valuable skill to have as it comes in handy when peicing diamonds as well.

I really don't want to discourage you but as a beginning quilter myself ( I have sewn clothing and other craft items like bolls, bags etc for 40 years) I would say start with something easier as your first quilt. Maybe half square triangles or something like that. You'll learn about 1/4 seams, squaring up, matching seams but not with something as difficult as an isisecles triangle. Then when you feel more confident, tackle that quilt.

I agree with slicksister. Thousand Pyramids is a difficult quilt because of all the bias edges. It would be much better to start with a Rail Fence, work up to a star pattern and half-square triangles and -- when you are satisfied with your skills -- do the Thousand Pyramids.

I also agree with slicksister and prism. It can be done but I think that it's going to be very discouraging for you as a new quilter. I've been quilting for 8 years and haven't even thought about doing a thousand pyramid quilt because of the triangles.