quiltingfan

This is my first attempt at this block and with all the triangles, I know I need to off set them. My block came out all wonky and now I am afraid of getting all the way threw this block just to have it come out just as bad as last time. Do I need to off set the triangles more? I am including pictures of the block and the one triangle. Can you offer me advice? It is only the outer triangles that have extra material and don't lay flat. The inner triangles seem to be ok. Thank you in advance. Beth

psumom

They are offset a little too much. On the top photo, the top tan piece should be scooted over a little to the right. Your stitching line should end up right where the two triangle pieces meet. You shouldn't see any blue below the stitching on the right side. I wish I could just "show" you!

nhweaver

What I do to get them less wonky (some of them have a mind of there own),

the first picture, measure a 1/4" from the point on the bottom blue piece,(closest to your seam ripper), marking in from right to left. Align the top tan triangle to match the mark, just the way it looks, and then pin carefully, middle, right, left. Another way would be to cut off the 1/4"tail on the blue piece, and line the tan piece up with the cut. I hope this makes sense.

Prism99

Did you starch the fabric before cutting the triangles? Looks to me as if you may also be getting stretching along the bias sides of the long triangles (especially noticeable on bottom right of middle photo).

Scissor Queen

What order are you putting this block together in? I think there's an easier order than what you're doing.

quiltingfan

Ok Thanks will try not of setting them so much.
Scissor Queen.. I am making the blue triangles with 3 pieces then the lower blue pieces and then doing the same with the other colors. Then sewing them all together. Clear as mud?

quiltingfan

Can I just line the tan up the bottom of the blue triangle ? I think that is what I did with the first block. and that is why it is wonky. OH my was hoping this would be easier. /

Scissor Queen

That's what I thought you were doing. The easier way to do that block is to make the center four patch first. Then the sew the two triangles together that make the corner units and add them. Then add the larger triangles to each side. Sew the two larger triangles together that make the last corners and add them. You never have to sew offset triangles that way. You match the bottom straight edges. Starch it all to almost paper before you cut.

quiltingfan

Scissor Queen I see what you mean, unfortunately I already cut my triangles. It is a block of the month and I am 2 months behind was trying to get it done before my next meeting. ( which was last night) I made the 1 st block saw that is was wonky so did not sew anymore. Now I am trying to make the next 7 so I can do the next 2 months of blocks. I am determined to catch up. Want the free batting at the end of the year.

DOTTYMO

I would do an old thing and draw a 1/4 inch line this will show you exactly where to fit triangles. It also looks as if you have a little stretch on the bias. Do you have some more fabric to cut inside triangE. .
You only need 1/4 inch above point. That seem may need to be a smidgin smaller