I am trying to do a block called Path To Pieces found in the book called Relax And Quilt by Patricia Wilens.
I could do it the shortcut way, but I want to be able to understand the concepts.
a 3-3/8" x 5" rectangle
a 2-7/8" square cut diagonally
a 4-1/8" square cut diagonally.

Now, the triangle cut of the the 2-7/8" goes on the 3-3/8" end and the triangle cut of the 4-1/8" goes on the 5" side.

Question:
When placing the triangles onto the rectangle, how do you know that the piece is exactly centered before sewing.

I pieced one together with pins and it all makes sense when it's done, but that was just because I guessed. And to me, guessing is NOT a wise idea when trying to piece something together.

Thanks, in advance.
Tracy

Have you tried folding the pieces in half and finger pressing a fold in the seam lines, then match the folds on the pieces. That should help to get a perfect match. Just be careful on the bias edges.

Is that the proper way of doing something like that? Or might there be another way of attaching?

You probably ignore the point and line up the straight sides of the triangle with the straight side of the rectangle.

This is the way that I have always seen/read of lining them up if there is any over hang or question about it being centered.

There is only 1 straight side of the triangle that can be lined up with the rectangle on the short sides of the rectangle.
Therefore you can't ignore the point. The point has to be centered, leaving 2 points hanging.
As you can see in this quicky image, the side points of the triangle hang over...and need to.
Just got to thinking....should I trim the ears off first before attaching to the rectangle? If so, would it be the normal 1/4"? Keeping in mind that there will be a larger triangle being attached to the long side of the rectangle, then attaching 4 of them together to make one block

usually it is an equal amount of over hang on each side. That is why a quick pinch of the fabric in the middle of both will line you up accurately. I suppose if you are making a lot of these, you could draw out a template like this, line them up and then pin them perfectly each time and it would be quick, too :D :D :D

Pictures always help. You can do a quick iron on both pieces to get the centers and match them that way. I got a point trimmer and that makes them even more accurate. The one I got is called a prep tool and can be used for several different things.

I have read that when the points is in the correct position, the needle at the 1/4 in line will be exactly at the join of the two pieces. I usually lay the biase edge on the botton and kind of eye ball it and put it under the presser foot if the needle doesn't come down at the right point, then I adjust a little be until it does.

Barb that is the way I position.... you are correct and they will turn out everytime.
Scrap QUilter