Help Joining Hexagons with Triangles
 

Attempting a hexagon quilt featured on Sewing with Nancy. Hexagons were joined together by triangles to make strips, then strips were sewn in rows - no set-ins, beautiful and I thought I could do it until I started to cut the triangles (HORRORS). I've got 88 (8 1/2") black and white hexagons cut out Each of the six corners are 3 1/2" For the life of me I can't figure out the size of the triangles used to join the hexys . I thought the bottom of the triangle should be 3 1/2" (maybe a bit more from trimming), but I can't figure how tall the triangle should be.
Does anyone have a clue to what I'm trying to say, has someone seen this show, familiar with this method, or know some secret math calculation to make this work.
I'm so frustrated, I'm about ready to throw 88 hexys out the window. Sadly, I can remember a time when I would have eyeballed this project and had it done in a few days. Doctors and sons keep encouraging me to not give up because these types of tasks challenge my brain and is good for me - it's getting harder and I've got soooooo...... many more quilts to make.
Sorry to ramble, Thanks all, prayers are appreciated.

Did you join all 6 pieces of the hexagons? I think that what you are describing is how you would assemble a one block wonder. The hexagons should not be sewn all together. They should just be 2 halves, each with 3 sections. The joining triangle is the same size as the ones used to create the hexagons. There was a OBW tutorial around here that showed this. Let me see if I can find the link. It's easier to show than explain.

OK, here's the tutorial:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ns-t92503.html

you can scroll thru and get to the part where the hexagons are joined.

I didn't see the show to which you refer, but I just did make a quilt of hexagons set together with triangles to form a star around each block. Could this be what you are referring to? In that case, the triangles are the same size that you used to make the hexagons. You sew one triangle to the NE (right angle) and one to the SW (left angled) hexagon points to convert it to a diamond. Then you just sew them together. That method is in Bethany Reynolds book. If this isn't clear, let me know. It does go together well. That quilt is posted here on the board under the title Hexagon Star Queen Stack and Whack and you can search and find the picture. There were two posts. One was just the top and the other was the finished quilt.

But the op didn't piece her hexagon....each hex was cut from one piece of fabric..

Is the 8.5" the finished or unfinished size? The measurement from side to side....or is it point to point?

Without that, I can't figure out the measurement for the strip width from which to cut the (equilateral) triangles.

You need to figure out the FINISHED measurement of one side of the hexagon.

I'm in the process of making an I-Spy quilt that uses hexagons and triangles. My hexagons are smaller than yours, though, but maybe my measurements can still help you.

The triangles are equal length on all three sides and the length of one side of the triangle is 1/2" larger than one of the sides of the hexagon. So, for your hexagons with 3-1/2" sides try a 4" triangle (all three sides are 4") and see how that works. I cut all of my triangles out of strips....since all sides are equal I just keep rotating the ruler and can cut 4 layers at a time. Is that clear as mud? ;)

When sewing the triangle to the hexagon it will be just a little bit wider than the hexagon but that is alright because it will even out when you sew the 1/4" seam. I can post pictures of how it's done if you still need help. It's not really as confusing as it sounds.

Here is a link that shows you what I'm talking about:
http://www.americaquiltscreatively.c...es/AQc-612.pdf

This one is even better:
http://quilt-knit-run-sew.blogspot.c...-tips-and.html

Even if yours isn't an I Spy the process is still the same. Good luck with your quilt.

I found this online that may help.
http://thesewingchick.blogspot.com/2...-tutorial.html

I feel like I'm missing something... If the op is using hexagons, wouldn't ALL sides of the triangles be the same size? In other words equilateral?

Yes.

But I'm guessing she's having a problem figuring out how and what size to cut those equilateral triangles.

One way is to measure the FINISHED side of the hex.

Or find the FINISHED measurement of midpoint of one side to the center of the hex (and then add 3/4" to get your strip width).

Of course, it matters how one cuts the triangles from the strip width.
Depends on if its cut with blunt tip or pointed tip triangle template or ruler as each creates different sized triangles.

btw, with a 3.5" side size mentioned above, I get something like a 6" (side to side) or 7"(point to point) hexagon.
So I'm not sure where and how the 3.5" or 8.5" measurements come from.

Here is a picture of hexagonals that my grandson and I made together when he was about 8. I'm not sure I'll be able to get a picture on QB (I've been trying for a year now, but someone gave me a new hint). Maybe it will help you visulize hexegons put together.

Blast! I thought what I had been told recently would help me be able to post a picture. Why is it so hard??? I have friends who won't look at QB any more because they feel so left out of the loop. I have a MAC; is that my problem? When I do get instructions they use words, telling me to "go to" or "use x key" and I have no clue as to what is being said. I entered a contest and it was cancelled because no one entered it! My loss, I guess.

Sierra, I have a Mac as well & have no problem uploading pics. If you want to "Post Quick Reply" type your comment then click on the 3rd icon from the right. A box will come up asking where your image is. If the image is on your computer click "From Computer". Then browse to find your image. Once you find the image click "Upload File" [ATTACH=CONFIG]366487[/ATTACH]