i frequently find myself straining my brain trying to figure out the 'geometry' of a pieced quilt. i'm looking for a resource that has information like the 7/8 inch method for making half-square triangles, what sizes to cut to make a particular size flying geese unit, etc.

can anyone recommend such a resource, book or otherwise? (if this is even making sense at all)

:) it's a rainy cold day here - i've been everywhere on the web looking at quilting books and haven't found what i'm looking for.

I found a book at the library called Teach Yourself Visually Quilting by Sonja Hakala.

The author explained things in detail and it has tons of picture. I liked it so much that I asked for it for Mother's day. :mrgreen: I am thinking about taking it to an office supply store and having the binding changed to spiral.

We got my book at Amazon. com for way cheaper than the book store.

I did a search for how to figure half square triangles and came up with this

http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.co...triangles.html

I always cut my squares one inch larger than the finished half square triangle. Then I can cut them down to the correct finished size. Let me tell you, it's not fun to unsew 36 squares and then resew them! :0)

thanks, SherriB. my library has that book and i've requested it. it looks like it's the basics, but it may have what i'm looking for in it.

thanks Craftybear and MN - i've got the 1/2 square triangles down pat. i guess what i'm looking for is the more advanced stuff and all in one book. thanks for the link!

This is too funny. I was looking through some of my books the other day and found a book call "Taking the Math out of making Patchwork Quilts" by Bonnie Leman & Judy Martin. Boy does it have great info in there. Can't believe I forgot about it!! Bought it years ago, I guess I better start going through more of my stuff before I buy anything else! :lol: :lol:

Another good reference book is "The Complete Guide to Quilting" by Fons & Porter. This is actually my bible.

great information, y'all, thanks


Blessings, Ruth

thanks, sewcrafty. i have the 'taking the math out of patchwork' book, but it doesn't have what i'm looking for. :(

it does have good information in it, though!

Judy Martin's PatchworkBook: Easy Lessons for Quilt Design and Construction has detailed drafting instructions for quilt block pieces and blocks. I think this book should be used in schools right along with basic math. It's the pencil and paper version of EQ. It was printed in 1983 so you may find one on Ebay.

Update: There is a newer version of this book on Amazon and some used ones start at $3.00 :D