Figuring 1/4 Sq Triangle Size Help Please
 

I'm finally starting to sew again, making an applique butterfly baby quilt.

The directions however are kind of strange... Was to cut 10 1/2" strips, then making 10 1/2" squares, and then getting 4 triangles (template) out of one square - but the template that was included is 6 3/4" on the short side - no way could you get 4 of them from one 10 1/2" square. ??

The pattern is 4 1/4 square triangles sewn together to make one block, and then the applique square block is 9 3/4" square.

So I need to know the size I need of a 1/4 square triangle (using 4 of them) that be the same size as a 9 3/4" block. I just can't cut the 10 1/2" square into 4 triangles, or they wouldn't be big enough!

I hope this is clear enough for someone to figure out what I'm asking! lol!!!!

To figure the size of the square used to cut a QST, you add 1.25" to the finished size of the block you want to create. If your block's finished size is 9.75", you would need a square that is 11". I assume that your 9.75" block is unfinished, so finished it would be 9.25", and adding 1.25" you get 10.5", which is what the pattern calls for.

You can look at this link for the math - http://www.twthreads.com/pdf_files/HSTmath.pdf

thanks for the link. good info for me. I always wondered how you figured the size, especially without a pattern.

Thank you Dunster! How do I get the 4 triangles out of the 10.5 square though? It would be too small to use thier template.... Just got it into quarters?
Yes, my applique 'unfinished' block is 9 3/4".
Geez - can you tell it's been awhile since I did any of this? lol!!! Plus, I'm clueless when it comes to any math.

Cut it on each diagonal as it's shown in the link. Each triangle should be the size of their template.

Ok, I'll give it a try.... Laying their template on the 10.5" square though, I 'd only be able to get 2 maybe. I'll go do it now! :)

Look through this tutorial and see if it doesn't help you with triangle issues including these.

Jan in VA

You will cut without the template, but if you place it so that its long side is along the edge of the square, you will see how 4 of them will fit (each with its long side along the edge of the square).