I am in the process of planning out a quilt. I don't know for sure that I'm going to show it, but I may and I want to make it with that in mind.

It's going to be basket blocks and I have them drawn out in EQ. I'm attaching a paint picture though because it's easier for me to show you what I'm asking that way. The bottom of the block is supposed to be a white triangle sewn on to the bottom of the two pink triangles. Because I hate working with bias edges I was wondering if I could make the two pink triangles into HST's and sew the remaining square of white on that way (marks for that shown in red). But I'm wondering if those extra seams would be looked down upon by judges? Anyone familiar with showing know if that would be the case? If so I'll take the extra time and do the triangles. Something tells me if I'm having to ask this, I already know the answer. :P

If the fabrics you are using blend well together, I don't think it would be that noticeable.

Another thought is this... OBW's for instance, are sewn using a new technique that eliminates Y seams. This technique does not lose points when being judged :wink: So if you piece this well, why would a judge take away points because you eliminated a triangle piece in this block?

The quilting you choose may also cover this area and make it less noticeable too :D:D:D

If you look closely, it matches the top of the basket. It's pieced like you are proposing for the bottom section. It's a design decision and I can't imagine it would affect judging. You're just making two mirror-imaged sections.

This is an interesting question. I'm not going to give an opinion as I've never shown before. I just know I don't enjoy working with bias edges either.

you have HST at the top so having them at the bottom should be fine. Some basket blocks have you do it that way.

I just looked in my traditional block 'bible', '501 Quilt Blocks' from Better Homes and Gardens and it has a basket block pieced exatly the way you are proposing around the outer edge (the middle is slightly different though). Page 228, 'Fruit Basket' if anyone asks you! LOL

Okay, sounds like no one thinks I would be committing a horrible sin by going with the HST's and square on the bottom. :)

k3n, I don't have that book but I'm quoting that page if asked! :D

And I'll stand right behind you and back you up - so long as you pay my fare! :mrgreen: