Sewing triangles
 

I am sewing triangles in a line and then the line will be sewn to a sashing. The problem comes in that there doesn't seem to be a 1/4" being left at the top and bottom when I sew the triangles together so that the points come out right when sewn to the sashing. The points are too close to the edge and when it is sewn to the sashing, I am going to lose the points.

Clear as mud?

Is there a trick to sewing triangles together this way so that you get that 1/4" to seam with?

Watson (again :wave:)

Are you talking about HST's? The points go from corner to corner. When you join 2 together the point is then 1/4" in. I can't visualize the problem, so a picture would help.

Try marking the stitch line on one of the triangles and see if there is enough fabric at the points to start with.

Just plain triangles, one after another. I'm at work so can't post a pic. Will post one when I get home.

Watson

I always check my HSTs to make sure they are perfectly square before sewing them into rows. If you have sewn a row of HSTs, measure the finished width, add 1/2" and that should be what the tops and bottom of your row should measure. Here is what I am working on currently. They are 4" finished HSTs:

Is this what you want the finished block to look like? If so, and you're not getting a seam allowance for your points, you're probably not lining the triangles up right when you sew. Here's a tutorial on one way to make them line up - http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/2...torial_28.html

EUREKA, Dunster! That's exactly it.

Can't wait to get home and try that.

Thanks, Watson

Great lesson. dunster! Thanks for that!

It works!
Now, do I pick apart all the ones I did that are no good or just toss them in the scrap bin?

Watson

Only you can make that decision. But if the edges are stretched, I would toss them.

I agree with Dunster...if they are stretchy - which is likely the case due to the bias edges - toss them in the scrap bin and use them for a paper piecing project.

Another great learning opportunitie!

Thanks Dunster! I made a quilt years ago with a triangle border and had a terrible time trying to figure it out. Haven't made one since but might try it again using the link you provided. I really do like the look when bordered on both sides with regular borders.

If the edges were stretched, I would wet them down with a spray bottle and smooth and press the edges. If that doesn't work, then toss.

Instead of tossing them, why not find a small square ruler that fits inside the pre-sewn units and cut half-square triangles for a different project. They may be smaller but still salvageable.

I agree. You should be able to use them somewhere else.

Thanks for sharing that link, Dunster.