Hi all...

This has probably been asked already, but HOW do you get nice and neat points in start and triangle designs. I tried a star block and despite carefully measuring my seam allowances (I even measured and DREW them on) most of my 'points' in the heart of the design are blunted or there is too much edging. *sigh* Is it really just a matter of more careful measuring/seaming? I'm almost afraid to try another pattern for fear of the same time happening.

Thanks!

I make the hst a little bigger and then trim to the size I want using a square ruler that has a diagonal line drawn through the center to use as a guide. Until I started doing this, I was always blunting the points.

you make the 'hst' bigger? I don't follow this. Could you explain a bit further?

Thanks!

When you are sewing have the point side up then sew exactly where you need to rather than try to use the 1/4" mark. I also use pins. If you have 2 points matching each other put a pin through both points then put a pin on each side.

If you need pictures I can do that.

For example...most directions say to start with 4 7/8" squares of fabric to end up with two 4.5" hst. I start with 5" squares, then trim them down to 4.5" when I'm done. I use my 4.5" square ruler and place the diagonal line along the diagonal seam and trim off the excess all around. It takes a little more time, but for me it's worth it.

does anyone know if there is already a tute on this? I had a similar problem with one of my charity blocks and it was a major bummer. Scares me about using triangles and one of the kids (and my dad) want Bear Paw quilts.

Here's something someone else posted. I have't looked at it all that closely.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/5110.page

This is a tutorial ShellyQ did a while back. I thought it was pretty good.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/8342.page

Thank you everyone! Bj, ShellyQ, maryquitecontrary & sondray. I'll have to practice this again soon.