I'm trying to do a block like the one attached. It will finish at 3", unfinished 3.5". I know for the bigger one to cut a square at 3 7/8" and slice it in half. I'm not sure about the little ones. The pattern calls for a square cut diagonally twice (yielding 4 triangles) but I only need 2 of each color, so I want to do a smaller square, cut diagonally once, and yield 2 triangles.

So what size square should I start with to yield 2 smaller triangles that all together become 3.5" unfinished?

Thank you as always!

If you cut a smaller square in half your outside edge of the block will be on the bias and will be stretchy. Just cut a square 4 1/4 inches and cut diagonally twice like the pattern says, Sure will make life simpler.

Sharon is right, you'll save your self a lot of headaches trying to save a little cloth, when you'll have to go through and do it all again.

OK, I am no expert, but I had a similar question a couple of days ago, and Rhonda referred me to her tutorial here http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-38879-1.htm

I haven't tried it, but it looks really cool.

Also, check this website, see if it is help to you.

http://www.quilt.com/HowTo/SpeedPiecingDirections.html

Thanks Candi yes I think my shortcut is easy so check out my tutorial. Candi posted the link. If you have any questions I will be happy to help.

I understand why the pattern wants me to do it that way, but it's a BOM where they give you pieces of fabric. And the piece I have to work with won't yield both the 3 7/8 piece AND a 4 1/2 piece (it's about 6" total. So my plan was to cut the 3 7/8 piece out of the fabric as a triangle (rather than cutting a square in half) and using the remaining piece to get the square to make 2 triangles

For the website, it wants me to do the double diagonal cuts, so that won't work.

And with Rhonda's method, again, concerns with running out of fabric :( I appreciate the help... anyone know the size?? Anyone? Bueller?

OK,

can you cut a square of paper to 4.25 (four and a quarter) inches?

cut the paper into 4, and use one of those triangles as a template

you can move the paper around on your fabric to minimise the bias edges

hope this helps

Hmmm, that's a smart way to do it. And if nothing else, the paper triangles will give me the measurement of a side. Thank you!

I try never to deal with anything as small as 1/8" so I cut it a little larger then just square it up using my square ruler w/the 45 degree angle. It's just not worth the aggravation to save a ittle bit of fabric. You will get more accurate squares by just cutting bigger and trimming off.

Yeah, that's what I usually do for the bigger one... just trying to figure out the measurement for the smaller one

yes, I agree.