LadyAg

I am hoping to start a new reproduction quilt soon that calls for almost 800 applique triangles in a dogtooth border and sashings. I have done some preliminary work to see how well the applique creation goes, and I have been able to get good results using freezer paper and a glue stick, up to the point where I turn under the points of the triangles.

Right now, the main sticking point (pun intended!) is figuring out how what to do with the excess fabric that results from turning over (overlapping) two side edges of fabric to make the sharp point of the triangle. I could cut off the excess material, but I am afraid that the point would eventually fray, as there would be so little fabric left at the extreme edge of the point.

I have tried to finger press the excess fabric under the point itself without doing any cutting, but this caused a buildup of fabric at the edge of the point that couldn't always be hidden.

I plan to machine applique the triangles down using Superior Monopoly clear thread and a narrow blanket stitch.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get sharp points that won't disappear in the wash? Thanks so much!

wesing

I’ve seen a Dresden Plate tutorial where they sewed down one short side of a rectangle and turned it under to make the outside point of the plate. Could you do something like that?

Here is one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcy_p4pryE4&t=150s

Tartan

If the point isn’t really narrow, I fold the tip down first and then fold one side in. I then stitch the first side down up to the tip, once I have sewn to the tip, I tuck the second side under towards the side already sewn and sew down the second side. Good Luck!

LadyAg

I would have never thought about using a sew-down method to make it easier to form the point! I will try it out!

Thank you both for your response.

juliasb

I also make sure that I clip as I get closer to the tip for an easier and more accurate point. I too never thought of the sew down method. Next applique quilt this is a big advantage.