june6995

Peachrose, I had to laugh! All there is to learn will not be learned in a week or month. Making triangles will take practice, although I think the method I sent (copied) on 1/26 should serve you well since there are pictures of the steps to proceed. Print it out! Then start a file folder (paper) so yu can take it to your sewing machine or cutting table. For me that was a great help.

You think you have OCD! All of us better have OCD or we will never get the seams to line up. I got into quilting almost by accident and had a lot to learn. After sewing clothing I was not aware of seam allowance needs and accuracy.

I found a straw wreath, covered with fabric patches, at the flea market. I wanted the wreath for something else, so I took off the fabric. In discovering just how much there was, and the size of the pieces, I put them into a small mesh bag, washed/dried/ironed them and then decided to make quilt blocks. They also had to be measured and cut. I knew they would make something for a quilt.

I had been given a quilt book, so I searched for a pattern. After making 90 9" blocks I discovered I could not match up the seams. I put them in a bag and laid them aside. That was about 7 years ago. Now I am going to begin to rip and re-sew in order to get them to fit together. That was long enough for me to learn to make more accurate seams.

You are wise to ask questions. It can save some heartache when it comes to ripping things apart.

Patricej had a good idea. Do invest in a few rulers. The 6" square with the diagonal line comes in handy when squaring those triangle squares.

My confession. I want to duplicate an old quilt I own, but cannot seem to sew the diamonds and then insert triangle background pieces. I have made about a dozen sample blocks and they are awful! That project is on hold. After 7 years I am still learning. Do not give up. Once you have completed one good quilt, you will be bursting with pride. You will want to display it where everyone can see it.

Keep up the good work. You WILL succeed, OCD or not!! Just take your time. This is supposed to be fun...not hard work!! My Best to YOU.....june

GayKennedy

I have never used them but a lot of quilters now use Thangles to make their half square triangles perfect. Some of them swear by them!!
Gay

june6995

Hello Gay, do you have a link with information for Thangles? I have heard the term but not read anything about them. I am interested. I have used the E Burns method and found it works well for me. Remember Summer Dreams (nightmare) and the 156 (or whatever) small pinwheel blocks I made? And of course I enlarged it and went on to make 2 more Summer Dreams quilts. Guess I must like half square triangles by now and can make them easily. that was a lot of practice on one method. Squaring is the tedious part.

We all have to have a rough spot in our lives, and quilters are no exception.

June

kathy

I have used themand they do make it a lot easier. You cut strips of the two fabrics you're joining( cut them together-facing each other) it has the sewing lines marked on the paper then you simply cut between the lines and remove the paper. They come in several sizes.
kathy

GayKennedy

June, I think about any quilt shop online carries them now. Just do a search on Thangles and it will bring them up. In a group I'm in there are some who swear by them and will not make half square triangles without them. Like I said, I've never used them myself YET!! LOL
Gay

june6995

Thanks Gay, in reading the description it appears as though it is nearly the same thing. I cannot imagine sewing through paper will make a difference. I will check the fabric store when I go again. There are things that puzzle me and I need to be convinced. However, I do cut my fabric in a 2 layer square and mark/sew/press which is nearly the same thing. Can someone tell me these Thangles give you a PERFECT square? I want to hear a great, BIG testamonial on these things.

Ok girls, let er rip!!!

June

kathy

yes they do, it's because it's actually a rectangle untill you sew it, cut it apart and iron it. Then it's a darling little square. It's not the paper that makes the diff. it's the deminsions.(sp?)
kathy
p.s. I have to confess.... I cheated! I borrowed a couple from my mom and made copies, if you're making a lot it could get expensive.

june6995

Anyone else? the idea it is not a square is interesting. Can you give us some dimensions, Kathy?

We are here to learn...especiallly me.

kathy

Since I'm at work (shhhh don't tell I'm on the puter) I can't , but when I get home I will measure and get back to you tomorrow
kathy

june6995

I am learning from others that my method is the old and not so fast method. However a 6 in square (see-through ruler) with a diagonal line helps me to square my block to the proper dimensions. Sometimes I am :right onthe money" and other things I need to square. Rotary cutters were made for squaring and trimming so everything is neat and clean and perfect.

I am still going to wait and weigh-in on what others tell me about those thangles. Just what I read does not convince me so far. Sorry!!!

Tried and true methods work best for me.

Keep trying.....someone may convince me yet. I am open to learning.

June