this is how I piece triangles

I love making quilts.  I love selecting fabrics.  I love the sound the rotary cutter makes when it slices through layers of fabric.  I love the hum of the sewing machine.  I love dropping the feed dogs and quilting the layers together with 'squiggles.'  I love watching my kiddos snuggle under quilts that I made.  And I love instant gratification!   

The triangle square is my favorite block to work with because it can be arranged in many  different  wonderful  configurations. What I don't love is working with the bias edge and triangle points that are constantly being sucked into the throat plate of my machine.  So I always piece my triangles using squares.  Using squares makes the piecing fast, accurate, and eliminates working with bias edges and points.  (This method is by no means unique - it can be found in many books as well as on-line.)  

This is how I piece my triangles:

First cut contrasting fabric into squares (these are 6.5 inch squares & will yield  5.5" triangle units)

Next select one square from each stack and place them right sides together.  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of one square.  I use a regular #2 pencil and a ruler to do this. (I used red here for demo)

To save time, I mark and pin up to fifty squares at once.

Line up the left edge of the sewing machine foot with the pencil line and sew the squares together using the chain piecing method illustrated in the next photo. 

Do not cut the thread after each square.  I often chain piece 20-30 squares before I stop and cut the threads connecting them - this saves a lot of time and thread. 

Then flip the squares around, line up the edge of the sewing machine foot with the pencil line and sew a quarter inch seam on the opposite side of the pencil line.  Each square will make two triangle square units.

Next, cut the squares apart on the pencil line to make two triangle units.

Press each triangle unit open.

Use scissors to trim the dog ears of the seam allowance.  And viola, perfect triangle squares!  Easy-peasy!

I hope this inspires you to try these.

And look at what's inspiring me today.  This amazing fern platter that I scored from this talented blogger and potter.  Go check out her etsy shop to see more!

Have a terrific weekend!

Comments

[melissa]

larissa, that's so funny! I had no idea you were YOU, if you know what I mean! I'm so glad it made it to you safely. I always sweat the big pieces! I was extra happy to find those styro corners stashed away in my packing materials! Enjoy it!!

[kristyn]

what a great tutorial larissa. I love seeing all your quilting!
my grandmother died on Thanksgiving Day 2008. She was a pastionate and talented hand quilter. Unfortunately, I didn't take the opportunity to learn this craft from her when she was living. I have the desire, just don't know where to start. I was given her wooden quilt frame, with a quilt on it in progress. needless to say, your tutorials will help me when I'm able to begin my quilting journey.

[Lisa Q]

I'll have to try that. I love to sew and have never piece a whole quilt top before...I've done pillows and mini quilts. I just need some new fresh fabrics now. Thanks for that tutorial. It was very informative.

[Christin]

Really helpful tutorial. It makes perfect sense. I also liked the links to other triangle piecing ideas. Thanks. Looking forward to seeing how your quilt turns out! All the best.

[larissa]

Lisa, I hope you buy a fat quarter bundle and get started. It's really easy. i learned everything I know from library books and the internet.

Christin, i'm so glad you found this informative. I'll most other tutorials as I progress on this quilt.

[cheap jewelry]

The use of small area of PI cao to the beautiful there was overjoyed effect.

[fake jewelry]

This piece is that the interest points, it all works all is will vegetables, fruit, fish and cheese, food, and fashion bags, combined with shoes!!!!!