QUILTsocial | Issue 08

2 critical tips to perfect Quarter Square Triangles
I remember my first project with half
square triangles. I sewed the squares
together on the diagonal, cut them in
half, pressed and then trimmed. What
did I know about trimming and using
the diagonal line as a reference? Nope
– I just laid the ruler on my half square
triangle and cut out the size I needed!
There wasn’t a SINGLE point on that quilt.
I’ve since learned how to trim half square
triangles and it’s now one of my favorite units.
The quarter square triangle used to
give me grief until recently. Yes, I’m still
learning; the day I stop – I’ll be dead!
And yes – I still get frustrated and I
still make mistakes, but I’m enjoying
the learning process. If everything I
sewed was perfect, that means I’m not
challenging myself.
So – I would make quarter square
triangles and they would be wonky.
Why? I spent some time one afternoon
evaluating the problem and I found the
solution which I’ll share with you.
I’ll be using the Husqvarna Viking
Designer EPIC to show you how to make
perfect quarter square triangles.
The first thing is to cut squares. Just how
big should those squares be? Start by
determining the FINISHED size of the
units you need. Let’s say you need 3½”
finished quarter square triangles, then
add 1¼” to the FINISHED size. That means
you will cut squares that measure 4¾”.
When you sew the quarter square
triangles with this method, you’ll get two
identical quarter square triangles.
Start by cutting two identical sized
squares. They should have contrast to
each other either in value or color. I
happened to have some 5” squares
handy so I used those.
Draw a diagonal line and stitch a scant ¼” on
either side.
Cut on the diagonal drawn line.
Technically it doesn’t matter which way
you press the seams, but be consistent.
If you press one seam to the dark, then
press both to the dark. If you press one
seam to the light, then press both to
the light. You should now have two half
square triangles. DO NOT TRIM.
Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC
Tutorial for Quarter Square Triangles
There are different methods for making
quarter square triangles. This tutorial
uses half square triangles. As I work
through the process, I’ll identify the
pitfalls so you too can have perfect
quarter square triangles.
Two squares will yield two quarter square triangles.
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side
of one of the squares. Place the two
squares right sides together and stitch
a scant ¼” on both sides of the diagonal
line. Try to keep those stitching lines as
straight as possible.
Two half square triangles
A potential pitfall is that the seams
of the half square triangles are not
pressed well. My seams are nice and
flat. Always press these units from the
RIGHT side. Never the wrong side. Why?
You want to ensure that there are no
tucks or folds in those seam lines, in
particular at the corners. You can control
that from the front, but you can’t see
those potential tucks if you press from
the back.
Q
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