How to Sew Triangle Edging (Sewing & Quilting Techniques)

Fabric edging adds character to quilts, pillows, curtains, and even clothing hemlines. Although ruffles are easiest type of decorative edging to make, if you want more of a sewing challenge, then can follow instructions below to create a border of neatly overlapping triangles. This pattern for triangular scalloped edging can be altered for different sizes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. First, cut a rectangular strip of fabric in the right dimensions. The total length of the rectangle should be equal to the perimeter of the blanket or pillow, plus several inches for seam allowance. You may have to use several strips for a large piece.
   
   The width of the strip should be 4 times the width of the finished border plus 2 inches. For example, if you want the edging to be 3 inches wide, then the width of the strip should be (4)3 + 2 = 14 inches wide. This gives 1/2 inch of seam allowance when you insert the edging.

2. 

   Next, use chalk or a pencil to divide the strip into two columns of staggered squares. See image for detail, and click the thumbnail to enlarge.

3. 

   Using sewing shears, cut along the sides of these squares, just until you reach the center line of the fabric strip. Cut away the excess at the ends.

4. 

   Next, create the triangles as follows. Fold up the bottom outside corner of a square to the top inside corner. Then, fold down the corner of the resulting triangle. Use a pin to hold the final triangle in place. Repeat for all the squares.

5. Lastly, fold the unit in half along the center line and use pins to hold it shut. This completes the triangle edging.

6. 
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   You can slightly alter the way you fold the triangles in Steps 4 and 5 to create a series of scallops that overlap.
   
   Before you fold the strip in half, bring the corner flap of a triangular section so that it envelops the top of the proceeding triangle. Repeat all the way down the strip.