How to Make Triangles for Quilts
Quilt making is a skill that has been taught to generation after generation in America. Since colonial times, women and some men have passed down patterns and techniques. Most quilts in America were created for daily use. Fabric is cut into squares and triangles. The shapes are sewn together to make the quilt top. The top is then placed over a thin padding layer and a plain back. Some patterns have been in use for many years.
Instructions
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1
Iron the fabric and use a light spray starch. Place the fabric on the cutting board. Cut a strip of fabric 8 inches wide and 24 inches long using a rotary cutter and a quilt ruler. Cut a longer, wider strip for larger triangles.
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2
Measure the strip of fabric cut (in Step 1) in 8-inch increments down the length of the fabric. Mark with a fabric pencil. Cut the fabric strip into 8-inch squares.
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3
Place the quilt ruler diagonally across a square. Cut from corner to corner using the rotary cutter to create two triangles. Rotate the quilt ruler and then cut diagonally across the two triangles to create four smaller triangles.
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Tips & Warnings
Use spray starch and a medium iron to press fabric before cutting. The starch will make cutting easier and help prevent frayed edges.
Sew around the edges of each square and corner to corner using a sewing machine prior to cutting if the fabric is especially prone to fraying.
Add one-and-a-quarter-inch to the size of your squares for the seam allowance.
Double check measurements before cutting.
Use caution when cutting fabric with a rotary cutter; the blade is extremely sharp.
Use a cutting board beneath fabric when using a rotary cutter.
References
Resources
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