How to Make Prairie Points in Quilting
Prairie points add visual interest to a quilt either on the border or within the quilt itself. These versatile points can be used by themselves as individual triangles, in a series as a row of triangles or together to form squares. They can be made in a variety of sizes; the smallest of prairie points can be used as tiny bird wings or beaks, while larger sizes can be used as the focal point of a quilt block.
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Instructions
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Make a paper template of the triangle size you want your prairie points to be. Two sides of the triangle should be exactly the same length. Cut the template out of the paper and test the size by holding it up to the quilt where the prairie point will be placed to make sure it's the proper size. Adjust the size if necessary by cutting out additional templates until you are satisfied.
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Measure one of the two sides of the triangle template that are the same length. To find the size fabric square you need to make your prairie point, double the measurement and add half an inch; for example, if your measurement is 2 inches, you would double it to 4 inches and add half an inch for 4-1/2 inches, meaning you would need a 4-1/2-inch square piece of fabric.
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Cut a piece of fabric in your required size. If you are going to be using your fabric around the border, you need to make your prairie points with a seam at the side so additional prairie points can be nested together. Fold your fabric in half on the diagonal with the wrong sides together, which will create a triangle shape. Iron the triangle to remove any wrinkles and to ensure the fold stays in place. Fold again so the two corners on each side of the fold touch each other to create a smaller triangle. Iron again so the fold stays in place.
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Consider if you will be using your prairie point within the quilt itself. If so, you need to make your prairie points with a seam at the back that can't be seen from the front or side. To make this style, fold your fabric in half from top to bottom so it makes a rectangle. Iron to secure the fold in place. Take each folded corner and place it on the bottom center of the rectangle to create a smaller triangle. Iron into place.
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Repeat as needed to make as many prairie points as you need for your project.
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References
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