Tips & Tricks

Here are fast and easy directions for make quarter-square triangles and half-square triangles. Judy

I have learned that it's easier for me to cut squares, draw a diagonal line down the center, then sew 1/4inch down both sides of the line. I always make my squares large. Then, I place the diagonal line of my small square ruler on the seam line and cut the square to the exact size I need. It really helps me to do it this way to get precise triangles. I have also used the grid method when I need to make alot of triangles for blocks in a quilt. ( For example, the Bear Paw block.) Bear

Triangles, esp. half square triangles, are so MUCH easider if you don't cut the triangles out first, but rather work with squares cut 7/8" bigger than the finished patch needs to be. Lay onthe squares right sides together and draw a line diagonally from corner to corner and sew 1/4" on each side of the line.Measure and make sure your seams are 1/4" or a scant thread width smaller. Any wider than that, and your block will be too small when you are finished sewing it together.

Then, you cut the triangles apart, open them up and press to the dark, and measure again. If it is to be finished at 2" then it needs to measure 2-1/2" square. Mary

Use your computer, scanner and printers to make paper patterns for your work. Print on tissue paper, recycled paper (E/Less got me turned on to that one)for paper pieced and the uncoated side of freezer paper for templates and applique. NO MORE TRACING!!! Well...almost no more tracing, I need a wider carriage, otherwise things get done in pieces. Jerry

I use the scanner to scan quilting patterns for machine quiting..then print them out and pin them to the quilt. Much easier than trying to trace them onto the quilt with a light table.

When I do quick half square triangles, I draw the grid right on the back of the lightest of the two fabrics rather than trying to keep a grid drawn on paper in place. Sandy

Use those Pigma Pens to cover up any unwanted thread that show up any project you are doing, applique or piecing blocks. Set with an iron. Eless

Here is one of my favorite tips. Bigger Bottoms!!!

When you are faced with stitching two patches or blocks together and one is a teensy bit shorter than it should be, place them so that the longer one is on the bottom, next to the feed dogs. Line up the beginning, start sewing, hold the end that is closest to you, and stitch! You will have eased that 'extra' bit right in! Mary

I like the one I read HERE about wearing cotton garden gloves with gipper dots (mine are purple of course) to machine quilt...Purr