Quilt Market Report – Friendship Triangles
Edyta Sitar (Laundry Basket Quilts), fabric designer for Moda Fabrics and author of the new book Friendship Triangles, organized a fun exchange with other Moda designers. Each of the different designers made triangle-squares that they shared with each other plus more to give away at market. I collected autographed triangle-squares from the different designers along with a copy of Edyta’s book, published by Landauer Publishing that we’ll be giving away.
autographed triangle-squares
Here are a few of the designers whose triangle-squares we’ll be giving away.
Edyta Sitar
Karla Eisenach of Sweetwater
Sandy Klop
Jan Patek
Just leave a comment and tell us your favorite way to make triangle-squares and we’ll randomly draw a winner on Friday, October 16th.
Update 10/15/09: Carolyn won’t be in the office on 10/16 to pick a winner–she’s extending this giveaway to next Friday 10/23. Leave your comment by noon MST!
80 comments
If I am making a lot of triangles with teh same fabric I love to use the grid paper or make my own grid. If I’m making scrappy ones I like to cut strips and use my Easy Angle Ruler.
The quilts are great!
My favorite way is to draw a diagonal line on the square and sew 1/4 inch on each side. Before pressing I use Eleanor Burns square up ruler to trim, then press. Triangles are my favorite quilting unit. You can do so much with them. Glad you’re having such a good time at Market.
My new favorite way to make triangles is using my GO! Accucut Die machine. Perfect every time.
Triangles on a Roll or Thangles are the way to go. Perfection every time!
I have been using lots and lots of THANGLES–which is how I learned to do the triangles, but I have been sewing strips together from my stash, and then marking them with my EZ Quilt Angle Ruler, and then I cut them and then sew the quarter-inch seams on each side, and then I press them and keep them in clear little boxes, so I always have my triangle squares ready as I need them for table runners, wall quilts, clothing inserts..as a “design-as-you-go” sew-er, I find that triangles are a handy thing to use and keep around, but I like all the above methods, and thanks for those tips !
Lately I have been using Triangulations by Brenda Henning. Works well, and you always have every size at your fingertips.
I always make my triangles from squares cut larger than I need and then cut in half. I have this to be the easiest method for me.
I usually use the basic way of the pencil line diagonal and sewing 1/4″ on each side. But after reading the blog responses, I’m going to try Thangles and the Quilt Angle Ruler as mentioned above. Thanks for the info. I just ordered an old book completely about making quilts with these and look forward to being creative with color placement.
My favorite way is to make lots at one time by using a drawn grid ala Thangles or gridded paper. But I love scrappy quilts. So when I am making a quilt using the stitch & flip method for one of the blocks, I use my Quick Quarter and draw 2 sewing lines. I sew both lines so when I cut off the corners and open the unused fabric, I have a perfect triangle-square units! Saves time making them later. I can just pull out my pre-made units and start piecing blocks together.
I always cut two squares 1″ larger than the finished size of the half square triangles. Then draw a diagonal line on the lightest square and sew 1/4″ on each side of the line, and cut on the diagonal line. After pressing, I square up to the finished size I need. I find adding 1″ instead of the normal 7/8″ gives me that bit of wiggle room so I can square up and get two accurate sized half square triangles.
I don’t use anything fancy. I cut long strips, layer them, and then cut the triangle in a row. It takes hardly any time at all. When making multiple square blocks of 2 triangles, I sew the two long fabric strips together at bother long edges, to make a giant tube. (does that make sense?) Then I cut the triangles one by one across the sewn strip. I pop them open and WALA – trianlde squares, all done, all perfectly sized.
: )
I like Judy R’s method and the Thangles. But I’m going to try some of the other methods listed and might find something I like better. ( :
I cut my squares larger then use the basic way of drawing a pencil line on the diagonal and sewing 1/4″ on each side.
That’s how I make my half-squares into squares….
To just cut triangles, I cut a strip, cut the squares, then use a regular ruler to “eye-ball” and cut in half.
I like drawing a line on the back of the sqaure, then stitch 1/4″ from each side of the square. Then cut on the drawn line to get two half sqaure triangle squares. If I have a lot I like to use Brenda Henning triangluations (not sure if I spelled that right). Sewing on paper ensures great results but I hate having to remove all that paper afterwards.
I like to cut squares a bit larger than needed, draw a line corner to corner and stitch a scant 1/4″ seam on either side. After cutting on the diagonal line I then square up to the size needed.
I cut squares a bit larger than needed, draw a line corner to corner and stitch a scant 1/4″ seam on either side. After cutting on the diagonal line I then square up to the size I want
I cut my squares, ll at once, place the light square on top of the darker one right sides together, then using a sandpaper board to hold the squares steady I draw a line from corner to corner on the light triangle, then sew 1/4 inch either side. Cut down the drawn line and you get two completed half triangles.
I prefer to put two squares of fabric together and draw a line from corner to corner . Stitch 1/4″ on each side of the line and cut apart on the line making two half square triangles each time. I always make them slightly oversize and trim them for accurate measure.
I have Triangles on a Roll, Thangles, Triangulations. But my favorite is putting the two squares together and drawing a line down the middle and sewing a quarter inch on each side. I do not like working with a bias, this method seems to stabilize the fabric. If I am making a ton of 1/2 square triangles, I use Triangles on a roll or Thangles. It depends on how many you need.
Love Thangles best of all, but if I don’t have the right size, I draw the line and sew on each side; however, I also make my squares 1″ bigger, then square them up – perfect! I also use TA-DA fusible when I need a lot of triangles of just two colors.
My favorite way to make triangles would be sitting next to Edyta at a retreat or class!!! That would be sooooo cool. But, the next best way I like to make triangles is to make squares and cut them diagonally.
What a great idea…having these ladies sign the triangles…I might borrow that one.
Smiles,
Kelly
I am with those who cut the squares larger, sew diagonally, then trim. This is the only way I can get perfect half square triangles.
I usually make them with two squares, draw a line diagonally, sew 1/4 inch on each side and then cut them apart.
I like to cut them as squares, draw a line diagonally, sew 1/4″ on each side of the line, then cut apart on the line I drew. Otherwise I would never get an accurate block!
I like the way you can make 2 triangles from squares when you draw the line diagonally acroaa and then sew 1/4″ to either side of the line. then cut on the line and you have two nice triangle blocks. I confess this is the only way I have worked with triangles and it seems to work really well.
i do the same triangle way everyone posted above, line, 1/4″ on either side, is there a better way to do it?? i learn as i go, and have only been quilting for almost a year, but have only made two quilts, so not a whole lot of new technique. any suggestions would be great, i can promise that if i win, i will give this a great home, promise!! thanks for the chance
My favourite was is using two squares with right sides together, drawing a line down the middle, sewing 1/4 inch on either side of the line, and then cutting down the middle. I learned this from a tutorial by Vanessa over at V&Co. and am currently using it to make my first pinwheel quilt.
I would love to win this book and the triangles! Thanks!
I always use squares with Fons and Porters guide in drawing the lines (instead of the center diagonal line). You actually draw the lines you will be sewing on and then cut it up the middle…corner to corner. Works great!
Lots of neat ways to make triangles! But I just make them with two squares, draw a line diagonally, sew a quarter inch on each side and then cut them apart. This seems like the simplest way to me.
I haven’t had to make a lot of triangles yet, but so far I’ve used the full-square stitched and cut into two half-square triangles method. What a fun chance to win!
I always draw the line, sew the 1/4″ on both sides, cut and square up. Edyta’s method looks pretty clever though. I dread picking out the paper though.
I take two squares usually 1″ bigger than required (I hate to deal with 7/8″ meaurements, so I guess i waste some fabric but i save my sanity) draw a line corner to corner, stitch 1/4″ on either side of the line, cut on the drawn line and open seam when i iron. Ta dah..done.
No way there are only 32 entries for this wonderful give away! Thanks to Jaybird quilts (sp?) for leading me here. I’ve never seen this blog before. . .
I take two squares RST draw a line from top left corner to bottom right corner then sew 1/4 seam on each side of the drawn line. Then I cut on the drawn line.
It depends on which form of tedium I prefer to endure at any given moment: if I feel like nothing is worse than picking Thangles paper off a slew of HSTs, then I’ll mark the cutting line and sew down either side. But if I can’t bear to mark a million squares, then I’ll zip them up with Thangles or Triangles on a Roll.
I like to make 2 triangles from squares, draw a line diagonally, sew a quarter inch on each side and then cut them apart – exactely the same way as above.
I like to make multicoloured triangles, I love them!, I make them as an square first and then, mark 1/4 seam allowance and cut across the square, I’d like to win the Edyta’s book, and learn the way she does them; plus I don’t have books!
Oh fun! I love making HST’s with the Triangulation program.
I love Triangultions also. They turn out so even.
I put two squares of fabric together and draw a line from corner to corner . Sew 1/4″ on the side of the line and then I cut them apart. After reading thru these answers, I may need to rethink the way I do it! Thanks for teh chance.
I have not used triangels in a quilt yet. But I would love to do that soon. A new book might just be the ticket!
I usually use the basic way of the pencil line diagonal and sewing 1/4″ on each side but I try and chain stitch them all at once. I never seem to have the Thangles on hand or I would use them.
I have avoided lots of triangles, they scare me- reading all the comments is very informative.
I totally rely on Thangles paper. I just don’t trust myself any other way!
Since I am still a beginner quilter, the only method I have used so far is drawing a diagonal line on the back of a square, sewing 1/4 inch on each side of the drawn line, then cutting on the drawn line…presto….works like magic for me. I am sure there are better/faster ways to make triangles and am looking forward to learning those methods in the near future.
I have used very few triangles up to this point and have always used the larger square, stitch diagonally, and cut method, but would love to try a better method. So far I have been a square/rectangle girl. But this book and the designer autographed triangles would be so much fun to work with!!
I draw a diagonal line across 2 squares, rst, and sew a 1/4″ on either side of the line, cutting on the initially drawn line. Perfect hst every time! I would LOVE to win Edyta’s book!
My favorite way is putting two 5″ squares together, drawing a line through, and seaming on either side (ala moda tutorial.)
I use the 2 squares method, drawing a diagonal line and sew 1/4th” on both sides of the drawn line. Hoping to win this book!!!!!!!
I use the line method, and sewing on either side. I want to try the thangles method, but I need to hunt down the notions for that so I can give it a shot.
I use the line down the center method as well. I find easiest for me to do since I’m a beginner.
I do draw a line in the center method too. I find that this has been the easiest and most efficient way to make them
Thanks for a great giveaway!
I am new to quilting, and haven’t made a lot of triangle squares… setting on point and making setting triangles was my latest new skill to tackle.
What a great giveaway! I’ve been working on my half-square triangles all week and the best way I’ve found is by using the Omnigrid 96L ruler – this ruler lets you use the jelly rolls and honey bun rolls so that you get a perfect 2″ or 1″ square for your project. Love it!
I like to figure out the size squares I need, then stack my fabrics RST. With a pencil I draw a line diagonally, then sew 1/4″ from that line on each side. A little rotary cutter work – and presto 2-1/2 square triangle blocks! Would love to win
I use a line and a seam on each side, I also love Thangles and most recently my GO! die cutter. I would love to win this book!! Thanks for such an AWESOME giveaway.
The only way I know is the old fashioned way of squares/diagonal line/sew and cut! Presto!! I am always reading about new ways to do it and new fangled tools but I’m a scardidy cat!!
I like Thangles OR taking two pieces of fabric and drawing TWO diagonals, sew 1/4th inch seam on each side of both then cut into 8 HSTs My tutorial on this is here. http://artbygene.blogspot.com/2009/08/half-square-triangle-tutorial.html
I want to try triangles on a row also.
My favorite way is sewing a 1/4″ seam on each side of a diagonal line on 2 squares.
I use the Easy Angle and cut my strips a little bit bigger and square them up afterwards. What a great chance to win a great book!
I like drawing the line down the center and sewing 1/4 inch on each side of the line. I love these little triangles, we at HGTV quilting board did a swap every other month for over a year, and I have enough to make a king size quilt with no two the same! BUT would love to have a few more colors in my quilt.
Tammy
I am a new quilter and still have to try triangles! LOL I’ve been doing squares and rectangles so far!
I do the line on the diagonal but always do them a little larger so they can be trimmed to the exact size after pressing. A little waste and extra work but worth it to me!!
My favorite way is to draw a line diagonal line on the squares and sew 1/4″ on both sides of the line then cut on the line. Thanks for such a great giveaway.
My favorite way to make triangles is to use “The Angler 2″. Pam Bono designed it I believe. Anyways, it’s WONDERFUL!! No more having to draw a pencil line down my squares.
Thanks for the giveaway. I also draw a line down the center and then sew a 1/4 inch either side.
What a great give-away! I’d love to be the winner of this one! Gotta love HSTs!
TRIANGLES ON A ROLL……that’s my favorite way to make them!!!
I put two squares of fabric together and draw a line from corner to corner and then stitch 1/4″ on each side of the line and cut apart on the line making two half square triangles. Beautiful quilts!!
drawing a diagonal line through a square. sewing on both sides. and then trimming down. that’s the method i like the best right now. would love to win Edyta’s new book.
I cut my triangles with the extra 7/8, draw the diagonal line and sew 1/4 down each side. This has been my method for a Lady of the Lake block I’m making. I am also using the Easy Angle ruler for another project and like how easy it is to match up and sew the triangles to other shaped pieces. Great giveaway – thanks for the chance:)
I am an instant gratification type…so I love Thangles…cut strips… sew here…cut there….remove paper….they are fantastic!!
I usually do the put the 2 squares together sew 1/4 inch on each side and cut. I am just about to try using Triangles on on roll for the first time.
I love half square triangle quilts…I think this book would be a fabulous addition to my collection/library!
Doris
auntiedart(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love The Angler 2. No more drawing lines!!! What a fun book.
I really like the triangle paper. I think it’s the continuous sewing and being able to lay on my mat to be cut with my rotary cutter.
Cutting strips not squares is what I like the most.
I seem to go back and keep using the draw the line down the diagonal way!
My preferred method is to cut squares in half then sew.
Triangles on a Roll are my ABSOLUTE fav. I like that I don’t have to cut a bunch of squares if I’m using alot of the same fabric.
I am an easy angle girl…I love that one corner is already clipped.
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