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Member since 9/12/07
Posts: 222
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Posted on: 6/2/09 0:04 AM ET
How accurate is a template going to be traced from a book and used to make triangles for blocks? I found an older book that uses templates and not rotary cutting directions. The block is made using two smaller triangles sewn to a larger one. I have been told that triangles are hard enough to work with and doing the template thing traced from a book just might not work. Anyone worked with patterns like that with much success?
  
Member since 6/16/06
Posts: 1286
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Posted on: 6/2/09 8:45 AM ET
In reply to clr56
Can you describe the triangles? If they are right angle triangles, I can help you with what size strips to cut so that the triangles turn out the correct size. Basically you cut a long strip the right size and then cut triangles out of the strip with a rotary cutter.

If they aren't right triangles, you can still cut them out using a rotary cutter and ruler, you just use the correct angle line on the ruler.

If all else fails, make a copy of the triangle and tape it to your ruler to use as a guide!

Triangles aren't hard to work with, you just have to watch the stretch of the bias. A gentle touch with iron so as not the stretch the edges. really the straight of the grain should be on the outside of the block, but I admit, I don't always do that.
good luck!


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Too much fabric to count...
  
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 167
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Posted on: 6/2/09 1:02 PM ET
In reply to clr56
If you trace, cut and sew the triangles accurately, the template should work fine. It's not as fast as rotary cutting, but when I made my first quilt (way back in the Dark Ages before rotary cutters were invented) it was the way to do it. I still do some handpiecing using homemade templates.

Janet

  
Member since 5/28/07
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Posted on: 6/2/09 4:35 PM ET
I find that if you can work out the strip size of the triangle, by taping it over the ruler or by matching it up to a triangle template like the one Fons and Porter make (once I figured out there flying geese ruler, its become a favorite) your triangles will be much more consistent.

When I started quilting I took a sampler class where we made our own templates and marked on the sandpaper and cut individually - I had a horrible result this way I was simply not precise enough, or consistent enough.

If its half square triangles I think the rule is finished size plus 7/8. makes it much easier to work out and cut
  
Member since 9/12/07
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Posted on: 6/3/09 9:18 AM ET
In reply to chrisquilts_2
The pattern calls for right triangles, so I think my sister and I could work that out using a rotary cutter. At some point we will test it out using some scrap fabric. Thanks for all who responded. I decided to make a biscuit quilt for now since it is for a baby who will be born by the end of summer. I will try the advice this fall when I have more time. Thanks again.
  
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