Side Triangle and Corner Triangle Cutting Cart

Quilters use this triangle cutting chart when piecing a diagonal layout quilt. In a diagonal layout, blocks are placed on-point. The blocks are shown in white above. The corner triangles, shown in black, are in the corners. Side triangles, shown in gray, are along the edges.  

Cutting Triangles from Squares

This triangle cutting chart is based on cutting squares then sub-cutting the squares into triangles. 

Cut the square twice diagonally for side triangles.

Side Triangle Cuts

Cut the square once diagonally for corner triangles

Corner Triangle Cuts

Why Cut Triangles from Squares?

Squares are easy to cut. First, cut along the width of fabric. Next, sub-cut into squares. Finally, sub-cut the squares into 2 or 4 triangles. Cutting squares this way ensures the grain lines follow the outer edges of the quilt. The picture below shows the grain lines for the side triangle cuts. These cuts put either the crosswise or lengthwise grain along the outside edges of the quilt.

Next we have a picture of the grain lines for the corner triangle cuts. These cuts also put the grain lines along the outside edges of the quilt.

How to Use the Triangle Cutting Chart

I suggest you cut test squares to make sure you are cutting the correct size. I like to make my squares about an inch larger then cut them down later.

Step 1 - First, find the finished block size in column 1.

Step 2 - Next, find the corresponding number in column 2. Cut squares to this size in inches. One square gives you 4 side triangles. Step 3 - Finally, find the corresponding number in column 3. Cut 2 squares to this size in inches. One square gives you 2 corner triangles.

NOTE: When in doubt about what size to cut, always round UP just to be sure. You can always trim it down later.

Triangle Math

If you prefer to do the math yourself, here are the formulas:

Side Triangles

(Finished block size in inches x 1.414) + 1.25"

Corner Triangles

(Finished block size in inches / 1.414) + .875"

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Happy quilting!

Carol

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Chain Piecing

Chain piecing is a method of speed piecing where segments of fabric are fed into the sewing machine one after the other without stopping to cut the threads. This produces a chain of sewn segments that are then cut apart and pressed.

Chain Piecing Steps

Here are the steps to accomplish the chain piecing technique:

Needle Plate

The needle plate, sometimes called the throat plate, covers the area near the needle. There are 2 commonly used needle plates: the zig zag plate, shown above, and the straight stitch plate shown below. In this article you will learn about the differences in these plates and why you might want to have both of them on hand.

Using Scraps From Pre-Cut Strips

NOTE: In October 2017 I posted this one minute video on using scraps from pre-cut strips. Since that time I have probably made 5 or 6 more of these. That's a lot of scraps.

Here is the finished quilt!

Strip Piecing: Free Pattern and Tutorial

If you need a quilt that's easy, fast and fun to make, the Strip Pieced Diagonal Beginner quilt is for you. I found this easy strip piecing pattern a few years back when I was looking for easy quilts to make for Veterans.

Using just three fabrics and strip piecing, you will love how quickly this quilt comes together.

Amazon Star, The Biggest Quilt I Ever Made!

Here it is guys. Amazon Star designed by Quiltworx.com. It finishes at 104" x 104". I have never made a quilt this big. My daughter, Diane, wanted a duvet cover for a king size bed. So I offered to make one for her. This is a picture of the finished quilt top taken by China at Sew Special Quilts in Katy Texas, where I purchased the fabrics.