Triangle Math Secrets
For Half Square Triangle units add 7/8" or 1" to the finished size and square up afterwards. See Half Square Triangles.
If you are making sew and flip Half Square Triangles, add 1/2" to the finished size. Create these by drawing a line on the diagonal. Stitch on the line, press open and cut off all but a 1/4" seam allowance. You can make another mark parallel to the diagonal line and 1/2" away to sew on. This will create additional, smaller Half Square Triangles for later use.
Alternatively, cut a width of fabric strip from two fabrics. With right sides together, sew 1/4" seam allowance along the two long sides. Mark and cut triangles using a 45 degree angle ruler. Take out the top stitches and press to make half square triangles.
For Quarter Square Triangle units add 1 1/4" to the finished size. See Quarter Square Triangles.
For flying geese, see Flying Geese.
Easy 9-Patch (54" x 54")
1 1/6 yards (each) of two coordinating colors to create sixteen 12" finished blocks
2/3 yard to add a 3" finished border
3 1/2 yards for backing
3/8 yard for binding
Cut two 7" width-of-fabric strips. Sew together the long sides right-sides-together with a 1/4" seam. Press toward the dark. Crosscut into 7" sections.
Use two sections to make a four-patch. Press. Cut 1 3/4" on from each side of both vertical and horizontal seams.
Flip each outer-middle piece 180 degrees so that the same colors do not touch. Sew together in this formation.
Square blocks up to be 12 1/2" unfinished.
Each set of two strips makes three blocks.
Ombre Shadow Quilt
You will need 1 5/8 yard of a fabric of your choice and 2 1/2 yards of an ombre fabric. First, cut six 4" strips from the non-ombre fabric for the outer border. Then, cut six 2 1/2" strips of the non-ombre fabric for binding. Next, cut six 1 1/2" strips of the ombre fabric for the inner border. Cut the remaining fabric into 10 1/2" strips cut lengthwise, rather than in the usual manner. Place an ombre and non-ombre 10 1/2" strip right-sides-together and sew along both of the longer sides with a 1/4" seam. Repeat the preceding step three more times. Cut three triangles from each 10 1/2" tube using a 45 degree angle. Take out the few stitches at the top of the triangles, and press them open. Sew the resulting half-square triangles into four rows of three, before attaching the borders. You can buy the book at http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/versatile+ombre+quilting+book.do.
Ombre Shadow Quilt
You will need 1 5/8 yard of a fabric of your choice and 2 1/2 yards of an ombre fabric. First, cut six 4" strips from the non-ombre fabric for the outer border. Then, cut six 2 1/2" strips of the non-ombre fabric for binding. Next, cut six 1 1/2" strips of the ombre fabric for the inner border. Cut the remaining fabric into 10 1/2" strips cut lengthwise, rather than in the usual manner. Place an ombre and non-ombre 10 1/2" strip right-sides-together and sew along both of the longer sides with a 1/4" seam. Repeat the preceding step three more times. Cut three triangles from each 10 1/2" tube using a 45 degree angle. Take out the few stitches at the top of the triangles, and press them open. Sew the resulting half-square triangles into four rows of three, before attaching the borders. You can buy the book at http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/versatile+ombre+quilting+book.do.
