Half-Square or 1/4-square triangles?

[Lynn K.]

When is it appropriate to use 1/2- vs. 1/4-square triangles?

I've always tended to follow the pattern, but this one I'm questioning... I'm figuring they both are right-triangles, correct?

This is for a pieced border in which the entire long edges are the long sides of triangles, and the book (Bella Bella Quilts, p. 38 if you have it!) says "when border section I is assembled, be very careful handling it, because all the edges are on the bias and prone to stretch!" -- So I wonder, if I made 1/4-square triangles instead, wouldn't that eliminate that problem? Obviously, it would mean piecing on the 2 bias edges, but if I'm careful with that... What do you think?

then I know there'd be the math question to figure the right size, but I think I could handle that...

Florence

[Lynn K.]

Your instincts are sound, Florence, always avoid using bias on the edges if at all feasible. I would definitely use 1/4 square triangles on the edge of the border and half square triangles for the corners.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Judy M.]

Yes, I agree with you both!!! Bias on the edges of a quilt spells disaster! :shock: Judy in Torrance

[Mary K.]

Florence - I did not make the same quilt in the book as you are working on, but was also challenged with some biased edges on the Bella that I have in work. One thing that the teacher from my LQS recommended was starching and pressing all the fabrics. In addition to avoiding bias edges, I think the use of starch helped me quite a bit in the more difficult piecing required with the curved edges. I would highly recommed using the spray starch and pressing!

I look forward to seeing your quilt!

Mary Kay

[Mary K.]

I would definitely avoid using bias on the outside edges of any quilt or block if at all possible.

[Mary K.]

The maths is not so difficult either. If you know the length of the short sides you just multiply by 1.414 and if you know the long side you such divide by 1.414. (That is now for the length without seam allowance. For a I2 sq triangle you add 7/8 of an inch (2,5 cm) and for a 1/4 sq triangle you add 1 and 1/4 inch (3,5 cm)