Triangle Patch Work Quilt

This warm patch work quilt is a iconic piece of our family tradition.When I was little all the ladies would get together and quilt patchwork quilts.These quilts can be used for winter nights,a cozy reading spot,or a regal robe.(depends what mood you're in;)These quilts are great winter projects ,1 they take up a good amount of time, 2, they are warm and cuddly,and 3, when you are done you get to feel good about your self.

Step 1: First Things First

To start off make sure that you have all your materials that you are going to use.This saves time as well as energy.To start you cut out a five inch square of cotton fabric,then cut that square in half diagonally.(example shown upward)The pattern on this fabric can be any type you please.To avoid waisting material try to be systematic.Start from the bottom left corner and move in a straight line across.Continue doing this with all the other cotton fabric patterns you want until you have enough for your quilt.A theme is optional for your quilt blocks,but if you want to add a little flavor you can add a central theme for your pieces.Like dinosaurs if your making it for a little boy,or unicorns for a little girl.This is a very important part so don't rush.Your going to have to put the triangles together later on so try to make them as equal as possible.This ends the first step.

Step 2: Sewing Your Pattern

The next thing you're going to do is sew the triangles together to form a square.It is very important to sew all seams the same width. 1/4 or 3/8 in. seam width. Sew together in a random pattern of colors. This gives it your own special personal touch.After you are done the cotton should look like this.(see above no.1) Use a tight stitch to give it an extra boost of durability so it will last until you can hand it down to your granddaughter or niece,or even best friend.Make sure to make your quilt as big as you want it in this step.

Step 3: Finishing Up

In this step you take a quilt frame(see above no.1)and tack your cotton fabric bottom,(see above no.2) with batting on top,(see above no.3-4)with the quilt over it all onto the quilt frame (see above no.5).You probably won't be able to fit your whole quilt onto the frame at once(unless you're making your blanket for ratatouille,or have a different frame)Then you sew the whole darn thing together by hand(this is what the ladies did at the sewing meetings)You can either hand stitch along the seams or 1/4 inch inside the seams. This is probably the most time consuming and (by opinion)the most enjoyable.If you're new to this you will experience some frustration but just keep moving on until your done.It is a good idea to put a thimble on your thumb to prevent puncturing your thumb when pushing the needle through 3 layers of cloth.Thimbles are cheap and they save a great deal of pain. Use cotton hand quilting thread.

Step 4: CREDITS

writing of instructable done by patrick overholt(age 14)

editing, supervising and instructing by mildred overholt(age 35)

modeling done by Cassandra overholt (age 10)

Comments

[mrsmerwin]

I find that when I cut the squares into triangles and then sew them, that the fabric stretches. I draw a pencil line diagonally across the squares. Then I sew on both sides of the pencil line. When you cut on the pencil line, you end up with 2 squares but the fabric lays flatter (no stretching).

[cdstudioNH]

Oh, I see, this would be referred to as staystitching, like what we do when sewing should seams. The diagonal creates a bias, stretchy seam.. do you have any other methods that would save time? Or does that go quick enough... Thanks!

[mrsmerwin]

It goes pretty quickly. You are sewing the exact same amount and cutting the same amount. You are just changing the order. I have a tool that is a half inch wide. You line it up corner to corner on the fabric. Then you draw a pencil line along each edge--these are the sewing lines. After sewing both lines, you cut the two pieces apart and you have 2 squares.

[cdstudioNH]

Oh, I get it!! Very cool! : )

[gandalfthesecond]

Thats pretty cool,I never thought of that.

[mrsmerwin]

I read it in a quilting book years ago when I was learning to quilt. I don't follow all the rules of quilting that I read back then but that one worked for me so I still do it.

[Oranges Rhymed]

Beautiful quilt!

[Swansong]

That looks beautiful ^.^ I wish I had learned how to quilt from my grandmother when I was younger!

[mrsmerwin]

It is never too late to learn. I learned years ago--only intended to make one or 2 small ones. Loved it so much that I have ended up making several hundred.