VERY, VERY LARGE CORNERS...

[PamM]

I need some advise on how to cut a 43-inch square in order to make the coner triangles for a quilt. I have nothing large enough to use as a guide and certainly nothing to help me with cutting it. Any suggestions? I would appreciate any help, PamM

[sewbug]

I guess a framing square would be what I would use or a yard stick. Draw the square then cut it out. That sure is a big quilt square to cut.

[CaroleJ]

I'd go with a yardstick. There are some that are made of metal. The weight makes them less likely to shift around while using them.

I think I would measure the size on the straight grain first, and go from there.

[cindyg]

I'd cut the 43" square and then fold it on the diagonal. Then I would pin it close to the fold and press it. Then cut on the pressed
crease. Be careful not to stretch it - the crease will be on the bias.

[auntjana]

Since you are dealing with such a large piece - I would suggest making a paper template - making sure that you are square in all dimensions. When you are building - they use a 3 -4- 5 method to determine square - you can do the same on your template. Builders use feet in the measurement - you could use inches instead. You can use a multiple of the 3-4-5 such as 6-8-10 and so forth.

Good luck
Jana

[institcheswithrosie]

I agree w/ Cindyg's method. Because the risk of stretch is high, you might want to spray starch very heavily around the crease as far out as the stitching line.

[SharonG/FL]

Basting just off the cutting line before cutting might help with the bias problem.

[CoyoteQuilts]

Pam, How big are your corner square triangles? Did you know there is a ruler that cuts side square triangles? Yep, it is by Darlen Zimmerman and it is called a Flip-n-set. You cut a strip of fabric a certain width then use the ruler to cut the triangles. You will always have the straight of grain on the edge too!!! some of the bigger calculations are:
11 inch strip makes a 14 inch block
11 1/2 strip makes a 15 inch block
12 1/2 makes a 16 inch block


Not all LQS carry these, but I am sure you can get one online.

I just read the instructions on the back and it says for the corner triangles "For corner triangles cut 2 squares the size of the finished blocks. Cut each on the diagonal" I probably would cut them at least 1/2 to 1 inch bigger, just to be sure.

Good luck,
Sharon V.

[CaroleJ]

Pam, did you ever get those big corner squares puzzled out? Just wondering!

[PamM]

Thanks for all the help ladies. Yes I finally got the squares cut out. It took 3 rulers and my husbands carpenter square from the garage, but I got it. I did the starch and the stay-stitching on the bias' so I hope I got it. I would hate to think I would have to try and get this cut again, two's enough.
Thanks again. Pam