cutting triangles

[Aprilkay]

I'm new to quilting and on my 3rd one and if I cut triangles the way they show with drawing a diagonal line and sewing 1/4 inch on both sides then cut apart I can't see my 1/4 in seam line to do this, the fabric square is in the way. I just cut 2 layers on diagonal and then sew the 1/4 in seam. I would like to do it the right way, any help out there?

[Kittyquilt9292]

Hello Aprilkay from Klamath Falls, OR. I worked at OSU in 1980 and my dept head was from Klamath Falls! I worked in Educ Comm. Dept. Her first name was Ruth but I can't remember a last name. Anyway, just had to welcome you to this wonderful forum.

As I read your description I can't see what you're doing wrong. I'm not sure what you mean by the fabric square being in the way. Do you start with 2 squares, draw the diagonal across the square and then sew on both sides of the line? I assume you are trying to make half square triangle blocks? Can you explain a bit more or show a picture of the line drawn?

I admire you being a beginner and have already made 3 quilts. Hope you'll post some pictures of them.

hugs, carol/kittyquilt

[auntjana]

Maybe this will help - You are trying to see your marking on your machine - I will bet - try this:

Draw your diagonal lines on the wrong side of your squares - I use a quarter inch foot and run my guide of that foot on the line - this puts my needle at the quarter inch seam line. There is another way too - there is a tool that is a quarter inch marking guide that you can lay next to the center diagonal line that is 1/4 inch wide - mark that line and then sew on it. Repeat for the other side.

One other thing that you can do is measure the needle position to the edge of you regular sewing foot - adjust the needle position side to side until you have an accurate 1/4 inch from the edge of that foot. Use that as a guide to run down the center diagonal line. I have used the right side of the foot as you look at you machine to set this measurement up. Once you have that - you can sew any 1/4 seam easily

The only time that I use the guides that are are my machines throat plate is when I am garment sewing

Hope that I might have solved your problem - any more questions - just ask - you can PM any time

Jana - glad to have you join us.

[lorettav]

A 1/4" foot is what I use, but if this is not possible put a few hints out that you want this for your birthday or Christmas or something.

[Oasis]

Here is a tutorial to watch:

http://tutorials.missouriquiltco.com/'> ... iltco.com/

Sometimes it is easier to actually see it done. Hope this helps.

[kho]

Masking tape comes in 1/4 inch widths. Maybe you would like to tape that along the drawn seam and sew along it.