How Do You Cut Patchwork For Quilts?
How to Cut Quarter-Square Triangles Quarter-square triangles look just like half square triangles, but they’re very different. The straight fabric grain runs along the longest edge of a quarter-square triangle, while it runs along the short edges of half-squares. Quarter-square triangles are used in several ways, but most often as setting triangles, where they fill in the jagged edges surrounding blocks arranged on point. That configuration puts their long, straight grain edges on the perimeter of the quilt. Using half square triangles in that position would result in a quilt with stretchy bias edges on its perimeter, not a good thing since you want quilt edges to stay as intact as possible while you’re finishing up. Cutting Quarter-Square Triangles • Cut a square with sides that are 1-1/4″ longer than the finished length of t
Rotary Cut Squares, Rectangles & Bars for Patchwork Nearly all of the shapes used in quilts can be cut from long, rotary cut strips of fabric with the straight grain running along their edges. Squares have four 90-degree angles (right angles) and four equal sides. True rectangles have four right angles and are twice as long as they are wide. Longer rectangles are called bars. All three shapes are used as-is in quilts and are starting points for cutting many other patchwork shapes. Left-handed cutters must reverse fabric and ruler positions for many cuts. Cutting Squares and Rectangles • To cut a square, rectangle, or bar, rotary cut long strips of fabric that are 1/2″ wider than the height of the finished patch. • Square up one end of the stri
