Sew Half-Rectangle Triangles

Method 2

There is no one right way to do things. Each of us has different abilities and sensibilities. What works for one person doesn't for another.

When I teach quilting I've learned never to say, "This is how it should be done." I've learned to say, "This is how it can be done."

In my last post I showed you one way to sew half-rectangle triangles. Today I'll show you another.

This method uses a Recs tool designed by Darlene Zimmerman & Joy Hoffman. It is available from EZ Quilting. This tool is used for making half-rectangle triangles that are twice as long as they are wide.

For demonstration purposes I am assuming half-rectangle triangles with a finished size of 2"x4"

To make 4" long triangles start with a strip of fabric 4 1/2" wide. The extra 1/2" is for seam allowances.

Align the 4 1/2" line on the tool with the bottom of the strip.

Cut along the edge of the tool to create a 2 1/2"x 4 1/2" triangle.

The top left hand corner of the tool is at an angle. Cutting off this small bit of fabric will allow for more accurate alignment when assembling the pieces.

Mirror image triangles are made by flipping either the tool or the fabric.






For the block at the beginning of this post you will need a green triangle and a mirror-image green triangle, a white triangle and a mirror-image white triangle.

When two triangles are placed right sides together the small cut in the corner makes it possible to align them exactly.

In the examples on the right the point at the top of the white fabric marks the 1/4" seam allowance and you can start sewing there.

After the unit is opened and pressed, you will need to trim the little bits at either end.

The block shown at the start of this post is made using 2 half-rectangle triangles 2" x4", finished size, and 2 half-square triangles - one 2"x 2" and one 4"x 4", finished size.

It's a simple block but it can make some interesting designs.





In my next post I'll show you a third way to make half-rectangle triangles.