Tips for constructing the Saw Tooth block that we’ll be drawing for at the Feb. meeting.

• For this block I cut my fabric a little differently than the directions from Quilters Cache. I cut four background 3½” squares; four background 4” squares and four navy 4” squares; two background 4” squares and two green 4” squares. (Each of the squares in the photo are two layers.)

• Here’s my reasoning for the change in directions. Measuring 3-7/8” is not the easiest, and then if you don’t cut the square in half exactly right or if your seam is off even a little, you don’t get the 3½” half-square triangle you should have.
• So I cut my squares that will be made into half-square triangles a little bigger (4” square). Cut these squares in half along the diagonal.

• Chain-sew the triangles together with an accurate quarter-inch seam.

• A word about chain sewing: Use your needle-down option if your machine has this feature. After you complete one piece, stop, lift the presser foot and position the next piece just in front of the needle.

• Lower the presser foot and sew. Make sure to guide the fabric until it is completely past the needle.

• After sewing the four green and background half-square triangles, and the eight blue and background half-square triangles, its time to press.
• By the way, you may have noticed I used a stripe for my blue fabric. If you choose to use a stripe, try cutting two of the squares in one direction and the other two in the opposite direction.
• When you press, be sure to set the seam.

• Finger-press.

• Then glide the iron over the seam.

• Press each of the green half-square triangles toward the green. Press four of the blue half-square triangles toward the blue, and the other four toward the background fabric.

• Since I cut my square a little big, now I need to square up each half-square triangle to exactly 3½” square. I know this takes a little more time, but I love the accuracy. Start by aligning the 45° line along the diagonal seam. Shift the ruler so the 3½” marks are just inside the square and the right and top edges of the ruler are inside the square.
• Trim the right and top edges.

• Rotate the block 180° and line up the 3½” marks along the bottom and left edges of the block. Trim along the right and top edges.

• Square up all twelve half-square triangles.
• Next we’ll join the four green half-square triangles to form the pinwheel for the center of the block. Layout the four half-square triangles as shown.

• Lay the right half-square triangle over the one on the left and sew along the right edge. Press toward the background triangle.
• STOP! Check to make sure this unit measures 3½” by 6½”. If it doesn’t, make adjustments in your seam allowance now.
• Sew the two halves together. The seams should lock at the center.

• Remove the two or three vertical stitches on the front and back of the piece.

• Now you should be able to swirl the seams and press the seams toward the background triangles.

• Next sew the blue half-square triangles together as shown.

• The diagonal seams should lock.

• Place the unit as shown on your ironing surface.

• Set the seam and press.

• Layout the units that make the block. Did you notice it’s just a nine-patch?

• Stitch the 3½” background squares to each side of the blue units, press toward the background square.
• Stitch the blue units to each side of the pinwheel, press toward the pinwheel.

• Stitch the last two seams and press toward the center of the block.

• Does your finished block measure 12½” square? Hope so!

I’ve noticed this part of our website has been getting a lot of hits which is great! I hope these tips are helpful and any feedback you can give me would be really appreciated! Carol

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (4)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Debbie L said:

	Block of the Month Fabulous demo! I am going to get busy on mine.
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 26, 2010
Votes: +0

SKenney said:

	Thanks for the BOM Demo I hope this will encourage new quilters to try more advanced piecing techniques. The results are worth the extra time and attention needed. If a quilter is looking for a challenge I'd recommend the book "Mastering Precision Piecing" by expert Sally Collins.
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 03, 2010
Votes: +1

chesndar said:

	... I sure wish I had seen this demo before I started making my pinwheel quilt. It turned out very nicely, but a lot more hassle the way I did it. I will keep this one for future reference.
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 19, 2010
Votes: +0

Carmen said:

	Pin Wheel I have an even simplier way to make half square triangles. Take a 5 inch square of your focus fabric and a 5 inch square of your background and sew a 1/4 inch around all four sides. Crosscut corner to corner twice and you have 4 3 inch half square triangles. I have been able to create several quick baby quilts with charms packs and this method.
	report abuse vote down vote up

November 10, 2010
Votes: +0

Show/hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment