FAQ

Sew Easy Triangles Frequently Asked Questions….

*Are Sew Easy Triangles reusable? Sew Easy Triangles are not a reusable product, however they can be removed from the fabric and ironed to a different fabric if needed until they are sewn on. The paper works very similar to freezer paper that quilters use for appliqué.

*How many triangles are in a package? Each package of Sew Easy Triangles contains approximately 10 pages of printed paper. Just for an example, the 2” finished half-square triangles are printed 30 on a page, x 10 pages, or 300 per package. The number of triangles will depend on the size, i.e., the larger the triangle, the fewer will fit on a page. For a complete listing of sizes and amounts, click here.

*What if I don’t need a full page of triangles? It’s perfectly ok to only make as many as you need. Use your rotary cutter and ruler to cut the page apart on the solid lines so as not to affect the remaining triangles for a future project. Another option would be to make a full page and just throw the extras in a box until you have enough for a scrappy quilt.

*Can I trim the blank paper off the edges of the pages? For most efficient use of fabric cut away the paper to within a small margin around the outside of the printed grid. You can either stack the pages and use a cutter and ruler, or cut individual pages with scissors. You may also cut the fabric slightly larger than the grid without trimming the paper down. When you iron the pages on, they will stick to your ironing surface around the edges, but will pull up easily without leaving any residue.

*Is there a package of Sew Easy Triangles available in multiple sizes? Pieceful Patches does not currently produce a variety pack of Sew Easy Triangles. Due to public interest we may be offering one in the near future.

*What is the difference between a half-square triangle and a quarter-square triangle? A half-square triangle is a square divided in half once diagonally, made up of two triangular fabrics. A quarter-square triangle is a square divided both ways diagonally so it has four triangular pieces. This is commonly called an “hourglass” block. Another variation of a quarter-square triangle is a square divided in half, with one of those halves divided into two triangle pieces. This unit is typically used in a spinning star-type block.

*When I sew two triangle units together the diagonal seams don’t meet at the edge of the fabric, is this a problem? When sewing two triangle units together, or a triangle to a square, the diagonal seam should always end ¼” from the raw edge of the fabric. This allows the seam allowance for the next seam, and when the block is sewn on all sides, (in its finished state), the diagonal seam should begin and end at the corners of the block.

*How do I combine sizes of triangles? By using the finished size of the triangle unit you can combine different sizes if they are a multiple of each other. For example you could use 1 ½” and 3” together, or 2” and 4”. A 12” nine-patch could have 3” squares in the corners, but one of those 3” squares could be made up of a nine-patch of 1” triangles, or three rows of three 1” triangles. Graph paper is extremely helpful for complex arrangements. As long as your units are multiples and your seam allowance is an accurate ¼” you should be able to combine units.

*How do I calculate how many triangles I need? If you are using one of our patterns we will tell you how many pages of triangles to make. If you are adapting a different pattern follow this formula (one exception, see below): Determine the number of triangle units per block - one unit being a square made up of 2, 3, or 4 triangles. Multiply by the number of blocks in the pattern. Divide by two to calculate how many squares to make from the Sew Easy Triangle paper. Exception: if you are making the quarter-square variation that has three fabric pieces you would divide by four to determine how many squares.

for half-square or 4 piece quarter-square:
[(# of triangles per block) X (# of blocks per quilt)] divided by 2 = # of squares on the paper

for 3 piece quarter- square units:
[(# of triangles per block) X (# of blocks per quilt)] divided by 4 = # of squares on the paper

*Why do I have to sew the quarter-squares so goofy? Can I just sew straight across the square instead of jumping across the center line? The reason the quarter-square papers are gridded the way they are enables the quiltmaker to sew all quarter-square units identically. This becomes important when making the three-piece quarter-squares. If you were to sew straight across the square you would be making mirror-image units and would have to make twice as many. By following the stitching lines on the paper your units will all turn out so that the fabrics are in the same sequence.

*What is the cost of the Sew Easy Triangles? Sew Easy Triangles retail for $7.50 per package, regardless of size or type.

*I have some other brands of triangles, can I use them instead? Is there a difference? By all means, if you have invested money in other brands feel free to use them with our patterns. We write all of our patterns to be used with or without commercial triangle products and include instructions for both ways. We understand that quilters may have a supply on hand to use up before trying our product. However, we are very confident that once you try Sew Easy Triangles you will see the difference. Our triangle paper is the only paper that irons on to the fabric, stabilizing it for the sewing and cutting stages. This also eliminates the pinning needed with other products, which may cause a “pin-bump”, forcing more fabric into the triangle and affecting precision and accuracy. Plus, Sew Easy Triangle paper is conveniently sized to work with fat-quarters for minimal waste. Our triangles are interchangeable with any pattern, and our patterns are usable with any brand of triangle product as long as you know the finished size of the triangle unit.

*What do you mean by "finished size"? Finished size means the size that the unit will be once it has been sewn into the final project. When all the seams around the outside edges of the block have been sewn, your triangle will be it’s finished size. For example, the 2” finished half-square units will be 2 ½” when the paper is removed and they are pressed. If you allow a ¼” seam allowance on all four sides of that block it will become 2” when finished.