Ask Alex: Stitching Triangles

Expert Alex Anderson offers these pointers:

• A sharp new needle is recommended. Use a 70- or 80-size. Some quilters recommend changing needles after every six to eight hours of sewing or quilting.

• The throat plate hole can also make a difference — try a single-stitch hole throat plate for higher end sewing machines.

• Feed the fabric through with a stiletto.
  

Here’s an easy triangle-making technique:

1. Position two squares of fabric, right sides together, and cut down the center with the ruler placed on the 45-degree angle on the edge of the fabric. Cut into two-inch strips. Add 1/4-inch seam allowance if desired.

2. Sew the two-inch strips together. Keeping one end with a fairly consistent edge—one edge will be out of kilter. Press the seams open when working with small triangles.

3. Cut two-inch strips on the 45-degree angle. Now cut out perfect triangles.