Ask Alex: Tips for Triangles

Half-square triangles (left) and quarter-square triangles (right)

Half-square triangles - Created by cutting a a square in half diagonally, half-square triangles have outside angles cut on straight of grain and the center line cut on the bias. Add 7/8 of an inch for seam allowance.

To make a Flying Geese block, join a half-square triangle to one side of a quarter-square triangle.

Quarter-square triangles - Created by cutting a square it into quarters with two diagonal cuts, quarter-square triangle lines opposite of the 90-degree are on the straight-of-grain edge while the outside angles are cut on the bias. Add 1-1/4 inches for seam allowance.

To complete the Flying Geese block, stitch a second half-square triangle to the other side of the quarter-square triangle.

These two types of triangles are used to make Flying Geese blocks, but how do you deal with the different size and shapes when matching them up? To do this, line up the ouside corners of a quarter-square triangle with the bottom of the half-square triangle, forming a bunny ear at the top. Stitch, then press out. Repeat on the opposite side with a second half-square triangle.