GO! Big Electric
GO!
GO! Me
Studio 2
I can’t believe we’re already to Part 3! Last week, we put together our star blocks and the quarter square triangle block so that we’re ready to cut setting triangles and put the center together!
If you’re just getting started with this quilt-along, we’re “sew” happy to have you joining! AccuQuilt is teaming up with the American Quilter's Society (AQS) for five AQS & AccuQuilt-Alongs for 2023, and the GO! Stars in the Crown Throw Quilt is our first project. Be sure to check out the introduction on our blog from February 1 with all the details – including rotary cutting directions.
So far, we’ve cut and sewn two of the most popular units in quilting – Flying Geese and Square in a Square, or Square on Point, to build nine star blocks. We’ve also cut and sewn four quarter square triangle blocks, so this week, we’re diving into setting triangles and putting the center of our quilt together. Each week’s blog accompanies a livestream event at noon CT when we all can work together. All our events are recorded, and you can watch (and re-watch) on our website, AccuQuilt’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Here's last week’s show:
Let’s Talk Setting Triangles
If you’re newer to quilting, you may find yourself wondering what setting triangles are and what makes them different from any other triangle, so let’s start there!
Setting triangles are used when you set your blocks on point. Doing this will leave open spaces along the edge and corners of your project. Corner and side setting triangles are used to square off the edges of your project.
Here’s a picture of the layout for this project, showing those shapes:
You can follow a complex mathematical equation to calculate the size of square to cut, then cut from corner to corner to create these pieces – or you can use a GO! Setting Triangles Die that matches the size block you are using to make the process simple!
Wait – there’s more! Cutting a square from corner to corner creates a bias edge, which means it’s stretchy, and that long side will be facing the outside of your project. The die is designed so that the long edge of the triangle is cut along the lengthwise grain of the fabric. The lengthwise grain is the tightest grain of fabric with the least amount of stretch, perfect for the outside edge of projects.
We cut the four corner setting triangles last week, so let’s cut the side setting triangles. You’ll need eight side setting triangles for this project. I am working with the GO! Qube Mix & Match 8” Block and GO! Setting Triangles-8” Finished Die for my project. If you are working with a different size, be sure to refer to your pattern for fabric prep directions.
Pattern Correction
Speaking of the cutting directions in the pattern, we’ve recently discovered a mistake that has now been corrected. When cutting the side setting triangles, you will want to grab your clear ruler and measure the length of those triangles all together on the die. Depending on the size, you will have one to four of the side triangle shapes on your die board.
As we’ve discussed earlier, you want to subcut your fabric a 1/4” larger than the shape on each side. The corrections have now been made in the patterns, so you can download an updated version, but here are the updated measurements by GO! Qube/finished block size.
NOTE: "WOF" refers to the Width of Fabric.
GO! Setting Triangles-4” Finished Die Cut one 16 1/2” x WOF strip
GO! Setting Triangles-5” Finished Die Cut one 16” x WOF strip
GO! Setting Triangles-6” Finished Die Cut one 19” x WOF strip
GO! Setting Triangles-8” Finished Die Cut one 18 1/2” x WOF strip
GO! Setting Triangles-9” Finished Die Cut one 21” x WOF strip
GO! Setting Triangles-10” Finished Die Cut two 15 1/2” x WOF strips
GO! Setting Triangles-12” Finished Die Cut two 18 1/4” x WOF strips
The key is to have the lengthwise grain, or selvedge edge, running lengthwise on your die as it goes through the cutter.
From there, you can fanfold the fabric over the shapes on the die. With the 8” finished size, there are two side setting triangles on the die. Again, you will need to cut a total of eight side setting triangles.
Layout Time!
The key to working with squares set on point and those setting triangles is making sure you sew everything in the correct direction. I find using a wall is really helpful, but any space can work from the floor to your bed or a table. Follow the diagram in your pattern, or found above in this blog post. If you are using the rotary cutting directions provided by AQS, I still suggest downloading the GO! Qube 8" version of this pattern for the sewing directions!
I like to sew all my blocks and setting triangles into rows, then sew the rows together. Pressing the block seams in opposite directions will allow you to nest those seams together!
Here's my tip for getting started: for your first row, sew side setting triangles to either side of a star block and press. Then, add the corner triangle. Sewing it together this way will make sure everything lines up perfectly with the dog-eared corners!
Now, step back and admire the beautiful center of your project! Be sure to take a picture to share with all of us on social media using the hashtag #AQSews. If you haven’t joined the AQS Quilting Project Parade Facebook group, be sure you do. Pam and I have really been enjoying seeing all your projects there and chatting with everyone.
Next week, we’re going to finish this top off with a border and talk about quilting and binding. The following week, we’ll have a “show & tell” episode looking at all those amazing project pictures from social media!
Don’t forget that we record all our quilt-along shows, so you can watch them any time on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
If you don't have a GO! Fabric Cutter yet, now might be just the right time to get one. We have four more AQS & AccuQuilt-Alongs planned for 2023. If you're interested in trying one out, be sure to check the Store Locator to find a retailer near you, and AccuQuilt will be available at all the AQS shows this year as well!
Comments