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Terracotta Fiori QAL: Week 5 Triangles

We’ve all been sewing up a storm in our sewing rooms. At this point in the Quilt Along, we’re creating all the triangles for the Terracotta Fiori Quilt. Hopefully, you’re all enjoying yourselves! 

Sewing three triangles together

Changing Up the Timeline

I know life tends to get in the way — so this week we’re slowing down a bit. I thought I would give you a little more time to get the last of your triangles put together, pull all that paper out, create half hexagon sets, and put a few rows together. 

Yes, we’re adding steps this week! But — unlike my original timeline — we don’t have to have the top finished yet. If you’re able to get the top done this week, well… Fantastic! If you don’t have the time, that’s A-OK. You’re in the exact same boat as me. LOL. 

I’m all about being able to shift plans. I’m constantly giving myself pep talks to be kind to myself about where I’m at. So… next week we’ll complete the top, trimming the quilt down, and basting it together. 

Pulling the Paper Out

Pulling the paper out can be a daunting task. Believe me, I’ve been pulling enough paper out over the last three or four months to know just how daunting it is. Thankfully, I’ve figured out a way that makes it slightly less time-consuming. 

When you pull out pieces, hold on to the seam closest to the piece of paper you’re pulling on — fabric doesn’t get wonky this way. 

  • Start by removing S4-J, then remove S3-I and S2-H. This will make removing S1-G slightly easier.  
  • Start with the tip of the triangle (S!-G), using a pin or tweezers to get the tip to lift. Remove it. Then work on the seam of Template 2. 
  • Next, move to the top of the triangle, Template 1. Start with S6-F then remove S5-E. S4-D will be easier to remove. 
  • Again, if you need help you can use a pin or tweezers. Then move to S2-B and S3-C. 
  • Finally, remove S1-A and then work on the seams of Template 1. 

Press Out the Wrinkles

After you finish all of your triangles, you can give them a good pressing. I like to add a little starch (Best Press) to give them a little structure. I add a little water to the Best Press so it isn’t as concentrated. This will help any of the triangles that got a little wonky return to their original shape. 

Paper Pulling Side Note: A lot of people say you can wait until you finish your quilt top to pull the paper out. I tried that in a few rows of the twin-sized quilt I made, and… This didn’t work for me at all. S4-J kept shifting on me and I couldn’t tell if the fabric was staying with the paper. That meant I couldn’t tell if my 1/4” seam was lining up at the points. The paper was almost impossible to take out of the points of the triangles and the edge seams of the triangles, so I decided to advise against leaving the paper in for this project. 

Ironing the triangles

Triangle Sets

After you’ve pulled all the paper, you’re ready to work on your triangles sets! Refer to the pattern to see how many of each color you need. The seam lines from S6-f and S5-E can be a little tricky, so use a stiletto or mighty pin to keep your seam lines from shifting. 

I will demonstrate what I do on our Zoom Sew Day this Sunday at 9:30 am. Sew day will go on until 1:30. I will send emails out with the link tomorrow. If you want the link to the sew day but didn’t get it email me at edemoo@brownbirddesigns.com . You can work on other projects as well — there are no sewing police here! 

Sewing two triangles together

Sewing Equilateral Triangles Together

For angled edge sewing, it can be hard to figure out where to place your fabrics. You want the points to form a V shape ¼” from the edge. The sewing machine needle will start and stop on that V. If the fabrics come to the V before or after ¼” the seam allowance, the row edges will not be straight.

Need help finding the right place? Take one of the two fabrics and draw a line a ¼” from the edge on the wrong side of that fabric. The beginning of the line is where your fabric will start to show. 

What’s next? 

If you are ready for more this week, start sewing your rows together!

Sewing the triangles into rows

For your convenience, here is the timeline: 

Oct 8th – Picking Out Fabric
Oct 15th – Cutting Fabric
Oct 22nd – Paper Piecing Tips and Tricks
Oct 23rd – Zoom Sew Day – 9:30am to 1:30pm
Oct 29th – Catch Up
Nov 5th – Sewing Triangles Together and Putting Rows Together
Nov 7th – Zoom Sew Day – 9:30am to 1:30pm
Nov 12th – Putting The Top Together & Spray Basting
Nov 19th – Quilting
Nov 26th – Binding – Grand Prize

Here is a peek at this week’s gift.

Instagram Giveaway Reminder

You can see everyone’s photos on Instagram by clicking here #terracottafioriqa. You can also use the link to check and see if you used the right hashtag. Remember, I won’t be able to see your photos if your account is private. If I can’t see your photos, I can’t choose you as a winner for one of the prizes. After the quilt along has ended, feel free to change your account back to private. If you have any trouble doing this, please let me know — I would be happy to help. 

If you missed the beginning of the quilt along — don’t worry, you can join in at any time. Get your copy of the pattern in my Etsy shop by clicking here.

We have a Winner…. Ding Ding Ding

Sara Quigley congratulations!! Send me your mailing address and I will mail you your goodies. If you remember, the gift is a mini iron and two charm packs.

Leave a Comment

The Comments

  • Cassie
    November 6, 2021

    Congratulations Sara!