Tag Archives: Half Square Triangles

Irregular Triangle Foundation – Tutorial

Irregular Triangle Foundation Piecing – Tutorial

Hello my Dear Friends and Readers,

So many quilters have used this technique before me.  Using a foundation is a way of being able to utilise even the smallest amount of fabric.  This can be following a pattern, like with paper piecing or like with “Crazy Quilting”, where small pieces of different size and weights of fabric are sewn together in a random or crazy or “crazed” style, to eventually become one block.  The pieces are either carefully pieced to fit together or pieced onto a foundation.  The blocks may also be  embellished with lace or embroidery or other decorative notions.

Piecing Irregular Triangles onto a foundation block could also be referred to as a type of Improvisational Patchwork.  The pieces for these units can be cut by design or, as I prefer, cut by chance then incorporated onto a foundation.  Whichever way this technique is labelled, I like the practicality of finding a place for my little scrap triangles.

susies-scraps.com
Irregular Triangle Foundation Block

I have to say I really love this method of using small triangle scraps, to make lovely little star blocks.  Even if one is not entirely enamoured by irregular piecing, these little blocks are still lovely to look at because they do take on the quality of a star which has irregular strengths of light beams coming from them.   Every star will be slightly different and definitely unique from each maker,  as little pieces of scrap fabric are incorporated.  Using the foundation piecing brings stability to the block.

Practically speaking, you may remember when I posted my “Quilt Pantry”.

Quilt Pantry

Here, I can store small amounts of scrap fabric to be incorporated into another project.  Really you cannot overestimate the efficiency  of this technique, because, when it comes time to sew, these little pieces, from many sources, have already been cut.  Think about how long it would take to now find many different fabrics and cut little triangles for a very scrappy project – many hours I think.

Bear in mind, these can be made in any size you prefer, but for today’s example,  I will use 2 1/2″ squares as my foundation and background for the block.  Finished block size 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2”.

To make one of these star blocks you will need;

Eight small scrap triangles.  Different sizes and colours are okay.
Eight x 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2” light background squares
One x 2 1/2″ coloured square
susies-scraps.com
Irregular Triangle Foundation Block
To make the star points, take one background square, right side up.  Place one scrap triangle, right side down as per the photo, ensuring that the edges of the triangle overhang each side.  Sew across the long edge (hypotenuse) of the triangle 1/4″ from the edge.
susies-scraps.com
Irregular Triangle Foundation Block
Turn the triangle back.  Finger press.  Both sides of the triangle should over hang the corner somewhat. Trim the edges off to match with the foundation block.  Then trim out the excess foundation from under the triangle.
This shows the block from the wrong side before trimming, with one triangle attached.
susies-scraps.com
Irregular Triangle Foundation Block
Add the next triangle, on an adjacent corner in the same manner.  Trim as previously.  Make four of these units.  Assemble all the pieces in a nine patch configuration as shown.
susies-scraps.com
Irregular Triangle Foundation Block
Sew the nine patch together ensuring all seams are nested.  Press.
susies-scraps.com
Irregular Triangle Foundation Block
I have to confess I still really love these little star blocks.  They are so pretty!  I never tire of them. Maybe you will try one of these pretty star blocks.  See what you think! Once I had made few of these blocks I created this quilt.
And if you liked this post, you may also like these super cute basket blocks!
Hope you are sewing today!
All the best,
Susie
© Susan Stuklis 2015