Such fun to see everyone's units - Square in a Square, Half Square Triangles, Fancy Half Square Triangles, and Partial Square in a Square units!
Since our QAL is following the units in the order they are found in the pattern , today it is time to make some Twisted Triangle in a Square units! Each Harmony block needs 4 Twisted Triangle in a Square units which means you'll need 16 if you are making the throw sized quilt. We've got lots of basic tutorials - Using Templates, Marking Stitching Lines, and the Running Stitch - if you need some tips.
Still need the pattern for Harmony? Grab yours now!
Harmony is a large single block - make one and you've got a lovely wall hanging (28'' x 28'') or join 4 Harmony blocks together for a lovely throw sized quilt (56'' x 56''). Did you miss the QAL announcement? You can find more information here! If you have any trouble ordering the pattern, please don't hesitate to email us at handpiecedqal@gmail.com - we'll be happy to help!
Whether you are making the wall hanging or the throw sized quilt, we recommend you cut just the pieces you need to make a single Harmony block. Once you've sewn a few units and have some experience cutting with templates, you can go back and cut the rest of the pieces for all the Harmony blocks you need.
Stitching Tips
The Twisted Triangle in Square unit is the toughest block of the Harmony quilt. I made and remade several of these before I got it right! This block is assembled completely with templates.
Three 'pro' tips:
- Make sure the square on your template sheet truly measures 1''. If not, this block will not be sized correctly
- Cut and make a single unit and then adjust cutting or piecing as needed to improve accuracy
- Layout your pieces in front on you and then check and double check the diagram in the pattern.
The order in which you sew the white (background) units to the center triangle does not matter but I found predictable success by starting with the small triangle A.
Instead of marking a 1/4'' stitching line around the whole triangle, try marking just where you are about to stitch plus a little bit more so you know where to start and stop your needle. (Please note that my lines are not usually that dark - a bit a computer magic made the lines visible in this photo!)
Once the small triangle is sewn, finger press or use your iron and then place it back down to make sure everything is oriented correctly for the next step.
When you start or end your stitching against a unit already sewn, feel for the fold and start place your needle right up against it. Once your final piece is sewn, press and then pat yourself on the back - you made it through the first tricky unit and have 3 more (or 15 more for the throw!) to go.
Not all of my blocks came out perfect - or even close to perfect. The 'not quite square' block was dealt with by making sure my stitching lines were straight even those the block might not be.
Kristin is sharing some tips on her blog today as well - check it out!
The Basics
Please consult the tutorials for Using Templates, Marking Stitching Lines, and the Running Stitch if you need some tips.
The following supplies were used - the Perfect Piecer, Aurifil 80 wt thread, needles, Clover applique pins, wool pressing mat, Oliso mini iron, and great lighting!
We will be sewing the units in the order of the pattern which means our next unit will be our corner unit where you assemble together everything you've sewn so far. We'll share tips next Monday, March 29. Our first check-in link-up will be March 29!
Stay in touch and join our community so you don't miss a thing!
- Join our Hand Pieced Quilt Along Facebook Group.
- Follow Simply Everyday Handmade and Elm Street Quilts on Instagram
Guess I should have not sewn ahead so I could have learned the tip of sewing the small triangle on first. LOL
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