Isosceles Baby Quilt

I have seen many simple triangle quilts floating around the online crafting community the last little while, and I thought it seemed like a great way to use up a few pieces in my stash that have been sitting for a long time.

I picked up this retro-ish floral swirl a few years ago for $1 a fat quarter. (I think it is part of the Park Slope line by Erin McMorris). And I've wondered what to do with it since. Sometimes I snag a deal and then feel stumped...

As the busy summer went on and I really didn't get much time to craft, I decided just to jump in with something easy, and not think about it too much. I needed a project!

I picked up this isosceles triangle template at Joann's on sale (Tri Tool), just after I had drafted a paper template to use. Perfect! This was easier to use and inexpensive - and could be used for different size triangles. And because this quilt was quick and easy, I think this will be a good tool to have. (If you'd like to use my paper template, there is a link below.)

I cut my fabrics into strips 6 1/2" wide, - the same height as my unfinished triangles. I then used the template, aligning the bottom and top edges, to quickly cut the sides of each triangle. I started cutting at the folded edge of each strip (cutting a half triangle) and then when I reached the selvage ends, I went ahead and cut a partial triangle with whatever was left. I used these pieces on the ends of each row. 

Each quarter yard yields about 11 full triangles and 2 partial triangles.

I pieced the triangles together, offsetting the pieces so that the 1/4" seam intersects the edges, and when the pieces are pressed open, the top and bottom of the row will be flush. (After doing this once or twice, it becomes easy to eyeball).

I pieced 13 triangles together (plus partial triangles at each end) to make a row, and then I sewed together 9 rows. After I had all the rows sewn together, I trimmed the right and left edges straight.

I practiced quilting in 'Loops and Double Loops' on this one. I'm happy to say I'm improving! This time my loops are a bit more even in size and spacing than the last.

This quilt measures 42" x  54".

If you'd like to make your own, you will need:

6 - 1/4 yard prints 

1 1/4 yard solid 

1/2 yard binding (or make a scrappy binding using your prints. You will just enough left over to cut one strip 2 1/2" by the width of fabric from each print - perfect for binding.)

1 2/3 yard backing (this quilt top will be a full 42" wide, so make sure your backing fabric is at least this wide as well)

* Click here for the printable isosceles triangle template.

Anyway, there's the first finish of the school year! It's only been a few days, but I think we're finding a routine. That should mean I get more work done, and have more time for sewing!