The best notions for making modern triangle quilts are all about easy, reliable repetition and time-saving accuracy. Just in time for the 2022 BOM season!
I used to dismiss the best notions for making triangle quilts as over the top. Do I really need a mat that rotates? Give me a machine, mat, straight ruler and rotary cutter and I’d bust out the blocks. I was doing just fine without the fancy stuff.
Repeat after me: Quilting = Repetition
Great quilting happens when we can reliably repeat a strip set, block, block set, etc. The best quilting notions solve problems like reliable repetition. They make our quilting time more enjoyable and help us create beautiful quilts.
Yes, you can sew a beautiful quilt made entirely of triangles with basic notions. But what if a few notions actually make the process go smoother? Avoid pesky snafus? And add more fun?
Early struggles with a quilt block can dampen my enthusiasm and nip at my confidence. After all, I do this for fun and satisfaction! When I welcomed these sweet notions into my studio I became a much happier quilter.
You know what they say: happy quilter, happy life. LOL.
The Best Notions for Making Triangle QUilts
If it’s helpful, you’ll find these notions in my shop. If you purchase through my shop, I receive a small affiliate commission. Click here to shop!
No question, just 8 notions will give you more productive sewing sessions and flow – that magical sew state of mind where we make progress, have fun and relaaaaaaax at the same time! I love flow!
So before you start a modern triangle quilt, consider my list of the BEST notions I’ve found for making triangle quilts. Here we go!
THE BEST NOTIONS FOR accuracy and cutting
Rotating cutting mat: A rotating mat seemed like a luxury. Like I’d be a Lazy Susan if I couldn’t pick up and reposition my own fabric. Geez. And isn’t one large mat enough? No, not anymore! With a rotating mat, my fabric stays in the right place without lifting and shifting fabric. Cutting is safer and more comfortable because the only thing that moves is the mat. I’m no longer a dangerous contortionist with a sharp blade: laying on my side, on the table, on one foot, while slicing fabric with my non-dominant hand.
8-inch 60 degree acrylic ruler: Sized at eight inches tall, it works well for both 4- and 8-inch triangles – sizes I use often in my designs. I mark the four and eight-inch heights on the ruler with Washi tape to better line up the bottom edges.
Add-a-Quarter ruler: This ruler is a reliable tool for foundation piecing. Get accurate quarter-inch seam allowances when you trim away the excess foundation paper. The ruler’s raised edge sits alongside the fabric to hold it securely in place while you cut. A perfect notion for the job.
THE BEST NOTIONS FOR YOUR MACHINE
My quilting nemesis is shifting fabric. I used to think I could outwit my machine with pins, clips and prayers. Then I started using some cool presser feet and look who’s the boss now!?
Sewing a scant quarter-inch seam is necessary for successfully matching pieces and seams. I use these two pressor feet to reliably do this:
- Quarter-inch foot – has a flange that sits under the presser foot and alongside the fabric edge while sewing;
- Walking foot – feeds the top and bottom fabrics under the needle at the same rate and minimizes shifting, puckering and wonky waving.
THE BEST NOTIONS FOR FLOW
Ironing station: My FitBit reminds me to stand up and move about the studio, but must we when we’re sewing? Standing up every minute to press seams does nothing for flow. And think of your poor pooch or kitty who has to move off your lap again. Their lives are hard enough, amiright? I use a small wool pressing mat near my machine, which makes the sew-press-sew process easier and faster. (I’ll do my steps later. Promise.)
Printable freezer paper sheets: Oh, man, these have become essentials in my studio. My BOM pattern foundations are printed directly onto right-sized sheets. I reuse the pieces 6 or 7 times before they lose their grip. This saves me so much time as a dedicated (die hard) freezer paper piecer! I stock two brands in my shop here or visit Amazon for more choices.
Modern Triangle Quilts book: The Make Modern Triangles book includes 70 (70 y’all!) graphic blocks and 11 bold samplers. Even better, lots and lots of detailed instructions and foundations. These are the building blocks for many of my patterns and will inspire your own modern triangle block designs.
Go for it! Make a modern triangle quilt with whatever you have available. You can do it! Along the way, consider adding a few of the best notions to create your happy sewing space!
If it’s helpful, you’ll find these notions in my shop. If you purchase through my shop, I receive a small affiliate commission. Click here to shop!
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