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The Magic Triangle

Mary's Magical Triangles Askew

Many years ago I invented a technique for making the shaded four patch block, doing them two at a time. Back then, I used a piece of template plastic to draw the required sewing lines, and I had lots of these templates in many sizes. A couple of years ago, I decided to see if I could manufacture a ruler to draw these sewing lines. Shortly after that, I figured out a way to use the same ruler to square up the units before using them. Then, while preparing for a class on a different subject, I realized that the ruler could be used to square up quarter-square triangles. The following photos show you how all these things work. I've also posted photographs of several quilts made using the Magic Triangle technique. See the order page for ordering information.

Sew squares and rectangles together into rows.
Sew the rows together

Draw sewing lines from two opposite corners using the Magic Triangle ruler.

Place the pieced unit right sides together with a rectangle the same size.

Sew on the drawn lines.

Square up the unit before pressing. Place the trimming line on the stitched seam.

Press the seams toward the large triangle. Trim off the dog ears.

Use the Magic Triangle ruler to square up quarter-square triangles before pressing them open.

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