④ All done! Double-check that all four corners are right angles.
● Piecework
Please keep in mind that the basic method of piecework is to first sew the fabric pieces along the sides to create a row, and then join the rows together.
① Always backstitch at the end and beginning marks of each seam.
② Sew together consecutively, and press seam allowances in opposite directions.
③ For the next row, press the seam allowances in the opposite direction of the previous row.
④ When joining the rows, take extra care with pinning to ensure that the seam lines match up.
⑤ Carefully sew across.
⑥ Where the seams intersect, press the seam allowances in a rotating direction, like a windmill.
Hexagon
▶ p.10 The Little Bird Bag
● Drafting a Hexagon
You will need a compass. The following is a typical drafting method.
① Determine the desired measurement of a hexagon side a, and using this measurement as the radius, draw a circle.
② To figure out where the corners of the hexagon will intersect, first measure out the radius dimension from point A and make a mark on the arc above and below the horizontal line. Repeat with point A’.
③ Connect the marks.
● Piecework
The flower is a popular pattern shaped with hexagons. In this delightful design, each hexagonal piece forms a petal. For detailed instructions, see page 15.
Rhombus
▶p.30 Lemon Star Gusseted Bag
▶p.56 Strawberry Pouch
● Drafting a Rhombus
We will use the hexagon above as reference for drawing the rhombus.
① Determine the measurement of a rhombus side a, and using this measurement as the radius, draw a circle. Plot out the 6 points for the hexagon and connect the dots.
② When you draw six diagonal lines from each corner, you will have six isosceles triangles.
③ Two adjacent triangles from step ② will form a rhombus.
● Piecework
Rhombuses are often used to create star patterns. The star’s shape will vary depending on the number of rhombuses sewn together, In this book, we will introduce a bag sporting the quintessential “Lemon Star” design.
Applied Pattern
Octagon
To create this 8-sided polygon, 4 equilateral triangles are pieced together at each corner of a square. Play with hue combinations and you will find that certain color schemes will make the octagon shape appear round, which is a fun effect.
▶ p.36 Flat Bag
● Drafting an Octagon
• Key Points (for Flat Bag)
First draw a 23/8 in (6cm) square, and on each corner, measure out ¾ in (1.75cm) horizontally and vertically and draw a right angle isosceles triangle. The long side of the triangle will be the approximate length of the octagon side.
● Seam Allowance Direction
• Piecework Key Points
With right sides facing, stitch the triangles to the octagon. Press the seam allowance toward the corner.
▶ p.30 Lemon Star Gusseted Bag
Lemon Star
Also called the “8-pointed star,” this classic design is a must-try for quilters. Experiment with contrasting fabrics to make the star pop.
● Drafting a Lemon Star
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