Monday, August 31, 2009

Setting Triangles in QuiltRef

Here is some helpful information on setting triangles and how they are computed. I find that some quilters use different terminology and methods, so here is how QuiltRef [App Store link] does it, taken from the about.com's web site.



Quilts with blocks set on point have triangular openings around their outer edges where each diagonal row of blocks ends. Two sizes of triangles are used to fill in the blanks. One size fills in the gaps along the top, bottom and sides of the quilt. Four smaller triangles are used to create the quilt corners.


Corner triangles are half-square triangles, created by cutting a square in half once diagonally to produce two triangles with the straight grain on their short edges. Setting triangles are quarter-square triangles, created by cutting a square in half twice diagonally to produce four triangles with the straight grain on their long edges.


To calculate the size of the two squares, (1) Start with the finished parent block size times 1.4142. (2) For the corner squares, divide this by 2 and add 0.875". For the setting triangle's squares, add 1-1/4" to step 1. Unless you have experience with these setting triangles, it is recommended that you add 1/4" to 1/2"; you can trim off any excess after assembling the blocks and triangles.


For a more detailed discussion on Corner and Setting Triangles, including photos and diagrams, see about.com's web site on the subject.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

QuiltRef Now Available!

QuiltRef [App Store link] is now available! It's a free mobile quilt reference app that is not just for quilters, but for quilt fans too. This utility for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch provides useful information whether you are in a quilt shop buying fabric, at a quilt show admiring others' handiwork, or hunting antique quilts at auctions and yard sales.

So give it a try, and let me know what you think and what else you'd like to see.

And if you haven't already tried the companion App, QuiltFab 2.0, take a look at it too.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

QuiltRef In Review, Available Soon

QuiltRef (currently "In Review", available soon) is a free mobile quilt reference app that is not just for quilters, but for quilt fans too. This utility for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch provides useful information whether you are in a quilt shop buying fabric, at a quilt show admiring others' handiwork, or hunting antique quilts at auctions and yard sales.


For the quilter, the Setting Triangle feature will compute the sizes of setting triangles, those shapes needed to fill in the "holes" left around the edges of a quilt when setting quilt blocks on point, at a 45 degree angle. The Conversion feature will convert measurements between inches, yards, and centimeters. It also includes a table of common fractional yard measurements and the equivalent number of inches.


A feature for both quilters making quilts and quilt fans acquiring them is the Quilt Size table of common bed and quilt sizes that helps you select a quilt that will give you the look you want on your bed. The Quilting Stitches feature offers a visual reference so you can compare the full-scale photo of sample stitches to actual quilt stitches on a quilt you are examining and quickly estimate the number of stitches per inch, which is one of the factors in evaluating a quilt.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Mobile Quilt Reference for Sizes, Stitches, Setting Triangles, and Conversions

Coming Soon: Mobile quilt reference application.




Tip:
When you are finished entering a number, tap another field, or tap the background to dismiss the numeric keypad.