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Triangle Wheel Block // Foundation Paper Piecing Tutorial

Almost three years ago I posted a tutorial for the Triangle Wheel Block. In this tutorial I showed you how to make the block using basic patchwork piecing. Though it was "basic" it wasn't the easiest block to conquer. All of the bias edges on the triangles can make the block stretch and warp easily.

Since writing that tutorial I have learned so many ways to stabilize bias edges, making blocks lay flatter and points align better. Today, I would like to re-address the Triangle Wheel Block tutorial, but this time we will be using foundation paper piecing.

You Will Need

In order to make one 12" (finished) Triangle Wheel Block using foundation paper piecing you will need the following:

Tip: Starching your fabric before cutting will help stabilize the bias edges of the fabric and give you greater accuracy when piecing. It also helps the seams lay flatter and crisper when foundation paper piecing. Visit pileofabric.com/starching for a free starching tutorial.

Download Templates

Download Templates

The Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Picture Tutorial

Before starting the piecing, place a few dots of washable glue on the backside of your C, D, E templates and stick them to the wrong side of the matching pieces of fabric. Carefully trim each template on the outer solid black line.

foundation paper piecing tutorial
  • Step 1: Place a dot of washable school glue on the backside of section A1. Stick the wrong side of fabric A1 to the backside of section A1. Make sure the fabric is covering section A1 entirely.
  • Step 2: Line up a flat ruler with the line between sections A1 and A2 (ruler will cover section A1). Fold the template back against the ruler and use an Add-A-Quarter ruler to trim the seam allowance to 1/4”.
  • Step 3: Line fabric A2 with the cut edge of fabric A1, right sides together. Be sure fabric A2 covers section A2 on the template entirely by holding the fabric in place and flipping it over.
  • Step 4: Sew directly on the line between section  A1 and A2 on your template. Set the seam and press fabric A2 outward.
foundation paper piecing tutorial
  • Step 5: Line up a flat ruler with the line between sections A2 and A3 (ruler will cover section A2). Fold the template back against the ruler and use an Add-A-Quarter ruler to trim the seam allowance to 1/4”.
  • Step 6: Line fabric A3 with the cut edge of fabric A2, right sides together. Be sure fabric A3 covers section A3 on the template entirely by holding the fabric in place and flipping it over.
  • Step 7: Sew directly on the line between sections A2 and A3 on your template. Set the seam and press fabric A3 outward.
  • Step 8: Carefully cut along the outer black line of the entire template.
foundation paper piecing tutorial
  • Step 9: Take a pin and place it through the upper points of sections A1 and B1 to perfectly match the two pieces. Keep the pin pushed into your pressing board and place a thin line of glue along the edge. Line up the edges of the pieces and heat-set the glue with a hot, dry iron.
  • Step 10: With a 1/4” seam allowance, sew along the entire edge. Pop open the center seam with your fingers and press seam open and flat. Carefully cut away the dog ears from the top of the triangle.
  • Step 11: Take a pin and place it through the upper left points of template C and A1/B1 to perfectly match the two pieces. Keep the pin pushed into your pressing board and place a thin line of glue along the edge. Line up the edges of the pieces and heat-set the glue with a hot, dry iron.
  • Step 12: With a 1/4” seam allowance, sew along the entire edge of template C. Press the seam toward template C.
foundation paper piecing tutorial
  • Step 13: Take a pin and place it through the upper left points of template D and A2/A3 to perfectly match the two pieces. Keep the pin pushed into your pressing board and place a thin line of glue along the edge. Line up the edges of the pieces and heat-set the glue with a hot, dry iron.
  • Step 14: With a 1/4” seam allowance, sew along the entire edge of template D. Press the seam toward template D.
  • Step 15: Take a pin and place it through the upper right point of template E and upper left point of template D to perfectly match the two pieces. Keep the pin pushed into your pressing board and place a thin line of glue along the edge. Line up the edges of the pieces and heat-set the glue with a hot, dry iron.
  • Step 16: With a 1/4” seam allowance, sew along the entire edge of template E. Press the seam toward template E.

The Free Pattern

I put together a free pattern that includes instructions for making a crib, throw, twin, queen, or king size of a Triangle Wheel Quilt. You can download the pattern here.

Did you enjoy this video tutorial and free quilt pattern? I would love it if you'd pin it or pass it along. If you have any questions about the pattern or tutorial please don't hesitate to contact me

Alyssa

Alyssa Lichner

Alyssa Lichner

Creator of Pile O' Fabric

Alyssa Lichner is a graphic designer turned avid sewist. She writes modern quilting tutorials and shares techniques and inspiration on her blog, Pile O’ Fabric. Alyssa has a passion for exploring different techniques and applying them to modern designs. She is thankful to have the opportunity to share these techniques, through her tutorials, patterns, and classes with quilters around the world. She always encourages her readers and students to challenge themselves to try new things and to approach quilting with a fearless attitude.

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