(1) Make a "jig" for your sewing machine. (Instructions below pictures)
Cut an appropriate sized piece of light cardboard or card stock. Draw a straight line down the center and 1/4" to either side of this line. Draw another line perpendicular to the first 3 and 3/4" of an inch from the edge of the cardboard. Cut a notch from outside lines down to this last line. Place on machine bed such that the middle line is directly in line with the needle. Secure with blue painter's tape.
If you're using a 1/4" foot the inner edges of the notch will line up with the outer edges of the presser foot. (If you're using a wider presser foot you may need to cut a wider notch.) This is an asset when sewing regular quilt seams as it helps to automatically guide the fabric edge when sewing 1/4" seams.
(2) Place two squares of fabric right sides together. The squares should be the same dimension as the desired finished unit dimension.
(3) Sew from corner to corner.
Start with one corner at the needle and have the opposite corner on the center line (which is directly in line with the needle).
As you sew watch the near corner to see that it follows the center line. The hardest part is not watching the needle!
If the diagonal length of the square is longer than the "jig" then draw a guideline down the wrong side of one square before starting to sew. This guideline only needs only extend far enough for the near point of the square to be on the jig when the end of the guideline reaches the needle.
(4) Cut 1/4" away from the sewing line--ONE side only.
(5) Set loose triangles to one side. (They're great for scrap quilts, wall hangings, and miniatures.) Press the seam on the stitched side flat and then to one side, being careful to not stretch the bias seam out of shape.
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