ARROWS---A HOW TO

******I need to start off by saying that there are probably other tutorials out there for piecing arrows, but this is what I did to make mine.

I used scraps for the tail feathers and bits of yardage for the backgrounds. First of all, you will need to piece a strip set.
 Start with a background strip about 3" x 19" or 20"
4 or 5 coloured strips ranging 1 " to 1 1/2"  x 19" or 20"
ending with a background strip 3" x 19" or 20"

Place the 45* line of your ruler on the bottom of the strip set. It's ok to have it go off the top corner. You will still have enough background.  Cut the angle

Turn strip set around so the angle is on your left.

Cut a strip 2 1/4"

We now need to cut another 45* angle the opposite direction. Place the 45* line of your ruler on the bottom of the strip set. Again, it's ok to have it off the fabric on the bottom right.

Cut the angle

Turn the strip set around

Cut a strip 2 1/4"

If you put the cut pieces back, it should look like this

That big triangle in the middle? It won't go to waste as I plan on using it in my quilt somewhere.

Square off the ends of your tail feather units leaving yourself some background

Now cut some background pieces 2 1/4" by however long you want your arrow to be. Mine are made up of several pieces to give it a more scrappy look. Cut a 1" by 3" background piece for the tail end of arrow
The arrow was cut 1" by about 18" and the arrow head is a flying geese unit cut 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" with
 2 1/2" connector corners sewn on

Sew background pieces to tail feather units and sew to either side of arrow. Sew on arrow head

Done!

This is what I have in mind for the triangle pieces that are left over. I think they will make nice blocks or perhaps a border

**If you want to make several at a time, you can make a strip set and cut several pieces the same angle, then make a matching strip set and cut several of the opposing angles. That way, there would be less waste--- but I want the leftovers        : )

I hope that's clear. Any questions just ask.  If you make one, I'd love to see!

stats:
Arrow pattern: making it up as I went along
fabrics:  scraps,  with text low volume backgrounds ( pure, eclectic elements, word play, various black on cream)
block size : 4 1/2" x 20" or  23"  whatever you decide!

Diane Warburton-- you asked about the backgrounds but I had no way of replying. There is no info on your google+ profile and you came up as no-reply. Hope this helps  : )

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