Half Square Triangle Ruler
 

Does anyone use a Half Square Triangle Ruler instead of cutting and sewing squares together? Do you save on fabric using the rulers? Just wondering....

Thank You
Marlene

I use a square ruler, from when I helped my dad. It is one of his tools. It is a 12" Looks like a Letter L, there different sizes. My favorite tool.

I don't think you'd save on fabric. Better to cut squares and sew on the diagonal.
That way you are not sewing on bias edges which tend to stretch.

What is a half square triangle ruler?

I use the paper method for HSTs, or for larger sizes, the Easy Angle ruler. I can't tell you if it saves fabric. I do it because it is easier and quicker for me. And with the paper method, they are always perfect and no trimming.

http://www.quiltingandwhatnot.ca/Hal...-Triangle.html

I tried the Quilt in a Day ruler where you can trim up before you open your HST but it kept slipping and caused me pain so I'm going to invest in a Bloc Loc ruler, they're expensive so I'm going to order the biggest one, it's 12". I've tried my regular ruler but it was very hard to get to stay as well.

I have the Block Loc and it's a pain for me to use. I messed up many HSTs trying to get it right. It looks so easy on the video but not so much at home for me. I know it's something I'm doing or not doing but I'm the only one in my sew group that has one so they aren't any help.

That's a good thing to know! Maybe I should buy a smaller cheaper one to use first or see if someone local has one I can borrow to see if it works for me. It's a very expensive ruler....

I put small pieces of sandpaper on the back so my rulers don't slip. They are called easy grip I think.

i have this one i love it http://www.junetailor.com/halfsquaretriangles_video.htm

One method I use to make 1/2 square triangles is to cut two squares large enough to make 4 sets of two 1/2 square triangles, put them face to face, and sew 1/4 inch seam around all 4 sides of the square. Then I very carefully cut an "X" through the center of the square. That produces 4 sets of already sewn together half square triangles.

Practice a few sets using this method with scraps to ensure you have the 1/4" seams are right and that your "X" is centered. As with all things quilting, precision is important.

I also have an accuquilt that I use to make 1/2 square triangles. It was purchased because cutting has become difficult for me. It's like a miracle. both for accuracy and for my arms and hands.

I use the Easy Angle ruler for hsts, ever since I learned about it from Bonnie Hunter (before she started making her own hybrid of it). It's the most accurate way, for me. I hate taking time trimming and my hsts don't ever need a trim when made with the Easy Angle. If you want 2.5" triangles, you cut a 2.5" strip. Then you place the ruler along the strip and cut, over and over down the strip. If you use a consistent 1/4" seam, they will be perfect.

The problem for me with sewing two squares around the edges and then cutting diagonally twice, or sewing diagonally across two squares and then cutting, is that it's very hard to get hsts that are consistantly accurate. If you miss that exact diagonal by even a crumb, your hsts are off.

Here's a great video by Bonnie, explaining how to use the Easy Angle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_AoJsGJbM

I actually know several people with the same problem. They would probably sell em cheap! :)

I have always used the 8-at-a-time method. There are many sites for this, but here's one: http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/20...ght-at-a-time/

Works like a charm for me!

Making a square a tad larger, sewing diagonally and cutting apart and trimming works best and looks neater for me.

thanks for this link. i love the paper source given at the end

thanks for this link... has a great chart for starting square sizes

I have the Fons and Porter ruler where you cut strips (ruler tells you the size) and yes there is very little waste, however it is a bias edge. Most of the time I am making so many HST that I just use the square method.

If I am making a lot, I'll do the square sewn down the middle. I've not had luck with the method of using a bigger square and sewing so you end up with a bunch of identical HSTs. I am fine with trimming, so I will start out with slightly bigger squares so what I end up with is always exact.

When I want more randomness, then I'll use my easy angle just like sewbizgirl does.

me, too and here is a way to make 2, 4 or 8.

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Here is my problem with the Block Loc.

I used the 6 1/2 Block Loc to square up two HSTs. One on the left is perfect, right one is no use at all. There is no marking on the ruler which groove side to use on the seam and both sides fit. So what am I doing wrong?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]573307[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]573308[/ATTACH]

I have a love-hate relationship with HST's. I fell in love with a pattern and just had to make it. It turned out to be all HST's and squares measuring 2 inches finished. Needless to say, by the time I finished that top I was BURNED OUT on HST's. And I still am! For Christmas I made another quilt that needed HST's (for granddaughter) and I knew I had to find a way to make HST's easier than one or two at a time(remember, I'm still burned out). So I went searching. If I have to make more than 4 HST's,( and if you make quilts, who doesn't) I use the method that makes 8 at a time. I found a chart that tells you what size to cut the fabric for whatever size HST you need. And they don't need trimming!!!! Even my scrappies(is that right?) will now get HST's using this method. For me the wheel is now fixed.
JAN

I have the 8 in one. Fancy but is all in one so it makes it a little easier. http://www.ciscosewingsuppliesandnot...ngle-tool.html The chart size was online. I downloaded it and it's on the ruler. I have the WonderCut ruler and it's accurate. But time consuming.

Kitsie, I've had your diagram posted on the wall next to my cutting table since you first posted it. I refer to it all the time (since I don't trust my memory!). Thanks!

One thing I've discovered trimming 4-patches, when the ruler likes to slide where the seam allowances are pressed sideways, is to cut on a piece of batting. The unevenness in thickness seems to level out that way, and the ruler doesn't wiggle. I keep batting scraps for that purpose, and if you're clever (or desperate to save money, like I am), you can get several cuts out of a small piece by placing your block carefully. That could apply to trimming HSTs, I think.

hugs,
Charlotte

Check their video on how to use the bloc loc. Works fine for me.
Still have to be careful how I trim. I find the way I stand is
important. I prefer to add a piece of clear Nexcare tape under
the small ruler to prevent it from slipping too much but otherwise
it works fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JttQmP4cT4

Just remember to put the logo "Bloc-Loc" on the low side of your
HST, i.e. the side where there's no seam. Here's another video.
Very simple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUqbjcV36IE

I use Bonnie Hunter's essential triangle tool. Took a little getting used to but definitely saves material.

I kind of cheat. Almost all my hst are 2" in my blocks. And the most effective HST method is my accuquilt cutting die that cuts 8 at a time:

http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-hal...multiples.html

(die #55063). For the other sizes, I use the small block loc, or cut down the middle and trim.

if I'm just making a few, I'll use the squares sewn together and cut into 2 triangles. If I am able to use my Accuquilt Go to cut them it's even better (depends on size), if I need a lot and Accuquilt isn't the right size, I use my Wonder Cut ruler--you sew two strips together (the width indicated on the ruler) and then use the ruler to cut triangles from your two sewn together strips--the cut is such that only one single stitch holds the triangle point together and it pops right open. Very accurate. I do find that since you now have bias edges, that is HST are finishing larger than 2.5" I use spray starch on the stripes before cutting.

I use the "Power Cutting" Technique. The book is probably out of print, check Amazon. It doesn't require trimming. I rarely do more than 12 hst that use the same materials.

Thanks so much for this link, I have saved it. I love learning new ways to do things, well new to me anyway, lol

I finally got the block look and regret that I didn't get it sooner. Love it!

I use my half square triangle ruler all the time. Bonnie Hunter has a YouTube video that shows the best way to use it.

I have the Go but all size of HST I need aren't available on a die. There are a lot of great ways to do the HST. Something for everyone.

I sew the squares on the diagonal and then cut apart (currently doing this), but I do like a diagonal line on a "square" ruler to accurately square the block up.

I printed this out in 2 1/2 size. The one inch square is 1/8 inch short on both sides. What do I do now? Should I try enlarging it? By how much?

I have the Quilt in a Day ruler where you trim before you open up the square and like that when I remember to use it. Otherwise I just use a square ruler and put the 45 degree line along the line where the two sides are stitched, trim two sides, turn trim the other two. The quilt in a day ruler you only have to trim two sides and takes less brain power in positioning it. I've never had trouble with it slipping but you could use the sand paper dots to help.
If I'm going to make a lot of hst then I use a software program called triangulations. It comes on a CD through Bear Paw. It prints out templates that you sew through the paper. Works great and very accurate. Here's a link to the site: https://www.bearpawproductions.com/s...php?cat=1&ID=2 It's also available through Amazon.