New tool and method for 1/2sq triangles
 

I recently went to a lecture given by Cindy Casciato. She is very good speaker and she introduced a new tool and method that she had "invented". the tool is called "Magic Triangle Method Tool" and it is used to make 1/2 sq and 1/4sq triangles. Tool looks like a 12" ruler but is 5/8" wide and has a center line in it. You cut the squares 1 ' larger then the FINISHED size of the block, put the center line corner to corner and draw a line on either side of the tool. Then sew down each line and cut in the center. This gives you 2 1/2sq triangles. What makes this method different is the you DO NOT cut squares block size + 7/8" (we all know how hard that is). but you cut block +1". The extra amount is built into the ruler to help make block the correct size. I have used this several times to make 1/2 sq triangles and it really works great and makes perfect blocks with out hassel of cutting 7/8". This method can be used on any pattern where 1/2sq triangles are used. Just add 1/8" to blocks cutting instructions when cutting and then used this tool. Tool is only $10 and I think it is well worth it. It can probably be bought on Cindy's web site " www.cindycasiato.com" (and no she is not my best friend nor am I related). She also shows how to sew lines like you are using thangles but this tool is cheaper than thangles and can be used for any size block while you need specific size thangles for different block size.

Thanks, I looked at the website, but it's cindycasciato.com....you missed the second C ;)
The ruler was a neat idea and made sense. Not sure I'll add it to my growing number of rulers, but I did like it.
Just wanted to correct the site in case someone else wanted to look.

I think the 7/8" didn't make sense. I have thought of just rounding up to the next number, then cut down to size needed. No sense to make things harder then they need to be.

I think that the advantage of this ruler is that you do not have to think about the sewing /moving needle since the adjustments are in the ruler. She has basically added the 1/8" to the ruller for you. I am not really a "gadget" sewer but do have several oversized rullers and find this one to be really helpful.

I've had a clear ruler like that for years. it has slits that you mark the center line in. the ends of the ruler are pointed to fit in the corners of the square. she didn' t " invent" anything.

This might be the Magic Ruler from Quilter's Rule. Interesting that both "creators" use the term "magic."
http://quiltersreview.com/index.php/...but-effective/

It's hard to come up with something really new. I was interested in the directions for using Cindy's tool, but the link to download them doesn't work.

I have a Creative Grids ruler that only has 7/8" markings. It is the best HST ruler ever! I like new quilting tools and it's fun to see all the variations and choices we have. My newest favorite way to make HSTs? Go die cuts. LOL.

Ditto!!! Lol! Very easy and math-free.

I too think it is funny Cindy Casciato claims to have "invented" this method and tool, I have been making HST using 1" bigger square for at least 15 years, if not more. I don't mess around with one square at a time though. I draw a grid on a bigger hunk of fabric and sew diagonals on the grid. Then I trim my completed one down. I don't think it is possible to come up with anything new for making HST.

this is sort of like the one i have but mine is clear. you must click on pic to enlarge to see it well.
http://www.quiltersrule.com/template/qr-qq.html