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

I guess I am always the dissenting viewer/commentor. How is it harder to cut 7/8" than 1"? Why go the trouble of then having to square up your blocks before you use them? Ah - to each his own. Basic rulers work for me and my pocketbook. New "inventions" rarely grab my eye.

Amer. Patchwork & Q'ing has had that method out for years. I fail to see why you need to buy yet another ruler just to a square 1" bigger that finished HST size, draw a diagonal line, sew 1/4" on both sides of line and cut in half on the diagonal line! I've not been able to find this tute on the mag's web site anymore, so if anyone wants a copy, PM me your email. Also has method for 8 at a time. Pam Bono's grid method and those by others is also wonderful! All of these are accurate and none needs another notion!

I also have this clear blue ruler with the slit down the middle but if you use that ruler then you need to cut your blocks 7/8" bigger than the finished block. Cindy's ruler adds in the extra 1/8" for cutting blocks 1" bigger. also if you cut block 1" bigger and stitch 1/4 " on either side of the center diaginal line then you still have to square block to be finished size you want.

I have one of these and I don't think I have used it more than once or twice in 10 yrs. Years ago I did the grid on the larger pieces of fabric to make 1/2 square triangles. I think the last triangles I made were for a block of the month 3 or 4 years ago.

The only ruler I use for 1/2 square triangles is the Wonder Ruler. They are so easy, and they come out perfect every time. I used to stay away from anything that had triangles before I got this ruler. Here is the link with a video on how to use it.

http://www.connectingthreads.com/Too...r__D81315.HTML

Click the tab that says bonus media, and they have a video you can watch.

This puzzled me, too. Unless it's "doing the math" to add 7/8ths to whatever size you want. Anything I don't have to square up before use is what I'm going for since I hate squaring up!

I always just make my squares 1 inch bigger and use my 6.5 inch square to cut them down bought my half square angle ruler from nanacys notions years and years ago use it all the time

Well, I just ordered the magic ruler. If I don't use it, I won't be the first one I've bought and not used. But it looked handy. I enjoyed reading all of the other comments. And I would like to know more about the grid method some of you talked about. Could you tell me where to find more info. Thanks,

Here ya go, Jean! there are many other sites on the internet: google "HST grid". Here's one:
[url]http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.com/grid-pieced-half-square-triangles.html[/url

ps: if you are making many like I did, I drew my grid on template plastic, drilled a little hole at each intersection to poke a pencil thru to mark the grid on fabric.

my favorite ruler for making hst's is the nifty notions half square ruiler. you put both fabrics right sides together and cut the size you need then take them to the sewing machine and sew only have one dog ear to trim off and they are the correct size and no squaring up... part of the money for these rulers goes to breast cancer extra benefit.

http://www.cindycasciato.com/Magic%2...e%20Method.pdf is the directions on her site.

I have one made by Omnigrid for Fons and Porter. Bought it 12 years ago.

Thanks for the update on the correct site!!!!!

Well La-Tee-Dah, what an interesting thread!

Interesting ruler. I have (had?) the Fons and Porter version. I also tried Tiger tape and how have "Stitching Lines" from Marin & Colusa. I also have thangles and another triangle paper. They all work.

So many ways to skin a cat - I like to try them all - may need to get this too if it saves time!

That's where mine came from too. Used it for a few years until I found the June Tailor ruler. One ruler fuss-free.

http://store.junetailor.com/store/p-...les-ruler.aspx

and for the demo: http://www.junetailor.com/halfsquaretriangles_video.htm

Sorry just a twist to make more money for the selller!

I like this one. Big hunk of fabric, draw the line, sew and then cut blocks then cut out diagonal line.

Why do we hate math so much? Another fun tool to add to the many like it we already have...lol. Thanks for sharing.

have made many 1/2sq triangles using the cut 7/8", mark, sew and cut diagianol method. I think that cuting square 7/8" is tricking using my "omnigrid" ruler which is the only one that i have that has 7/8" mark. By using this tool I can cut 1" square., mark, sew, cut diagionally and have perfect squares each time. I'm really not a "quilting Gadget" person but I have found this tool worth the money.Actually the only thing items that I collect is marking stuff. Still looking for the perfect marker besides a mechanical pencil

This one looks like the best one to me. NO squaring up which is time consuming and NO FUN! It's also cheaper from Connecting Threads. Also no line drawing.

I see this as just another device to part quilters from their money. Why can't these "experts" just show how it is done with a straight ruler. My idea of a teacher is someone who wants to share information. I find most of these fancy rulers just sales gimmicks. All the things they do were probably done hundreds of years ago.

I prefer cutting the right size and sewing and not trimming down after as I don't like doing that. It is just necessary to cut accurately, and to sew a "scant" 1/4 " to allow for pressing. Everyone has their favorite way of making triangles, or using gadgets. For smaller triangles, I do like using Thangles papers, but only use them for triangles 2" or less...but they do make them all the way up to 6"...I have several friends who have bought the "Triangulations" program that you can use to print off your own triangle papers. I haven't yet felt I can justify the cost of that.

Since you are not using the ruler to rotary cut with, it would be easy enough to make your own ruler by cutting a piece of template plastic that is 5/8" wide with a line down the center.
I've always drawn a grid of squares 1 inch larger than my desired finished square size on the back side of my lighter fabric then draw lines through the center diagonal, next put this and a darker fabric right sides together & sew 1/4" from the diagonal line cut on all of the lines. A person could use the 5/8 ruler (home made) instead of trying to guage the 1/4+ at the sewing machine.

I'm with Jingle. This 1/8th business seems ridiculous to me. I always make them a little larger and then cut to the size I need.

I like the idea of the ruler compensating for the 7/8", my favorite way to make hst is the hst paper on a roll. I can make alot of them in a short period of time.

What this ruler /tool does is saves you the step of having to cut down /square your blocks.

magic triangle method
 

It is a wonderful tool. I just took her certification teacher class yesterday and became Magic Triangle Method Certification Teacher.. I am SO excited to get started teaching her wonderful method.. NO more trimming blocks to fit. I have taken a lot of classes from Cindy and just love her classes. Even me being an educator I still learn something every time I take her classes. If you haven't seen her method you should go to her web site and check it out.
www.cindycasciato.com
You won't be sorry.
Thank you for your time
Patsy