Tip - half square triangles
 

I have a huge number of HSTs to do. I usually make them a bit larger and use my June Tailor rulers to line up the diagonal and trim them down to size (I press the seams to one side). I now put a double layer of tape (it's a medical tape that keeps rulers from slipping, but I don't remember what it's called--but any tape could do here), and it enables me to slide the HST right into the tape so that it lines up with the diagonal seam allowance really easily. Then I use the ruler to trim--I find that the tape makes the whole process go faster and more accurately.

Gosh that's pretty clever and should work on any ruler that has the 45 I think I will do this!

Looks like you've made your own version of a Bloc Loc ruler. They have a groove instead of the tape bump, but the effect is the same. There's a physical barrier that you can snug against the seam for quick perfect squaring. Great idea!

I use that medical tape too. Someone at one of my quilt clubs suggested it and it works great.

Thank you I will give this a try.

Great tip, thanks!

What a wonderful idea. You are a smarty and that helps us all! Thanks for sharing this great tip.:D
peace

I don't see the process...can you take a pic with the hst there so I can see exactly how you trim...thanks. When I trim hst I usually open , iron, then square up with square ruler, or I will sometimes use EB triangle square up template on the hst before pressing open.....

I also do not understand the picture. I understand the tape showing you where the triangle is, but I don't see how you trim because the ruler is square. I simply use a square ruler with a 45 degree marking that goes along the seam line. I use a ruler that is appropriate for the square that I am making. Pretty simple and less expensive than rulers that have specific use.

Here's the ruler with 2 blocks. You don't need the June Tailor ruler for this, as someone else said. The idea is to use the tape to lock in the block on the diagonal. It makes the whole process faster and more accurate for me. I place the block under the left diagonal line, lock it in place with the tape, and I trim the 2 vertical edges. Then I rotate the block 90 deg, place it under the right diagonal line, lock it in place with the tape, and trim the other 2 sides that are now vertical.
Any ruler with 45 deg markings will do, but I do love the June Tailor ruler for this.
Hope that clears it up for you.

I trim mine before they are pressed open. Line the stitch line along the ruler at the size I want and use the right angle of the square ruler to trim one or two sides (usually only need one side trimmed unless I got a little careless w/ matching sizes of beginning squares)

I know you said you can only use any type of tape, but I have never heard of 'medical tape.'

Thanks for the tip and extra explanation, the second picture made more sense to me and seems like a great idea.

It's the kind of tape that holds gauze bandages on--a clear rubbery plastic--you can find it in any pharmacy. I usually use it for my rulers to keep them from slipping.

Wonderful tip, thanks!

I have a brand new June Taylor ruler like the one in the picture and a DGD who wants a quilt with half squares. Thanks for sharing your innovative technique. I'm in.

It's athletic tape. About an inch wide, and translucent. I love it because it doesn't let the ruler slip, but it's not so gritty that I can't slide the ruler to where I need it.

And just after I've spent all that money on Bloc-Loc...

Great idea. I usually use blue painters tape on top of the ruler. White tape under would make it easier to see.

The second picture helped me to understand what you are talking about. That is a great idea. Thanks

Thanks for the second pic, that's what I thought would be the process, but wanted to make sure. Thinking...that tape would work on any "square up" ruler...when you use it on the JT ruler, it better be for more than just a Few hst....and make sure you don't need to cut anything with the JT in the interim.....

I don't think it would matter much if the tape got sliced through while working on something else.

Could someone please let me know the name of her ruler Thank you hugs Joann1

If you mean my ruler. I actually have two: The June Tailor Shapecut Plus ruler and the June Tailor Quarter Cut ruler. I use the first one the most--the slots are 1/2" apart and it is bigger (12"x18"); the second one has 1/4" slots, but it is smaller (6"x12") so it's not as useful generally. The large one is my favorite ruler of all time--Cutting strips, etc. it's amazing. And there is a way to cut to the nearest 1/4" with it. There are videos on the website showing how to do it.

Thank you Carol 45 for this tip. I too wasn't "seeing it" but your picture and directions made it clear. Great idea!

Thank you so much! Your pictures plus explaination are what I needed to get a complete understanding. New use for my June Taylor ruler, and just in time for my niece's wedding quilt. Thank you, thank you!!!

Clever. Anything that improves cutting accuracy is a winner.

Carol45, that is genius! Thank you!

If I were you, I would purchase the Triangulations CD for ~$30. You can print out the size HST you need, sew on the lines, cut on the lines, PERFECT every time. No squaring up needed and your HST are made in no time. Definitely worth the investment and I use the CD all the time whenever I can. They would be the most accurate HST you ever made.