What is the difference?
 

Here is another question where I should know the answer but........I don't. Can someone tell me the difference between a 60 degree triangle ruler and a 60 degree equilateral triangle ruler? Is one better that the other or are they the same just with difference names? I would like to do some of the Frenzy Spiral table runners and I want to make sure that I have the correct tools. Thanks in advance for any help. BrendaK

A 60 degree triangle is by definition an equilateral triangle ... as all angles are the same - 60 degrees - and all sides the same length. Therefore no difference in terminology. However depending on who makes the template, one may be pointy and another with blunted tips.

Thank you Alikat. This is what I figured but I wanted to know for sure. BrendaK

I agree, 60 degrees is 60 degrees. A great question, as not all triangle rulers are made alike.

Thanks Jeanne S. I felt dumb asking this question but I found patterns that said to use the 60 degree equilateral triangle ruler and some that said to use a 60 degree ruler. I do have a 60 degree ruler that goes to 8" and most patterns say to use one that goes to 12". I am sure that the ruler you would use would depend on the size of the border print.
Thanks the responses. BrendaK

The main difference is probably the price of the ruler. ;)

No, not at all the same thing! While an equilateral triangle does, by definition, have equal sides (of any length) AND equal angles (always 60º), there are a myriad of non-equilateral (aka scalene) 60º triangles. Surely you've heard of a 30º-60º-90º right triangle?

The pattern that calls it a '60º equilateral triangle' is far more accurate than the one calling it merely a '60º triangle', though the latter probably just figured people would "assume" that's what was intended...as you all did. :)

If she's only going to use the 60º angle, it doesn't matter. 60º is 60º.

Hmmm, been a long time since math class.......have to look up scalene 30,60,90 degree right triangle.....

Will save you some searching, Geri.
Scalene is no equal sides, no equal angles.
Isosceles is two equal sides, two equal angles.
Equilateral is three equal sides, three equal angles.
http://www.mathsisfun.com/triangle.html

I believe the pattern mentioned requires all three 60º angles, not just one.

Triangle rulers can also differ in how the measurements run, whether along the sides or from the base to the tip. There are times when each comes in handy.

Ghost rider, great link, great refresher although I had never heard of scalene triangle. Always learning something on this QB!! Don't want that Alzheimer's to get a heads up!

I would like to thank everyone for their responses. Now I just need to find where I can purchase a 12" e. triangle ruler. BrendaK

Actually, it all depends on the pattern and how the ruler would be used. It might not be necessary to have 3 60 degrees angles. In that case, you wouldn't need the equilateral triangle as Neesie said.

I agree with Ghostrider. Only equilateral if all sides are the same length.3 different lengths and one angle 60* would make others usually 90 and 30*.

I have three 60* triangles and they are all different!! Weird.... I only use the one that matches the drawing in EB's 25th anniversary book.

I have a 60* triangle ruler for cutting Kaliedoscopes that is not equal lateral, but it is very accurate for Kaliedoscopes.

WOW you learn something new every day.
Thanks