Still waiting for my sewing machine to come back from the shop. I don't want to work on the Halloween Bounce borders until I get it back, so I have not been doing much sewing. Tuesday I had the day off and didn't want to waste it by not sewing, so I got out my Single Wedding Ring blocks which I thought I could piece on my back-up Janome.
When I first started making these blocks I used triangle papers. The blocks were coming out ok, but I got really bored with having to rip off those papers and trimming up the half square triangles. Each of those Single Wedding Ring blocks has sixteen half square triangles, so I was feeling bored and bogged down using the triangle papers. I decided to switch things up mid-project and got out my Easy Angle Ruler. I really need to use that more often.
The method is so darn simple, really. For my blocks I cut 2 1/2 inch strips (two hst fabrics right sides together) and then used the Easy Angle Ruler to cut out my triangles.
It really is the easiest method of making accurate half square triangles that don't even need to be trimmed, they are so perfect.
I also started pressing my seams open, which made things lie much flatter and go together nicer. Another technique I need to do more regularly.
Honestly, using the Easy Angle ruler vs using those triangle papers cut the block construction time in half, and the results are better.
7 Responses
I need to use my Easy Angle as well. I have
gotten into the habit of making my hsts larger and then trimming.
I totally agree with you about making your triangles with the Easy Angle ruler. Trimming is hard on my wrist and elbow ( tendonitis) so I try to avoid it. Making flying geese with the companion ruler and the triangles is easy and perfect too! Thanks for sharing!
In July I went on a quilt cruise with Bonnie Hunter(to Alaska, great in July) We learned to cut HSTs with the Easy Angle ruler, and I am sold for those quilts that require large numbers, easier and more accurate. I have also found it easier to trim HSTs while they are folded, before you open them up. E. Burns has a great ruler for doing that as I’m sure some others do.
Yay for having success sewing on your backup machine! Have you thought about maybe purchasing a better backup machine? I recently sewed on a featherweight and was so impressed with the little thing and it’s accurate pretty stitches. Would be cute to have for visitors…just saying 😍
The EZ angle and Companion rulers are just indispensable to me, too. I never trim. If they are made, they go in the quilt!
I wish I had seen this post before I made a gazillion half square triangles for my Crossroads quilt. I used papers and I’m not sure what happened but some of the squares were off by 1/8th of an inch! Good grief. I have this ruler and I’ve used it but now I’m getting rid of all of my triangle papers. Lesson learned!
Papers are so boring to sew with and not my favorite and I have never tried the Easy Angle ruler even though I have one setting here so must do that! I love the Wedding Ring blocks!