Pages

Past Finishes

Monday, September 22, 2014

How to square up HST of any size using a Bloc-Loc Ruler


For September's instructions in the Foothill Mystery Quilt, we had to make 144 half square triangles (HST).  I received a few questions from quilters on how I trim my HST using a Bloc-Loc ruler so I thought I would post a quick tutorial on how I use the Bloc-Loc ruler to quickly and easily square up my HST.

First, a little note that Bloc-Loc is in no way sponsoring this post.  I am not one to typically buy specialty rulers, but if you like making a bunch of HSTs, I would totally suggest getting a Bloc-Loc ruler.  The ruler has a groove cut into its back that the seam of the HST rides along to ensure that the corners of the triangles meet right at the corner of the HST.

I have the 6.5" HST Bloc-Loc ruler and it allows me to trim a HST of any size up to 6.5" square.  To work with this ruler, the seam must be pressed to the side.  I also use a rotating cutting board, this is not necessary but very helpful to speed things up.

For this tutorial we will be trimming a HST to 4" square and in the HST shown below, the seam is pressed towards the pink gingham print.

To begin, place the Bloc-Loc ruler on the HST such that the groove rides along the seam (Bloc-Loc logo will be right side up and the seam will be pressed downward) and trim a little off of the HST to create two straight edges.


Next, either rotate the HST or the cutting board (if it is a rotating board) 180 degrees leaving the Bloc-Loc ruler in place on the HST. The Bloc-Loc logo will now be upside down.

Next, align the nicely trimmed corner of the HST to the 4" mark on the Bloc-Loc ruler and trim the excess.


The HST is now beautifully trimmed with the corners of the triangles lining up perfectly with the corners of the HST.  Go make a couple hundred :)


Thanks for reading my tutorial!  If anything is unclear or you have any questions, please leave a comment or e-mail me.

I am linking up to MOP Monday @ Tweety Loves Quilting, Anything Goes Mondays @ Stitch by Stitch, Fabric Tuesday @ Quilt Story, and Sew Cute Tuesday @ Blossom Heart Quilts, and Show and Tuesday @ Freshly Squeezed Fabrics.

10 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tutorial! I don't like HST but maybe with this tool I would change my mind!
    Thanks for linking up at MOP Monday!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the tut1 Looks simpel with this tool.
    Love from Amsterdam

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great tutorial and always wonderful to learn new things. Thanks Cheryl! ~Shari

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much for the tutorial...I just purchased the Bloc-Loc HST set from their booth while at Charlotte AQS QuiltWeek but I have not tried them out yet. Would be interested in knowing more about your rotating mat also.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you so much for the great tutorial! Very helpful when you are making that many :)

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  6. I got one too since I was curious and it is great product for sure. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Keep seeing this handy little ruler in use. Considering my love for HST I'm thinking it is going on my Christmas list. Thanks for sharing.
    Anna
    PS: Am I still a no-reply blogger?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you, thank you. Recently I purchased this ruler and love it - except I have a time figuring how to use it easily. You have solved my problem. What I love most about the ruler is that it is stable and accurate. No fear of cutting fingers nor it slipping.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I bought this ruler about 2 years ago, I gasped at the price when I heard it but bought it anyway. Everytime I use it I think how it is so worth whatever they charged for it. Just this past week I visited them at the Houston Quilt show (I made a point to find them and had a list) I now have 2 flying geese, 2 log cabins and one for strip cutting. I can't wait to start using them. oh and the man who makes them is so entertaining too :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I had been eyeballing the ruler for quite some time. finally dived in and bought the 6inch.. Haven't used it yet,, but I have it! LOL!!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!