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!! :)

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

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

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  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.

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

    -Soma

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

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  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?

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  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.

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  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 :)

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  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!!

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