On my last post I talked about the Loc-Bloc rulers for trimming HST (Half Square Triangles). Also about making your own locking system using medical tape on a square ruler.
Now I've discovered another way to square up those HSTs! Of course some of you have already discovered this, but this blog is mostly for beginners. Though I've been quilting for over 40 years and I'm still learning new stuff all the time.
Make your HST using either method; 2 at a time or eight at a time. Press the seams before cutting. After cutting the sections apart, do NOT press them open. In the pictures below, I've made HST that measure 7 1/2" unfinished.
Using your square ruler, lay it on your triangle matching the size of your unfinished block with the stitching line on both sides. In this
At the same time you do the trim take a moment to trim the corners at a 45* angle from the stitching. This will save you time from having to trim the dog ears after the block is pressed open. Doesn't matter if you press your seams open of to one side, you won't have any dog ears to trim off.
I did buy a 6 1/2" Triangle Square Up Ruler from Quilt in a Day. But obviously it wasn't big enough for the project that I am working on. Like in the previous post, there are rulers you can buy for just about everything, or you can make due with what you have.
Hope this saves you trimming time. Speaking of which, I have 55 more HST that need to be trimmed! Happy trimming!
