Half Square Triangle Blocks (HSTs)

Easy Angle Rulers by Sharon Hultgren

This ruler is designed to be used for half square triangles. Lay it over a strip of fabric (matching the line on the ruler) to cut your first triangle (the picture thumbnail to the left). Then flip it to cut the second one (the picture thumbnail to the right). The numbers along the side of the ruler give the size of the HST you will make using each of the strip sizes shown. Fast - Accurate!

 Triangles can now be cut from the same strips used for squares. You can even use the lines on this ruler to cut the squares. Built in 1/4" seam allowance.  These rulers cover all the bases. They're thick and sturdy, so they'll stand up to years of wear. Cut triangles, squares, and attic window shapes all from the same strip of fabric.  

Three sizes:

• Order 10 1/2" Easy Angle II Ruler for  $12.95 Cuts half square triangles from 2" to 10" (finished size)
• Order 6 1/2" Easy Angle Ruler for $9.95 Cuts half square triangles from 1/2" to 6" (finished size)
• Order 4 1/2" Easy Angle Ruler for $7.10 Cuts half square triangles from 1/2" to 4" (finished size

This ruler uses strips the size of the finished block to cut the triangles.  Just layer a light and dark strip right sides together and use the ruler to cut out triangles. The 1/4" seam allowance is already calculated for you.  For example, to make 2 1/2" HSTs, you would use the 2" line.  Because of the blunt end on the ruler, your triangles will already have the "dog ear" cut off. This makes them easier to feed through the machine as the tiny triangle point doesn't get caught in the feed dogs. 

Made from a durable, premium quality acrylic plastic and laser cut for a smooth edge that allows for easier, deeper cutting of fabric layers. The patented double line effect is printed in black and yellow which allows the user to see the grid on both dark and light fabrics. Designed for left and right handed users. The Omnigrid 98 (right) works the same way, but it cuts quarter square triangles. 

• Order the Omnigrid 96 Ruler (HSTs up to 6") for $11.99
• Order the Omnigrid 96L Ruler (HSTs up to 8") for $13.69
• Order the Omnigrid 98 Ruler (HSTs up to 8") for $11.99
• Order the Omnigrid 98L Ruler (HSTs up to 12") for $13.99

Another method of making half square triangles is to place two squares right side together, draw a line on the diagonal of the lighter square, then sew 1/4" from this line on both sides. Cut on the diagonal line and you will have two half square triangles. The squares you start out with should be 7/8" larger than the finished size of the final HST.  The Quick Quarter ruler (below) is made to help with this.  It is exactly 1/2" wide so you can draw the sewing line, and has slots in the center so you can draw the cutting line. The package includes full instructions on how to cut and make 1/2 square and 1/4 square blocks.

Quilters Rule Quick Quarter

• Order the Quick Quarter Guide 8" x 1/2" Quick Quarter Guide for $3.30
• Order the Quick Quarter Guide 12" x 1/2" Quick Quarter Guide for $4.40

Watch the video on how to use this ruler while making half square triangles using the traditional method.

Just pin the paper to the lighter of the two strips, sew on the dotted line and cut on the solid line.  The seam will automatically fold to the darker side when pressing.  To remove the special paper, place your thumbnail in the middle of the seam and pull!  One of your dog ears will be cut already. Fifteen sizes are available.

For more details or to purchase Thangles, click here.

To see a video on how to use these, click here.

 

Order 1 Inch Triangles Ta-Da Fusible Interfacing for $5.99
Order 1 1/2" Triangles Ta-Da Fusible Interfacing for $5.99
Order 2 Inch Triangles Ta-Da Fusible Interfacing for $5.99
Order 2 1/2" Triangles Ta-Da Fusible Interfacing for $5.99
Order 3 inch Triangles Ta-Da Fusible Interfacing for $5.99
Order 3 1/2" Triangles Ta-Da Fusible Interfacing for $5.99
 

Triangles on a Roll
Triangles on a roll is based on the Grid Method. It is a paper pattern which is preprinted with with the grid.  This paper is pinned to the two layers of fabric.  Sew on the dotted line following the directional arrows and cut on the dotted lines.  Triangles on a roll comes in four sizes:

• Order the Two Inch Triangles on a Roll (which makes 800 HSTs) for $10.00
• Order the Two and a half inch Triangles on a Roll (which makes 700 HSTs) for $10.00
• Order the Three Inch Triangles on a Roll (which makes 600 HSTs) for $10.00
• Order the Four Inch Triangles on a Roll (which makes 480 HSTs) for $10.00

The Wonder Cut Ruler is the ultimate ruler to use when making half-square triangles , or three-part squares, or even four-part squares perfect every time!  No paper to peel, no fabric points to get stuck in the feed dogs of your sewing machine, and best of all, no math to fuss with.  The Wonder Cut Ruler has all the math included in its exclusive design.  If you can sew a 1/4" seam, you can make a perfect half-square triangle every time.  Great for beginners! 

Use the lines on the long side of the ruler to cut strips, then sew the strips together the long way, making a tube. Use the diagonal lines on the corner of the ruler to cut triangles from this tube.  Open them up and you have HSTs.  Although this ruler produces half square triangle blocks which have the outer edge on the bias, the fact the seam is sewn on the straight of grain keeps the blocks stable.

For more details and quilt block ideas, visit the Wondercut Ruler website.  We also have a free pattern Aurora Borealis that uses this method. 

• Order the Wonder Cut Ruler for $20.50