Sounds a bit like a weird sci-fi novel written just for quilters doesn’t it?
As I mentioned yesterday, one of the things I learned last year was how much I liked combining pieced blocks with appliqué. One of my blog projects this year is something I’m calling Block Puzzle and you can read about it more here. Essentially I’m making a big queen-sized quilt with a combination of 12”, 8” and 4” blocks. At the end I will have an appliqué border. In addition to this I am developing a new pattern which is a sampler of 9” blocks with an appliqué medallion center.
In my early days of quilting I have to admit I was a bit of a ruler junkie. Over the next several weeks I’m going to do a little tour of my favorite rulers. These are the ones I go back to time and time again.
First stop: The 6 ½” Triangle Square Up ruler by Quilt-in-a-Day. I use this ruler every time I need to make half triangle squares (except for feathered stars). A really great block to demonstrate this ruler is Swamp Angel so here is a little tutorial for how to make a 9” and 12” Swamp Angel block using this ruler. The sizes for the 12” block will be in parenthesis.
The corner blocks for Swamp Angel are half triangle squares. Since you only need four of these I cut two 4” squares (5” for 12”block) each of my light and dark fabric. These square are placed right sides together as shown.
Using a marking pencil and a ruler draw a line along one of the diagonals.
Sew ¼” on either side of this line.
Cut the block in half along the drawn line.
To square up your block line the 3 ½” line on the ruler up with the seam and trim (4 ½” for 12” block)
After you press these blocks open you will have your four corner blocks.
For the Criss Cross blocks cut 2 4 ½” squares of the dark fabric. Also cut one 4 ½” square of you light and one of your medium (these square are 5 ½” for the 12” block). Place one of the dark squares right side together with the light and do the same with one dark and one medium.
Draw a line along the diagonal and sew ¼” on either side as you did before.
To cut these apart, first cut along the drawn line and then along the other diagonal as shown.
Press the seams toward the dark fabric. Now you will have to mix up these triangles so you have 4 units. Each should have 2 dark triangles, 1 medium and 1 light as shown.
Sew these units together.
To square up using the ruler, line the 3 ½”horizontal line up with one seam and the vertical line up with the other as shown.Flip this around to square up the other side.
The center block is a 3 ½” square (4 ½” for 12” block)
Here is a quick diagram for the finished assembly.
Visit again tomorrow for a quick variation on this block and a chance to win this ruler.
Here's the 12" block just for grins.
Great tutorial, this is one of my favorite rulers as well!
Posted by: Wendy | 02/03/2011 at 06:22 AM
Great tutorial! I love rulers also and this looks like a nice one because it doesn't have a gazillion markings on it.
Posted by: Connie | 02/03/2011 at 06:53 AM
I am looking forward to seeing the other rulers that you use. I have many, but have never used the quilt in a day rulers.
Posted by: Cindy | 02/03/2011 at 07:31 AM
Thanks for the tutorial. I have on of these rulers that I won and have never opened it. I will use it now that I know how useful it is.
Marge
Posted by: Marge Davies | 02/03/2011 at 08:44 AM
gracias por el tutorial, estas reglas estan geniales y muy útiles. Un beso
Posted by: Maritza | 02/03/2011 at 08:52 AM
Hiya I too am a sucker for rulers or any other gadget that will help me to be more accurate with my piecing, and of course of course gadgets for applique.
I too have a few I've never used! some day soon I hope
Posted by: Patricia Nicholls | 02/03/2011 at 09:13 AM
Your ruler looks well loved.. I can tell from looking at it.. that it is one of your favorites.
Posted by: Marcia Kosturock | 02/03/2011 at 09:33 AM
After reading this post I ordered this ruler from Quilt in a Day. I always love a new tool and this one looks great!
Posted by: Ruth B | 02/03/2011 at 09:45 AM
I LOVE this ruler ... sure makes HSTs and QSTs ALOT easier and accurate! One of my favorites to use ... thanks for the tut ! :)
Posted by: Lindsay Mattison | 02/03/2011 at 09:58 AM
I use that ruler all the time too. On the 12" block, what fabric line are you using or did you just pick fabrics from your stash? I LOVE those fabrics.
Posted by: Lori Ginsberg | 02/03/2011 at 10:03 AM
ahHA! A new ruler this gadget-loving-girl must have! Thanks for the great visuals! :)
Posted by: Denise :) | 02/03/2011 at 10:17 AM
Its Charlevoix by Minick and Simpson and Moda...its great
Posted by: erinrussek | 02/03/2011 at 11:00 AM
Looks like I need that ruler. LOL! And I am waiting anxiously for that Block Puzzle tutorial - must make that quilt.
Posted by: Karin | 02/03/2011 at 11:42 AM
I've seen that ruler before and thought then that it would be a good one to have. I've just never found one in a store to buy. I may have to break down and order one online now.
Posted by: Edna | 02/03/2011 at 12:05 PM
Thanks for the tutorial and the great pictures. Love it! Looking forward to the variation of the block!
Posted by: Riet | 02/03/2011 at 03:16 PM
Great tutorial. Thank you. I do not have the rule, I'll buy it.
Posted by: Margot | 02/04/2011 at 09:43 AM
I love, love, love the look of the cherry fabric block!
Posted by: Susan | 02/05/2011 at 09:59 AM
Thanks for a great tutorial and heads up on what looks like a great ruler to have on hand.
Posted by: VickiT | 02/05/2011 at 04:01 PM
I am so glad, I found this post! I have the same ruler and do love it too, but I never used it for the first step you took and that does save cutting! I'll better put this blog on my blog roll (o:
Posted by: simone | 02/06/2011 at 09:35 AM
Great tutorial!
Thanks for taking the Job to do it!
Posted by: Marta | 02/06/2011 at 01:33 PM