Day: August 17, 2026

I love rulers, as many of you know.

One of my most-used rulers is my Easy Angle Ruler–which I use to cut half-square triangles. There are so many ways to make half-square triangles, but I prefer using my rulers.

I currently have three of these rulers. The one with blue tips is quilter Bonnie Hunter’s. The yellow block is Bonnie Hunter’s 2026 annual free leader/ender block called “Tulip Swirl.” Above it are the block’s components, with the layered half-square triangles ready to sew together–cut from layered dark/light 2.5 inch wide strips.

You can also cut squares with this ruler. But first layer 2 dark/light strips that are at least 6 inches long for each block–assuming you are using a variety of prints and want a scrappy quilt.

Next, turn the ruler over so that the black tip is at the top. (You will use BOTH sides of this ruler.) Lay the ruler’s edge along the side where you just cut the two squares. Note that the bottom line is at the 2.5 inch line on the ruler.

For the next cut put the black tip down so that the ruler’s edge is along the angle you just cut. After cutting, you will again have a straight edge, so you just turn the ruler again so the black tip is at the top. With a 6-inch strip, you would be done with that particular combination of two light/dark fabrics. For a project with a longer strip set, you would just keep going.

Bonnie Hunter also sells a half-triangle ruler. But note that you line up with the 2-inch line as that will be the FINISHED size of your block when the two sides (light/dark) are sewn into a square and sewn into your block. ***You would cut the fabric strip at 2.5 inches wide.

I think finding where to cut a square is just a bit harder on Bonnie’s ruler, but one would get used to it with use.

I sew these half-square triangles together with the pointed edge at the top as it just seems to be easier to feed the fabric under the sewing machine foot that way.

Press to the dark fabric, being careful not to stretch out the little block with steam and your iron pushing the fabric. And it is a good idea to do a quick check of the ironed square by placing a small square ruler over the block, with the ruler’s center diagonal line on the line of your small block. Sometimes just a smidge of sliver trimming is needed.

Perfect!

Now cut off the point, and you are good to go.