Using Bloc Loc Rulers for Perfect Half Square Triangles // Try it Tuesday

Once or twice a month, I review a new (to me) or favorite sewing product, technique, etc.  Most of the products are ones that I have purchased--if not, I make sure to note that (there are affiliate links below). If I find something cool I think you might like too, I write about it. Past posts can be found here.Have you heard of or tried the Bloc Loc™ rulers? I bought a set of 3 HST Square Up Rulers and think they are fantastic!The basic idea is that there is a special channel lock that "locks" onto your seam, as you can see below. To trim your half square triangle pairs, you simply trim around the four sides of the square, without moving the ruler.  I happen to have a rotating mat (like this one) that my mom sent me for Christmas,  and it works great. I have also used the ruler with a regular, stationary mat, and it works.

There are two downsides to the rulers that I can see--the first is that if you have a 4.5'' ruler, you have to trim the blocks to 4.5''. You can't kind of fudge it and trim to 5'', for example. The other downside is that they are pretty pricey--they are sometimes sold in sets where you get a bit of a discount.However, I like the ruler enough that I plan to design future HST projects just so I can use my rulers. So if you see a lot of 2.5'', 4.5'', or 6'' half square triangles popping up in future quilts, you know why.You can buy them from Bloc Loc, one seller has them on Amazon (Bloc-Loc Ruler Set) , and I would imagine local quilt shops have them as well, although I haven't seen them in mine.

I used the ruler for the Mayflower block on the right--I'm working on another Vintage Quilt Revival Sampler for a block of the month club at Capital Quilts. I think there is still a space or two if you are interested in joining us.

Try It Tuesday Stats:

Name:  4.5'' Bloc Loc™ HST Square Up Ruler

There are rulers for squaring up Half Square Triangles (HST), Half Square Rectangles, Flying Geese as well as Drunkards Path, Apple Core, and a variety of acrylic rulers in a variety of sizes.Size: 4.5'' square

Price: $19.80

Manufacturer: Made by in USA by A.I.A. Plastics Inc of CO & Papillon Graphics of COSource:  Bloc Loc at Sample Spree (Quilt Market)

How to use it (per the manufacturer)"Bloc_Loc™ is a revolutionary new channel technology to allow you to accurately "square-up" a half square triangle block while eliminating slipping and ruler rock completely."