But when you use a quilt ruler to cut squares and triangles, you can't just add 1/4" to the strip.
Seam Allowances for Half Square Triangles & Quarter Square Triangles Are Not What You Think
Seam Allowance Story
A 1/4" seam allowance is most commonly used in quilting.
A 1/4" seam allowance is most commonly used in quilting.
But when you use a quilt ruler to cut squares and triangles, you can't just add 1/4" to the strip.
To make Squares, you need to add ½":
To make Half or Quarter Square Triangles,
you need to cut Squares first.
Then, cut them diagonally in half or in quarters.
If you only add 1/2", you won't have any seam allowances on the diagonal edges.
So, these are the seam allowance amounts patterns use today:
But Those Amounts are not Exactly Right!
A 1/4" seam allowance is most commonly used in quilting.
But when you use a quilt ruler to cut squares and triangles, you can't just add 1/4" to the strip.
A 1/4" seam allowance is
most commonly used
in quilting.
But when you use a quilt ruler to cut squares and triangles, you can't just add 1/4" to the strip.
To make Squares,
you need to add ½":
To make Half or Quarter Square Triangles, you need to cut Squares first. Then cut them diagonally in half or in quarters.
If you only add 1/2", you won't have any seam allowances on the diagonal edges.
So, these are the seam allowance amounts patterns use today:
But Those Amounts
are not Exactly Right!
Ever Wondered Why
you have to trim your triangle squares down to the right size?
Triangles come out slightly larger than squares.
You Might be Surprised
to hear that you can't add the precise amounts of seam allowances for triangles, using a quilt ruler alone.
That's because rulers only have lines every ⅛”.
- 7/8" is almost 1/32" too much for HSTs
- 1¼" is almost 1/16" too much for QSTs
This is why many quilters today add even more
and then trim them down to the right size later.
Believe it or not, the exact amounts are:
You could use individual templates or
dies to cut perfect triangles.
But you'll need a separate template or die for each size you want to cut.
And that can get really expensive!
Cut accurate triangles
Any Size! No Expensive Dies!
Seam Allowance Additions
let you add the precise amounts of seam allowance
for triangles right on the edge of the ruler.
The Green H Addition
adds 0.854" for HSTs.
The Red Q Addition
adds 1.207" for QSTs.
When you add the accurate seam allowance amounts, your squares and triangles will match perfectly.
Choose the set that works best for you from the options below:
Click here for set options with 1, 2 or 3 Guidelines Rulers.
Click here for set options that you can use with regular 12" & 24" rulers you already have.
All of Our Finished-Size Quilting Sets Include:
- Seam Allowance Additions
- Prep-Tool
- Super Easy Seam Guide Setter
12" long and come in the two versions below:
Guidelines Ruler Version
They lock into holes in the corners of the Guidelines Ruler.
Regular Acrylic Ruler Version
Attach with 3 suction cups to the edge of any standard ⅛" thick acrylic ruler.
Use to trim triangle points and mark an accurate scant ¼"
Use to sew an accurate scant ¼" by aligning a Seam Guide on your sewing machine
Ever Wondered Why
you have to trim your triangle squares down to the right size?
Triangles come out slightly larger than squares.
You Might be Surprised to hear that you can't add the precise amounts of seam allowances for triangles, using a quilt ruler alone.
That's because rulers only have lines every ⅛”.
- 7/8" is almost 1/32" too much for Half Square Triangles
- 1¼" is almost 1/16" too much for Quarter Square Triangles
This is why many quilters today add even more and then trim them down to the right size later.
Believe it or not, the exact amounts are:
You could use individual templates or dies to cut perfect triangles.
But you'll need a separate template or die for each size you want to cut.
And that can get really expensive!
Cut accurate triangles
Any Size!
No Expensive Dies.
Seam Allowance Additions
let you add the precise amounts of seam allowance for triangles right on the edge of the ruler.
The Green H Addition
adds 0.854" for HSTs.
The Red Q Addition
adds 1.207" for QSTs.
When you add the accurate seam allowance amounts, your squares and triangles will match perfectly.
Choose the set that
works best for you
from the options below:
Click here for set options with 1, 2 or 3 Guidelines Rulers.
Click here for set options that you can use with regular 12" & 24" rulers you already have.
All of Our Finished-Size Quilting Sets Include:
- Seam Allowance Additions
- Prep-Tool
- Super Easy Seam Guide Setter
Guidelines Ruler Version
They lock into holes in the corners of the Guidelines Ruler.
Regular Acrylic Ruler Version
Attach with 3 suction cups to the edge of any standard ⅛" thick acrylic ruler.
Use to trim triangle points and mark an accurate scant ¼"
Use to sew an accurate scant ¼" by aligning a Seam Guide on your sewing machine
