Alternative to Using Specialty Rulers

Many of you know that I am a huge fan of specialty rulers.  I love the concept of using tools to improve my accuracy in piecing quilts.

This week someone asked if my patterns could be done without the specialty rulers.  The answer is a resounding yes.  I always include alternate instructions for those that choose not to use the mentioned rulers.  For this weeks blog, I thought I would share specifics about the quarter square triangle unit from my latest pattern Modern Maze.

Modern Maze by Kari Schell

When using a standard ruler, I suggest adding additional lines to aid in fabric placement and cutting.  I like to mark these lines with a fine point Sharpie marker.  Since a Sharpie make “permanent” marks, I start by lining my ruler with Invisigrip.  Invisigrip™ is a clear, non-slip material that is applied to rulers and templates to prevent rulers from slipping when rotary cutting.  It is made by Omnigrid®. 

Here is how to use Invisigrip.

• Unroll Invisigrip onto your rotary cutting mat with Invisigrip facing up.
  
• Position ruler over Invisigrip and rotary cut based on the size of your ruler.  Since it tends to curl, I found it useful to use some tools around my quilting room to hold the Invisigrip in place.
  
• Peel off the paper backing and apply Invisigrip to the under side of your ruler and press out any wrinkles for a smooth surface.  (OK – this one was hard to photograph – since the piece is “invisible”.)

Now draw the prescribed lines on the Invisigrip side of your ruler.

For this unit, I started by marking the 3-1/2” marks on two sides to make a 3-1/2” square.

I then drew diagonal lines corner to corner.

Backside of ruler with all lines drawn on Invisigrip.

Once I pieced my unit, I could then trim.

For the first trim, match the diagonal lines of the unit with the diagonal lines of the ruler.  Trim the top and right sides.  The intersection of the diagonal line is the center of your block.





Rotate the unit 180 degrees.  Then match up the newly cut edges with the 3-1/2” drawn lines.  In addition, you should be able to line up the diagonal lines and center intersection as well.  Trim the top and right sides.

Lines for first cut were highlighted on this photo.

Line up for second cut. For this cut you want to mach the outer edges in addition to the diagonal lines.

Voila!  You now have a perfectly pieced quarter square triangle unit – ready for adding to your quilt. 


As an added bonus, the Invisigrip is reusable for your next project.  To get rid the the Sharpie marker lines, use a cotton ball saturated with rubbing alcohol.  You do have to rub a bit (maybe that is why it is called rubbing alcohol). 

Featured Quilt - Modern Maze

Hot off the presses, the pattern for Modern Maze is now available for purchase.  For those that collect charm packs, this quilt is charm friendly!

Create your own maze with these asymmetrical blocks.  There are endless rotation possibilities. The quilt may be completed with four fabrics or may be made from scraps (or with charm packs).  
Finished sizes:

• Wall Hanging (50 x 50)
• Lap (70 x 90)
• Full (80 x 90)
• Queen (100 x 100)

Recommended (optional) Tools:

• Tucker Trimmer 1™

Happy quilting.

Kari 

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