Quilting Cutting Tools
Match a square-up ruler to the seam you have
Identify the seam and the shape
Look at the shape of the unit before you buy the ruler. A half-square triangle has one main diagonal seam. An hourglass adds another diagonal. A flying geese unit is a rectangle with two diagonal seams meeting near the long edge. The trim lines have to leave the fabric that the next seam will take away. A square with a diagonal, a multi-diagonal trimmer and a flying geese ruler therefore solve different alignment problems.
Compare alignment methods
The Tucker Trimmer I is a useful example of a multi-diagonal tool. Its markings let you place the diagonals over sewn seams before trimming the outside edges. Use it when the pattern calls for a square unit within its supported range. Check a dedicated flying geese trimmer when the unfinished and finished sizes describe a rectangle. Read whether a tool centers by drawn lines or uses a groove that rests against the seam allowance, since that changes how you set the fabric down.
Select the trim size
- **Should I buy the ruler based on the complete block size?** Match the size of the sub-unit you will trim, which can be smaller than the finished block shown in the pattern. - **Can I use a strip ruler for triangle units?** Some slotted rulers have square-up markings. Check whether they provide the diagonal alignment and trim size you need. - **What if I use different finished sizes from project to project?** Compare a marked multi-size tool with a fixed-size guide. Check the increments along with the minimum and maximum.