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    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.  

    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!

    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 ”. 


    • 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:

    1. Seam Allowance Additions
    2. Prep-Tool
    3. Super Easy Seam Guide Setter

    1. Seam Allowance Additions:

    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 " 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 ”.


    • 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:

    1. Seam Allowance Additions
    2. Prep-Tool
    3. Super Easy Seam Guide Setter

    1. Seam Allowance Additions:

    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