Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Cutting with the Easy Angle

Life ain't easy. Terrible things happen to everyone. You have to keep your sense of humor, give something of yourself to others, make friends who are younger than you, learn new things, and have fun. 

George Vaillant



Easy Angle Tutorial Part I


When I am asked about favorite quilting tools there are several that come to mind but the one that I would not want to be without is the Easy Angle.  On my Previous Post I showed the three sizes that are available.  Stores like JoAnn carry the 6 1/2" size.  The other two may be available at your local quilt shop if not you could ask them to order them.  Some on line shops carry them too.  In the block that I am going to show you ALL the cutting except for the initial strip cuts were done with the 6 1/2" Easy Angle.  I could have used the 4 1/2" one since my strips were only 3 1/2" wide.















First Cut Position

Since I'm using a 3 1/2" strip the tool is aligned with the 
3 1/2" mark at the upper left corner of the strip.







Second Cut Position

In the second cut position it is important that the black triangle tip hangs off over the edge of the strip.  The top edge of the strip is straight with the 3 1/2" line on the tool.



To cut another triangle pair, flip tool back over to the first position align carefully then cut.  Flip tool again to the second position align carefully then cut again, repeat cut and flip until the number of triangle pairs needed are cut 
or the end of the strip is reached.




Squares and rectangles are cut using the reverse side of the tool.  Sizes up to 6 1/2" can be cut by aligning the top edge of the tool with the top edge of the strip.  Cut along the right edge of the tool.  Adding sandpaper or non-skid dots to both sides of the tool is a good idea.  Try to place them away from the lines and on top of each other front and back to prevent the tool from slipping.  You can see how I did this on one of the tools in my previous post.




Here is a completed Monkey Wrench block made using pieces cut with the Easy Angle.  Below are a few more nine patch blocks made with the same shapes.




Pressing tip for working with symmetrical nine patch blocks.




Now you didn't think I could just make one did you?




Looks like I have a bit more pressing to do.  I know the fabrics aren't exciting but I have dozens and dozens of yards of old calicoes to use up.  This block goes together quickly and I will have a nice charity quilt top made in just a few hours.  This tutorial produced just what I didn't need - another project.  LOL I hope you got something from it too.  In case you need it written out here is the cutting needed for the block.

Nine Inch Monkey Wrench Block
Background - 1  - 3 1/2" square
Pair a background and print strip and cut 4  - 3 1/2" triangle pairs with the Easy Angle
then cut 4  - 2" x 3 1/2" rectangle pairs.

Chain piece the triangle pairs and rectangle pairs together.  Press seams to the darker fabric.
Construct rows and block and pressing as pictured.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.  If you did please let me know in the comments below.  If you have any questions or anything isn't clear please let me know that to and I will try to help.  Don't think that this is all you can do with the Easy Angle because I will be working on a Part 2 and Part 3 for the tutorial.  


13 comments:

  1. Thank you for a very easy to follow tutorial. I have never used my Easy Angle but will certainly give a try!

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  2. The Easy Angle is one of my favorite gadgets -- I didn't realize it came in other sizes.

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  4. Nice, Patricia. I think I have one of these Easy Angle rulers in a draw somewhere. Now I'll have to go dig it out.

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  5. One of my favorite rulers, I always use it for HSTs, perfect every time. I'll even stack up to six layers, but you have to go slow and steady. Great tutorial.

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  6. i will have to get me one thanks for the info

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  7. Great tutorial. I have this ruler but have yet to try it out. Now that I see how you use it I am excited to give it a try.

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  8. I love your blocks because they are such soft colors that the quilt is certain to be very restful and comforting.

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  9. I love this ruler! It is awesome!

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  10. Great tutorial.I don´t have that ruler and I`d love to try it,looks easy to use.

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  11. Very cool! Thanks for sharing! I like how the ruler has that black tip. :) What a great help. Your prints are going to be beautiful together with this block! Thanks for linking up! :)

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  12. Great tutorial! I have the 4 1/2 one and just love it! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion at the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  13. Neat tutorial! I like that tip about rotating the blocks to make sure the seams lock. :)

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