Tri Recs Ruler Fun
Happy Thursday!
Our embroidery/quilt club this week focused on using the Tri-Recs tool.
The Tri-Recs ruler combination is the easy way to make triangles with in a square – a popular feature in many patchwork quilt patterns. I find it to be one of the handiest ruler sets I own. There is a cut off angle on the recs portion of the combo set that makes aligning and sewing the units extremely accurate.
Initially I had trouble with the set but after watching Bonnie Hunter’s videos the light bulb came on and I’ve loved the Tri-Recs rulers ever since.
The recs portion of the tool allows you to make half rectangle triangles — which is my favorite. The tricky part is understanding if you need a right or left diagonal seam – it’s best to sketch out your design before cutting the fabric — I learned the hard way 😦
Our first project was piecing simple hrt units for placemats using the recs only portion of the tool. The placemats are 12 x 18 inches, each half rectangle unit measures 3 x 6 inches – you need 12 units to make one placemat. The fabric I used was from Moda’s V&Co ombre basics line.
For our table runner I created a petal block and used the 6.5 x 6.5 inch square of background fabric in the center for the embroidery. The petal block finishes at 12 x 12 inches. Each triangle in a square finishes at 3 inches — you need 8 units to make the petal block, you also need (4) 3.5 x 3.5 unfinished squares of background fabric for the corners.
Again using recs only portion I designed a funky pinwheel block that also finishes at 12 inches. Each quarter section of the pinwheel is made with a 3 x 6 half rectangle triangle, a 3.5 x 3.5 inch half square triangle, plus (1) 3.5 x 3.5 unfinished squares of background fabric for the corners.
After adding sashing and border the table runner measures 15 x 41 inches.
I absolutely loved the backing fabric used for both placemats and table runner. I found it a JoAnn’s!
I also displayed another table topper using the tool — I hope to have it finished soon.
If you are interested in making larger triangle in a square units or half rectangle units, Creative Grids offers the Perfect Rectangle and the Triangle Squared Rulers. Definitely more pricey and aren’t sold as a set.
I used the Creative Grids rulers to create a candy corn pinwheel – my sample pillow block is pictured below.
Have you tried the Tri-Recs tool? If so what’s your favorite quilt block to make using this ruler set?
Happy Sewing!
Hi Karla! I am so thrilled to see this post. I have the Tri-Recs tool and have used it only once – I can’t even remember what the project was. But, how cool is that it makes HRTs?! I definitely will check on Bonnie’s video – I could use some help with this tool. I LOVE your placemat – especially those fabrics. Hmm. I do NOT need another squirrel – I have to get that llama done. HAHA! ~smile~ Roseanne
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Thanks Roseanne—squirrels can be pesky 🙂 This post may help with the hrt’s: http://www.littlebluebell.com/2015/02/tutorial-fast-and-easy-half-rectangle.html
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I loved all your projects, and think your use of the Tri-Recs was so clever and interesting. Fun to see all your great work–thanks for showing them.
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Thanks Elizabeth! I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and love all of the creative things you come up with!
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Hi Karla, I enjoyed your fall decorating post very much. You are quite talented with the quilting. I also love your embroidery you have used in this post. Those tools are quite useful in the right hands. Piecing is a challenge for me, sadly. Anyway, Happy Stitching from me!
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Thank you Jocelyn! I love doing the embroidery — I prefer walking foot quilting – I’m really really bad with free motion quilting. Take Care Jocelyn!
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Such cute projects!
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Thanks Vicki!
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I have it, but I haven’t been as creative as you. I’ve just made the peaky and spike block. Thanks for the inspiration!
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You’re welcome – thanks for stopping by!
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Hello Karla! I have one of these rulers, but must admit that I hav always had the learning curve blues as well. I am going to have to get it out again and give it another try:). I love your candy corn❤️❤️
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Thanks Tracy!
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That is an amazing piece with the Tri Recs ruler set! I’ve had that set for years and only made one piece with it. It has so many awesome possibilities! Your table(s) must look fantastic as you make some lovely table runners!
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While growing up my mother stressed having a “well dressed” table and I’ve continued that tradition!
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