I’m using the set of Tri Recs acrylic rulers for my current quilt along, Modern Trees. This ruler set has been one of my favorite tools for a good 10+ years now and I’ll tell you why.
Tri Ruler
Recs Ruler
Not only does it make amazing tree blocks like those shown below, but you can make tons of other shapes, too!
Solid Trees
Improv Trees
My friend Lindsey who’s quilting along with everyone else, started playing around with her tri recs tools a few days ago (you buy it as a complete set of 2 rulers in the same package). She came up with this really cool diamond block.
Diamond Block Using Tre-Recs
Even though she said it’s probably nothing new, the fact that she “discovered” this block while playing around is a testament to how versatile this tool is. She’s even written up a tutorial here.
54-40 or Fight Block
One of my favorite traditional quilt blocks is the 54-40 or fight block – a star variation.
(The name has reference to a political campaign about boundary lines.)
This image is courtesy of Quilter’s Cache – click here for a tutorial.
Notice how the star points are basically reversing the values from my tree tops above. The tutorial suggests using templates. You could also take some time with the math to figure it out. But, it’s just much easier to use the ruler set and not have to think about it.
For those of you that have never used the tri recs tool before, here’s a link to a fabulous you-tube tutorial from some of my favorite people – Fons and Porter.
My only suggestion for improvement would be for the manufacturer to make a ruler that’s bigger than 6 inches finished so I can make larger blocks. 🙂
Christa Quilts 