Lazy Angle Ruler Review & Tutorial

Have you been intrigued by the Lazy Angle Ruler? I was and when the opportunity to do a giveaway and review came up with Fat Quarter Shop, I jumped at the chance and here’s why…I created the 4 blocks for this table runner and 1 additional during Anne’s nap time – all of TWO hours!

Lazy Angle Table Runner

The first thing I did was head over to the Lazy Girl Designs website and download the “Getting Started” chapter from the Lazy & Lovin’ It book.  If you are going to invest in the ruler – I highly recommend printing out these 12 pages. After taking the time to read it and get a real understanding I was able to create these blocks by just cutting, sewing and playing.

I decided to make 8 inch finished blocks – mainly because I have recently been intrigued with that size block.  An 8 inch block requires 4 blocks measuring 4.5″ x 4.5″.

Start with two different fabrics measuring 4.5” by width of fabric.

(It is important to remember when piecing to use a ¼” seam)

Lazy Angle Ruler

Lazy Angle Ruler

Start by cutting your A sections – for the 1st pinwheel block you will need 4 section A’s and 4 Section B’s.

Lazy Angle RulerLazy Angle Ruler

Lay out your block

Lazy Angle Ruler Pinwheel

Next you will need to sew your sections together – make sure you slightly offset your pieces – the Lazy Girl Designs website describes this as making a bowtie at the bottom of your piece. Here is how my sections look:

Lazy Angle Ruler

Press your seams open, trim dog ears and you have made your first section! Make 3 more and sew your block together.

Lazy Angle Ruler Pinwheel Block

Things I like about the ruler:

  • Concise – Aside from trimming dog ears – I didn’t have to trim my blocks to size – they were consistently 4.5” each time (meaning – make sure your ¼” seams are ACCURATE! – if they aren’t you will cause yourself a lot more work!)
  • Once you master this first block the options are ENDLESS – after I had the proportions worked out I designed 10 or more blocks in EQ7 for this ruler
  • The 12 page free downloadable chapter is a wonderful font of information – READ IT!
  • You can create finished blocks measuring from 4” to 12”

Area’s for Improvement:

  • Learning curve – the pamphlet that comes with it was not enough for me to figure out how to use the ruler – however, the Lazy Girl Designs website had a great deal amount of information to help me figure it all out
  • If the pieces are not offset just right, then your square will not line up properly – it took me 3 or 4 tries and lots of quality time with Jack (a.k.a. The Ripper) to figure out the exact right alignment
  • There is quite a bit of waste when you are creating blocks with 3 or more sections – be prepared for a scrap pile

Final Thoughts:

I love this tool – I see myself using it quite a lot in future quilt designs.  While there is a learning curve, DO NOT let it intimidate you. Take the time to download the free chapter and read it. If you are still struggling feel free to send me a message – I would be more than happy to walk you through using this ruler.

Come by tomorrow (internet access willing – we are still having trouble in our neck of the woods) – and I will have up step-by-step picture tutorials for the other 3 blocks in the table runner and cutting instructions for the sashing and border. The day after that I will put up a tutorial on how to do a machine binding on this quilt.

Do you have this ruler? Do you want one? Head over to my Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway for your chance to win one!

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About Melissa Dunworth

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12 Responses to Lazy Angle Ruler Review & Tutorial

  1. Thanks ! I did not know about this info on the website . I did have some figuring out to do when I used it last week for the sew happy geek qal ! but I did figure it out — which is amazing ! how exciting since I got the ruler quite awhile ago and just opened it last week ….. oh boy ……………

  2. Mary says:

    That looks like a fun tool.

  3. Brandy M. says:

    Very nice, Melissa!! I love the blocks, as well as your fabric choices!

    🙂

  4. Vicki F. says:

    I love it – can’t wait to see how the rest of the blocks come together! Your table runner is adorable!!

  5. Lisa L. says:

    Love the table runner so much!! I may have to get this lazy angle ruler, if I do not win it of course! 😉

  6. VickiT says:

    You’re making me want this ruler even more now. You know that; right? LOL

    Great table runner. Can’t wait to see more.

  7. Jacque says:

    Cute runner! I’ve seen this, but I truly have been a little intimidated by it….LOL I’m looking forward to your next blocks, so I can get my lil brain around this!

  8. Bente says:

    Thank you Melissa,
    lovely tablerunner and beautiful fabric choise-
    Liebe Grüße
    Bente – Germany

  9. Dawn says:

    Since I already “Like” you on FB I shared the giveaway.

  10. Dennis says:

    I still need to get one looks like you learned how to use it really fast.

  11. Connie says:

    Great post Melissa! This looks like a awesome ruler to have!

Comments are closed.