Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
dog-ears

How to Trim Dog-Ears on Triangle-Squares

Press the triangle-square carefully, then use scissors to trim its projecting top and bottom corners flush before sewing the next seam.

By ThatPainter Team 1 min read
Performance · Free Tool

PC Slower Than It Used to Be?

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.

Run a Free PC Scan →Free scan · Windows 10 & 11

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

After pressing a triangle-square, snip off the points that project from its top and bottom edges. Trim each dog-ear flush with the triangle edge before sewing the unit to another piece, taking care not to stretch the bias edge while pressing.

What are dog-ears on a triangle-square?

In this lesson, a triangle-square is made by sewing two same-size triangles together along their center seam. Once the unit is opened and pressed, small points project beyond its top and bottom edges. Those projecting corners are the dog-ears.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Omnigrid 8" Right Triangle Ruler, Quarter-Square Triangle Quilting Ruler
  • Country Of Origin: United States
  • Model Number: R98
  • Item Package Dimensions: 6.4566929068" L x 6.3779527494" W x 0.7086614166" H
  • Item Package Weight: 0.220460011860748 lb

Press the unit without distorting the bias edge

  1. Sew the two triangles together along the center seam.
  2. Open the unit and finger-press along the seam, then press it with an iron. Handle the bias edge carefully so it does not stretch or distort.
  3. Check the seam for wrinkles and make sure it lies smoothly. The tutorial’s unnamed speaker says, “I like to press from the right side so I can see that I don’t have any wrinkles and that I’ve got a nice smooth seam.”

How do I trim dog-ears on triangle-squares?

With the unit pressed, use scissors to snip each point projecting from the top and bottom. Cut the dog-ears flush with the triangle edge; do not cut into the seam. The trimmed unit is square and ready to sew point to point to the next piece.

This technique is demonstrated in American Patchwork & Quilting Editors’ “Video 10: Trimming Dog-Ears on Triangle-Squares”, published October 13, 2016. The publisher also lists it as Video 10 in its Complete Guide to Quilting demonstrations. The tutorial names scissors but does not specify a brand, size, or special model.

Best Value
2 Pcs Triangle Quilting Ruler Folded Corner Clipper 45 Degree Quilting
  • Adequate to Meet Your Needs: you will receive 2 pieces of triangle rulers in the package, very useful for DIY projects in daily life; The sufficient quantity can meet your needs for various situations, and you can also share them with your family or surrounding friends
  • Thoughtful Color Design: designed in the transparent color, the folded corners quilting ruler allow you to see the numbers on its surface clearly; With clear prints, it can provide you with lots of convenience when you do some handmade crafts
  • Enjoy Crafting Time: the folded corners ruler is suitable for you to DIY with others, you can use your imagination to create many crafts in your own style, which is a nice way to show your preference and taste
  • Extensive Usages to Apply: the triangle square ruler can help you create many different patterns, ideal for sewing, cutting, quilting, and more; You can also use it in your home, craft rooms, play rooms, schools, and other places you want, it is nice for beginners and experienced people
  • Ideal size for use: the ruler triangle tools measure 5 x 5 inches and 10 x 10 inches respectively, small and portable, light weight, easy to store and carry in school bags, school bags, stationery bags, tool boxes, etc.
Rank #4
YICBOR Half Square Triangle Multiple-Sized Quilting Ruler and Template with Grid Lines (2.5X2.5 inches)
  • HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE DESIGN: Diagonal line runs corner to corner, making it ideal for creating and trimming half square triangles, quarter square triangles, and other common quilt blocks
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from high-quality transparent acrylic material that resists warping and breaking while providing clear visibility of fabric patterns underneath
  • EASY-TO-READ MARKINGS: Yellow and black grid lines with numerical indicators on all four sides ensure measurements are visible on both light and dark fabrics
  • VERSATILE QUILTING TOOL: Perfect for rotary cutting, squaring up blocks, measuring seam allowances, and creating multiple quilt patterns with consistent accuracy
Rank #3
Creative Grids Half Square 4-in-1 Triangle Quilt Ruler – CGRBH1 – Made in USA, 5-1/2in x 10-1/2in, Non-Slip Grip Acrylic Quilting, Sewing, Crafting, Patchwork Ruler & Template
  • Made in the USA with high quality acrylic and precision measurements ensuring accuracy for your quilting, sewing, patchwork, and crafting projects.
  • Creative Grids exclusive non-slip grip allows you to easily slide the ruler over the fabric until positioned correctly. Then, when slight pressure is applied, the grip holds the ruler in place, eliminating slipping while you cut.
  • Easy to read black and white markings.
  • Finished triangle size and appropriate strip width are both printed right on the ruler for cutting both half-square and quarter-square triangles.
  • Use the slot on the ruler and the outside edge to mark sewing lines for the Mark and Sew method.
Rank #2
New Leaf Stitches Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmer — Acrylic Quilting Ruler for Half Square Triangles & HST Cutting — Slotted Quilting Ruler for Strip Piecing, Block Construction & Accurate Trimming
  • Trims Multiple Sizes: Ruler trims 11 sizes of half-square triangles! Streamlines the quilting process. Its multiple sizes eliminates the need for separate rulers for different block sizes, making it a convenient and efficient tool for quilters of all skill levels.
  • Accurate Cutting with Minimal Effort: Designed for efficiency and precision, this ruler lets quilters align once and make two cuts to trim all four sides of half-square triangles. There is no need to rotate or realign during cutting. This method speeds up cutting time, ensuring every piece is square, uniform, and ready for assembly in your quilt designs.
  • Exclusive Slotted Design: The slotted edge design removes dog ears while trimming, a common challenge in quilting. By eliminating this step, the trimmer improves accuracy in block assembly and saves time, making it easier for quilters to produce flawless, clean-cut quilt blocks.
  • Versatile Quilting Tool for Various Techniques: This ruler isn’t limited to half-square triangles; it’s also efficient for squaring hourglass blocks, strip piecing, and strip-tube methods. Its versatility makes it essential for quilters looking to expand their techniques and creativity.
  • Durable Acrylic Construction with Easy-to-Follow Instructions: This clear, high quality, acrylic ruler is designed for longevity. It features printed instructions on the ruler, allowing quilters to follow cutting guides easily without needing separate instructions, improving efficiency.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.