I have been so curious about the Bloc Loc Flying Geese ruler/trim tool since I heard Carrie Nelson recommend it. I have always used and loved Open Gate's Fit To Be Geese ruler for making flying geese, and still do prefer that method for constructing the oversized geese. However, this Bloc Loc tool has one thing to recommend it. It has little grooves on the under side of the ruler that lock in place in the triangular seam allowance. That little ruler isn't going to slip or go anywhere while you are trimming around it.
Here is my oversized flying geese block and my ruler locked into place before trimming. For my trim mat, I am using a lazy Susan style rotating mat. This is important because it enables you to do minimal handling of your block unit while trimming. In the photo above you can see where I am going to trim my oversized flying geese block around the outside edges of the ruler. I trim the right hand side and the top first.
So here is the cool part of the process: flip your mini rotating cutting mat around so the block is now upside down. Do not touch or move the ruler. You are just rotating the mat. Trim the (now) right hand side and top.
The big plus with this tool is three fold. 1) The ruler locks in place in your seam allowance with its special grooves. 2) You do not have to move the ruler around to reposition it for your second trim cuts. 3) This trimming process is super fast.
I believe not having to fiddle around to reposition the ruler saves a ton of time. I was trimming these geese faster than I ever have before.
Here are the cons: 1) This little trim tool is for one size flying geese only. I am making 1 1/2" by 3" flying geese and that is the size of the ruler I purchased. The trim tools come in every size flying geese unit you can imagine, so whatever size you are making you can get it. It isn't a one size fits all deal. If you are making two sizes of flying geese, you would need two trim tools in those sizes. 2) Which brings me to the major drawback: This little tiny piece of acrylic is darned expensive!! Just the one little ruler cost me $22!
You also really need to have the small rotating cutting mat to make this whole process go quickly.
I have two of the rotating style cutting mats. The smaller one by Fiskars is my favorite. It is about eight inches square.
My other one by Olfa is larger. The lines that radiate from the center are really handy for helping to position appliqué pieces.
My take on the Bloc Loc Flying Geese trim tool is this: I like it. It doesn't move, and trimming is a breeze if you have a rotating mat. If I had a project that called for a gazillion flying geese, I would not hesitate to purchase the tool in the size the pattern calls for. The time you save with the quick trim process makes the cost worth it for a big project.
Hope you all had a great Easter weekend! The Easter bunny came to our house and left an Easter basket for Eva. She spent the night with us on Saturday and was up by 6:30 AM to see if the Bunny had come. After she found her basket she started to put her jacket on over her jammies to go outside. "What are you doing Eva?" "I have to go outside and find the eggs now". Ooops. Luckily her daddy planned to take her to an Easter egg hunt at a local winery later in the day, so I dodged that bullet.
54 responses to “Bloc Loc Flying Geese Ruler”
Thanks for the review. I have considered buying this tool, but the cost verses its limited use has been a discourager for me. Its nice to see how it works.
Thanks for the review. I have considered buying this tool, but the cost verses its limited use has been a discourager for me. Its nice to see how it works.
Thanks for the review. I have considered buying this tool, but the cost verses its limited use has been a discourager for me. Its nice to see how it works.
it is those grooves that make the ruler so expensive. and it is the grooves that keep the ruler from rocking while trimming.
the lock block for half square triangles can be bought in a larger size and used for several size blocks.
I keep my loc block rulers in a pouch in a certain drawer so I ALWAYS can find them!
it is those grooves that make the ruler so expensive. and it is the grooves that keep the ruler from rocking while trimming.
the lock block for half square triangles can be bought in a larger size and used for several size blocks.
I keep my loc block rulers in a pouch in a certain drawer so I ALWAYS can find them!
it is those grooves that make the ruler so expensive. and it is the grooves that keep the ruler from rocking while trimming.
the lock block for half square triangles can be bought in a larger size and used for several size blocks.
I keep my loc block rulers in a pouch in a certain drawer so I ALWAYS can find them!
Interesting review – thank you!
Methinks I will stick with my chart from the All the Blocks Are Flying Geese book by Mary Sue Suit and be very careful as I trim. I do use a swivel platform so as not to move the block as I trim.
Hugs!
Interesting review – thank you!
Methinks I will stick with my chart from the All the Blocks Are Flying Geese book by Mary Sue Suit and be very careful as I trim. I do use a swivel platform so as not to move the block as I trim.
Hugs!
Interesting review – thank you!
Methinks I will stick with my chart from the All the Blocks Are Flying Geese book by Mary Sue Suit and be very careful as I trim. I do use a swivel platform so as not to move the block as I trim.
Hugs!
I have several of the loc bloc rules..flying geese and half square triangles. Yes, it was an investment, but well worth it in my opinion. I always save the cut offs to get bonus half square triangles and these rulers make resizing them a breeze. I love them!
I have several of the loc bloc rules..flying geese and half square triangles. Yes, it was an investment, but well worth it in my opinion. I always save the cut offs to get bonus half square triangles and these rulers make resizing them a breeze. I love them!
I have several of the loc bloc rules..flying geese and half square triangles. Yes, it was an investment, but well worth it in my opinion. I always save the cut offs to get bonus half square triangles and these rulers make resizing them a breeze. I love them!
A few bloc locs are on my wish list. I like the HST on can be used on various sizes.
A few bloc locs are on my wish list. I like the HST on can be used on various sizes.
A few bloc locs are on my wish list. I like the HST on can be used on various sizes.
I love those Bloc Loc rulers 🙂 I just treated myself to the one for triangles in a square. It makes 3″ blocks which is fortunately what I needed. It includes templates to cut oversize pieces to sew together and then you trim. Uses a bit more fabric but they turn out gorgeous. I have also used the tri recs ruler version which is handy but there is no room for error.
Pricey yes but definitely a treat to use!
I love those Bloc Loc rulers 🙂 I just treated myself to the one for triangles in a square. It makes 3″ blocks which is fortunately what I needed. It includes templates to cut oversize pieces to sew together and then you trim. Uses a bit more fabric but they turn out gorgeous. I have also used the tri recs ruler version which is handy but there is no room for error.
Pricey yes but definitely a treat to use!
I love those Bloc Loc rulers 🙂 I just treated myself to the one for triangles in a square. It makes 3″ blocks which is fortunately what I needed. It includes templates to cut oversize pieces to sew together and then you trim. Uses a bit more fabric but they turn out gorgeous. I have also used the tri recs ruler version which is handy but there is no room for error.
Pricey yes but definitely a treat to use!
I have never used the BlocLocs. Our guild did buy some with grant funding that we get, but I have yet to use them. I looked up Palm Desert on google maps, and it doesn’t look like it would be too far from Temecula Quilt Co. Ni-cole!! Have you ever been to that shop?
I have never used the BlocLocs. Our guild did buy some with grant funding that we get, but I have yet to use them. I looked up Palm Desert on google maps, and it doesn’t look like it would be too far from Temecula Quilt Co. Ni-cole!! Have you ever been to that shop?
I have never used the BlocLocs. Our guild did buy some with grant funding that we get, but I have yet to use them. I looked up Palm Desert on google maps, and it doesn’t look like it would be too far from Temecula Quilt Co. Ni-cole!! Have you ever been to that shop?
Great demonstration for bloc locs. THey do work beautifully. I will give you my hint about getting a little more use out of an expensive tool. You can always use the top end of the ruler to get that most important tip cut and then trim the rest of your block with another ruler. That extends it’s use a bit. Sounds like you had a nice Easter. Things went south here – the little one had the stomach flu!
Mary
Great demonstration for bloc locs. THey do work beautifully. I will give you my hint about getting a little more use out of an expensive tool. You can always use the top end of the ruler to get that most important tip cut and then trim the rest of your block with another ruler. That extends it’s use a bit. Sounds like you had a nice Easter. Things went south here – the little one had the stomach flu!
Mary
Great demonstration for bloc locs. THey do work beautifully. I will give you my hint about getting a little more use out of an expensive tool. You can always use the top end of the ruler to get that most important tip cut and then trim the rest of your block with another ruler. That extends it’s use a bit. Sounds like you had a nice Easter. Things went south here – the little one had the stomach flu!
Mary
I have a couple of sizes, and I like them. But yes, pricey! Try factoring in Canadian exchange & shipping — ouch!
I have a couple of sizes, and I like them. But yes, pricey! Try factoring in Canadian exchange & shipping — ouch!
I have a couple of sizes, and I like them. But yes, pricey! Try factoring in Canadian exchange & shipping — ouch!
Thanks for the great review on the bloc loc ruler. I don’t have a ruler yet and don’t think I’ll buy one soon because they are really, really expensive. I trust my good old ruler I cna use for my normal cutting too;-)
Thanks for the great review on the bloc loc ruler. I don’t have a ruler yet and don’t think I’ll buy one soon because they are really, really expensive. I trust my good old ruler I cna use for my normal cutting too;-)
Thanks for the great review on the bloc loc ruler. I don’t have a ruler yet and don’t think I’ll buy one soon because they are really, really expensive. I trust my good old ruler I cna use for my normal cutting too;-)
I saw this ‘hint’ online when I first got my Fit To Be Geese that makes fitting into the top of the triangle with the ruler easier. Take several layers of Post-it note paper cut into a 1″ square & stick them precisely into the point on the ruler. It works well & I also use a rotating cutting mat which is the key to near-perfect flying geese, in my opinion. I haven’t seen the tiny mat & will have to be on the look out for one!
I saw this ‘hint’ online when I first got my Fit To Be Geese that makes fitting into the top of the triangle with the ruler easier. Take several layers of Post-it note paper cut into a 1″ square & stick them precisely into the point on the ruler. It works well & I also use a rotating cutting mat which is the key to near-perfect flying geese, in my opinion. I haven’t seen the tiny mat & will have to be on the look out for one!
I saw this ‘hint’ online when I first got my Fit To Be Geese that makes fitting into the top of the triangle with the ruler easier. Take several layers of Post-it note paper cut into a 1″ square & stick them precisely into the point on the ruler. It works well & I also use a rotating cutting mat which is the key to near-perfect flying geese, in my opinion. I haven’t seen the tiny mat & will have to be on the look out for one!
i have and use bloc-loc flying geese rulers. they are expensive. unfortunately, they don’t always come in the size i need. 🙁
i still haven’t tried the one by Monique. I need to do that!
i have and use bloc-loc flying geese rulers. they are expensive. unfortunately, they don’t always come in the size i need. 🙁
i still haven’t tried the one by Monique. I need to do that!
i have and use bloc-loc flying geese rulers. they are expensive. unfortunately, they don’t always come in the size i need. 🙁
i still haven’t tried the one by Monique. I need to do that!
Great review! I’ve been wanting to get some but the price stopped me, now I know i should only get the size I need the most. Lol about Eva, kids are so smart nothing slips their minds.
Great review! I’ve been wanting to get some but the price stopped me, now I know i should only get the size I need the most. Lol about Eva, kids are so smart nothing slips their minds.
Great review! I’ve been wanting to get some but the price stopped me, now I know i should only get the size I need the most. Lol about Eva, kids are so smart nothing slips their minds.
I had a gazillion HSTs to trim and found the BlocLoc well worth the cost. Saved me time and frustration.
I had a gazillion HSTs to trim and found the BlocLoc well worth the cost. Saved me time and frustration.
I had a gazillion HSTs to trim and found the BlocLoc well worth the cost. Saved me time and frustration.
As a general rule I won’t spend big bucks on a specialty ruler that works with just one size block. Maybe if I were doing an Ocean Waves quilt I would consider investing in a Bloc Loc Flying Geese ruler . . . I do have the Bloc Loc for HSTs and love it because it works on so many size blocks. For Flying Geese of many sizes I love my Wing Clipper ruler by Deb Tucker. But before I had either of those specialty rulers, I did just fine using markings on a regular 6-1/2″ square Olfa ruler!
As a general rule I won’t spend big bucks on a specialty ruler that works with just one size block. Maybe if I were doing an Ocean Waves quilt I would consider investing in a Bloc Loc Flying Geese ruler . . . I do have the Bloc Loc for HSTs and love it because it works on so many size blocks. For Flying Geese of many sizes I love my Wing Clipper ruler by Deb Tucker. But before I had either of those specialty rulers, I did just fine using markings on a regular 6-1/2″ square Olfa ruler!
As a general rule I won’t spend big bucks on a specialty ruler that works with just one size block. Maybe if I were doing an Ocean Waves quilt I would consider investing in a Bloc Loc Flying Geese ruler . . . I do have the Bloc Loc for HSTs and love it because it works on so many size blocks. For Flying Geese of many sizes I love my Wing Clipper ruler by Deb Tucker. But before I had either of those specialty rulers, I did just fine using markings on a regular 6-1/2″ square Olfa ruler!
I like the Bloc Loc products, but the cost detours me from purchasing the Flying Geese templates. I do have the hst one and love how it works. Thanks for the demo.
I like the Bloc Loc products, but the cost detours me from purchasing the Flying Geese templates. I do have the hst one and love how it works. Thanks for the demo.
I like the Bloc Loc products, but the cost detours me from purchasing the Flying Geese templates. I do have the hst one and love how it works. Thanks for the demo.
I have almost every size. I love the mini ones! Another cool thing is when you don’t end up with enough fabric to make a 1/4″ seam, I will line up the sewing line on the ruler on the opposite edge from the “bad” side. Then the top of the ruler is my new sewing line! Mark it and …. Boom! Sew on the line. The finished size come out perfect!
I have almost every size. I love the mini ones! Another cool thing is when you don’t end up with enough fabric to make a 1/4″ seam, I will line up the sewing line on the ruler on the opposite edge from the “bad” side. Then the top of the ruler is my new sewing line! Mark it and …. Boom! Sew on the line. The finished size come out perfect!
I have almost every size. I love the mini ones! Another cool thing is when you don’t end up with enough fabric to make a 1/4″ seam, I will line up the sewing line on the ruler on the opposite edge from the “bad” side. Then the top of the ruler is my new sewing line! Mark it and …. Boom! Sew on the line. The finished size come out perfect!
I LOVE the Bloc-Loc 6.5″ triangle ruler. Without question it is my favorite for trimming HSTs. Worth every penny. I have a couple of the Flying Geese ones but haven’t played around with them yet. Flying Geese and I have a mutual dislike of each other!
I LOVE the Bloc-Loc 6.5″ triangle ruler. Without question it is my favorite for trimming HSTs. Worth every penny. I have a couple of the Flying Geese ones but haven’t played around with them yet. Flying Geese and I have a mutual dislike of each other!
I LOVE the Bloc-Loc 6.5″ triangle ruler. Without question it is my favorite for trimming HSTs. Worth every penny. I have a couple of the Flying Geese ones but haven’t played around with them yet. Flying Geese and I have a mutual dislike of each other!