Triangle in a Square block

When I agreed to review the Triangle in a Square Rulers from Quilt in a Day, I did not know how perfectly it would fit into my challenge of using nickel fabric squares.  I am thrilled to find this new tool!  The product includes 2 acrylic templates, complete cutting instructions and a FREE pattern to get you started.   
  

                                                                                                

One template is used to cut the large triangle of the block and the second template is used to square up your finished block.  This makes for a very precise block.  Not only that, you can make two different size blocks with the same templates! The blocks finish at 3" and 4".  My excitement comes from the fact that 5" squares or strips can be used for both sizes of blocks.  The 3" block can be made from two 5" squares and the 4" block uses 5" strips as well as 6" strips.  The 4" block also matches up perfectly in size to the size of the half square triangle blocks and four patch blocks that I make from using two 5" squares and use alot of in my quilts. 

I decided to try both sizes of blocks to make some trivets.  My daughter has been asking for some trivets for her new wood dining table so she can safely set warm dishes on it. The star trivet uses the 3" block and is one star from the FREE pattern that comes with the rulers.  It is 9" finished. 

For the second trivet, I used four of the larger blocks and rotated each block a quarter turn from the one before it.  It finishes at 8".

I have a bunch of ideas on how to incorporate this triangle in a square block into my quiltmaking and will surely post my results.
Complete instructions are given for each size block or you can even watch Eleanor Burns demonstrate the rulers herself by watching this video.