Rulers are essential tools for any quilter looking to create precise quilts. Whether you are an experienced quilter or just starting your journey, having the right rulers can make a significant difference in the appearance of your final product. Using the right ruler can ensure that your quilts come out exactly as planned, with seams aligning perfectly and decorative patterns falling right into place.
Types of Quilt Rulers
Most rulers used by quilters fall into two categories: rulers used for cutting and rulers used for quilting.
Cutting Rulers
If you've ever been frustrated that your seams don't quite line up, the accuracy of your cutting is likely the issue. Cutting rulers are the starting point for precise pieces. These rulers are clear, 1/8 inch thick, and marked with measurements, angles, and often specialty lines related to specific quilt patterns. Basic cutting rulers are squares or rectangles of varying sizes. Specialty rulers also exist to guide cutting specific shapes and angles.
Cutting rulers let you cut fabric pieces accurately, trim dog-ears on sewn blocks, and true up edges before binding. Cutting rulers need to be easy to read and durable for long-term use. Ruler manufacturers address the need for precision in different ways:
Groovy Rulers
Bloc Loc rulers are ideal for squaring up pieced blocks. These rulers have a groove on the underside which rests against the seam. This prevents shifting, leading to precise trims.
Grippy Rulers
Creative Grids rulers are manufactured with exclusive gripper dots along the bottom. When pressure is applied to the ruler, the dots prevent slipping and ensure stability while cutting.
Steady Rulers
Quilter’s Select rulers feature easy-to-read markings and a non-slip coating that provides excellent grip and control when cutting fabric.
Customize Your Cutting Rulers
If you already own cutting rulers that don’t have non-slip features, you can add grip tape to improve your precision without having to repurchase rulers you already own. NQC carries these options: Guidelines Quilt Ruler Upgrade Kit and HQ Handi Grip.
If you're using rulers from different manufacturers, or if you've inherited older rulers, it's wise to check the rulers against each other to ensure their measurements match exactly. A 1/32 inch difference may not seem significant, but in quilting, it can affect the final result. You’ll want the measurements to be accurate and consistent throughout your project.
Get the Most Out of Cutting Rulers
To maximize the potential of cutting rulers, see if your local quilt shop offers any classes on how to get the most out of fullers. At Nebraska Quilt Company, we’re proud to host Tucker University. In this program, you'll learn how to use Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 rulers to complete a variety of projects. This hands-on experience can help you expand your cutting skills and get the most benefit out of your cutting rulers.
Quilting Rulers
Here we’re using the term “quilting rulers” to refer to the rulers specifically designed for free-motion quilting. These rulers rest against the FMQ foot and guide your stitching to achieve the desired pattern. Quitting rulers are twice as thick as cutting rulers to keep them from slipping under the needle during sewing. (Not only are your fingers at risk; the machine motor can also be damaged by a ruler slipping under a needle.) Generally, quilting rulers can be used with both domestic and longarm machines.
Choosing the Right Quilting Rulers
When selecting quilting rulers, consider your quilting goals and the type of patterns you want to create. Quilting rulers can help you make straight lines, curved lines, angles, paths, spirals, waves, leaves, hearts, butterflies and on and on. Whichever shape you’re eyeing, make sure the ruler is compatible with the shank on your machine.
There are a TON of rulers out there- if you're overwhelmed, let us help! Visit us in store or online and we can point you in the right direction!
Remember, Nebraska Quilt Company is your source for classes, sewing machines, quilt kits, and more! Join the Nebraska Quilt Company Community on Facebook to show us what you're cutting and quilting right now!