Rulers are something we all use in our everyday quilting. So I am devoting this week’s post to rulers. I probably use fewer types of rulers than other quilters. I don’t buy a lot of specialty rulers. I do have a few that I like to use and I’ll show you those here. However, I’d like to hear about some of the rulers that are your favorites. I’m open to trying something new, even after 30 plus years of quilting. So let’s go!
My Rulers
Here’s some of the rulers I use the most often:
Everyone is probably familiar with the 6 1/2 x 6 1/2″, 6 1/2 x 12 1/2″ and 6 1/2 x 24 1/2″ which I use the most.
The long 6 1/2 x 24 1/2″ ruler is great for cutting long strips from yardage. I use the 6 1/2 x 12 1/2″ ruler next to it to help square up yardage and also for cutting strips from smaller pieces of fabric like fat 1/4s, fat 1/8s and layer cakes. The 6 1/2 square ruler is used to help square up those smaller fats and also to square up smaller blocks.
The 4 1/2″ one on the upper right in that photo I use to measure my block units as I go along with these two rulers below:
Measuring units of a block as you go, will lead to accurately pieced blocks that measure the size that’s indicated in your pattern. The success of your quilt relies on your blocks measuring correctly. If a quilt block is supposed to be 12 1/2 x 12 1/2″, for example, measuring the block units as you go will help you with that goal.
Here’s a photo of measuring a 4-patch that I needed to be 2 1/2 x 2 1/2″ to work in a block.
Next up is truly one of my favorite specialty rulers, the Quilt in a Day Triangle Square-up Ruler.
This lets me trim my half-square triangle squares quickly because I am only trimming two sides before pressing the HST open:
And because I like to make patterns like Village Square… you can see how this is my favorite ruler!
Now these rulers below I’m sure everyone knows the purpose. I use these to measure or square up completed blocks. I have a 9 1/2″, 12 1/2″ and 16 1/2″. Once again, this helps your quilt top go together smoothly and measure correctly by having the blocks measure correctly.
Be sure to be careful squaring and trimming blocks. Be sure nothing of the block design will be lost in the 1/4” seam allowance.
Finally, these last two rulers are for the appliqué fans among us. Circles galore!
The hardest parts of an appliqué motif are usually the units that are circles in shape. These rulers help me to draw perfect circles for things like berries or pennies. I use these to make my templates for my many fabric and wool appliqué patterns that have these types of pieces in the motif.
These rulers were not found by me in the quilt store. I found them in a scrapbooking store! So if you are like me and want perfect circles, look for something like these there.
That’s it for this week. Share your favorite ruler in the comments below and I will enter you into a drawing for my pattern, Village Square (shown above). Next week’s post will cover tips on using rulers and also maintenance and storage tips.
The drawing for the pattern will be on March 24th, so you have next week to enter too. **We have a winner! Congrats, Sharon Soule!**
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
I’ve been quilting for more than 50 years so I’ve tried lots of different rulers. One of the best is the Block Loc ruler. It has a groove that fits into the seam of your block. Once I tried it, I never looked back. The half square triangles ruler was my first Block Loc purchase. I loved using it so much I then I moved on to the Flying Geese rulers. They are expensive but worth every penny.
I just checked out those rulers online. They look really interesting. I’m actually going to order a set and try them out!
I like the circle idea. I usually draw around a circle, it slips and then I have a wonky shape. I’ll have to check it out!
They work wonders!
I love my 6.5 Bloc-Loc ruler. Would like to have a circle ruler like yours, consider selling them in your store. Always enjoy reading what other quilters like to use. cl
Thanks!
I too like my Block Loc rulers. I have the half square one and many of the flying geese rulers. They are expensive but worth every penny 😊
I have a circle ruler also which I found in the art/architecture department at my local Micheal’s Store and use it for wool applique. If your local craft store sells wooden shape pieces like stars, hearts or other shapes they make great templates for appliques and quilting designs. When I make my raggy quilt for a baby I use a star or a heart to quilt each block depending on if the quilt is for a boy (star) or a girl (heart). I traced several hearts or stars on freezer paper, cut them out, then press the freezer paper shape on the block and quilt around it.
Good idea for the other shapes you might need. I never thought of the wood cut outs.
Theres so many different types of rulers. I’ve found that sometimes I buy a ruler for a project and don’t always get around to using it or forgot what project I bought it for. Going to start writing myself notes & perhaps attach them to the ruler. LOL
LOL! I have a few of those rulers hanging around. I may donate them to my quilt guild to see if someone else would make use of it.
I see you have some of my favorite rulers, also circle templates can be found among the office supply stores
Good idea on another place to look for those rulers!
I also like my Block loc rulers. I like the idea of the circle rulers for my wool. Will be looking for them
I make mostly small blocks. My favorite, couldn’t live without ruler is my QS 2 1/2”x 6 1/2” . I use a lot of my rulers/templates from my old scrapbooking days. Use the circles, vines for tracing on fabric and the templates for writing. Helps keep writing on quilt labels straight! So many uses for those old templates!
Love your blog posts!
It’s always great when you get to use something you already have for another purpose. 😁
Hi there 🙂 I’m in Australia and just started quilting. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for decades!! I’m 70 soon and had a serious cancer 2 years ago, recovered ok but it took a lot of time. So I decided It’s now or never for quilting, it’s my time now!! So I made a quilt for my sister’s birthday in march this year and it was an absolute joy to have done it. Now I’m well and truly hooked and planning my next one.
Happy quilting everyone. Love from Australia 🇦🇺
Hi!
It’s never too late to start quilting. Glad to hear you are well. Enjoy making more projects. Hopefully my blog inspires you.
🙂