Last week in my blog post, I covered the different types of rulers I use daily in my quilting. Many of you shared your favorite rulers in the comments. That was fun! This week’s post will continue the ruler talk with usage and care of these rulers. This post might only be a review for you experienced quilters, but if you are new to quilting hopefully this post will give you the confidence to get cutting and start that first project. Let’s get started!
Using the Rulers
Using your quilt rulers also entails reading them correctly. I’m going to use my favorite ruler brand, Creative Grid, to demonstrate what I mean by this. The reason I like these rulers is that they are easy to read no matter which side of the ruler you are working from.
The markings between to 1″ lines are different lengths which I think helps me to read the ruler more quickly and accurately while I am cutting. Notice how the 1/8″ lines are slightly shorter than the 1/4″ lines and the 1/2″ line is longer than both of those. This helps me find odd measurements like 2 3/8″ and 3 3/4″ quickly on the ruler.
I also like that the numbers go in both directions so no matter how the ruler is turned, they are easy to read (photo below):
Notice how the white whole numbers go in one direction and the black half measurement numbers go in the other. This way, I can use the ruler each way depending on what type of measurement I want.
Next, I can use these ruler to find the center of a piece of fabric or block by using the markings on the ruler. Those intersecting white lines and the circle where they meet is the exact center of this ruler shown below. This comes in handy when squaring up blocks or when you are fussy cutting a piece of fabric:
Another line I use on my ruler often is the 45 degree line. It comes in handy when I’m trimming a half-square or quarter-square triangle square. Place the diagonal ruler line on the diagonal seam of your square to guarantee that you are trimming the square evenly on all sides.
Cutting & Safety
Those two things go hand in hand. If you are cutting correctly you will reduce the chance of having a cutting accident. Ruin less fabric and protect those fingers from the rotary cutter.
Besides the general safety of closing and locking your rotary cutter when it’s not in use and using safety gloves, these other tips should help keep you from damaging your fabric or injuring yourself.
Fabric Saver: Always line up the ruler with the edge of your fabric and double check that your ruler is placed correctly. Also make sure it’s not crooked. To help with that use some painter’s tape on the ruler’s measurement line, especially if you are cutting a lot of strips.
It’s a good idea to use the same brand of ruler, if you need to switch between sizes, for all the pieces you’re cutting. Different brands of rulers can have lines of different thickness. Even if they are off by less than 1/16 of an inch, it could cause a problem when you are piecing.
Safety & Accuracy: Keeping the ruler from shifting while you are cutting is also a safety and accuracy step. A shifting ruler could also send your rotary cutter “off course” and headed for an unprotected hand. Even pressure from your hand holding the ruler keeps it from shifting.
“Tent” your hand as shown in the photos above with your pinkie on the edge to keep the ruler from moving. If you place your hand flat on the ruler, you may inadvertently push the ruler forward. Tenting your hand makes the pressure your are exerting go down instead of forward. When you are cutting a long strip, you may want to stop briefly and move your hand up the ruler so you can keep the pressure even through the entire cutting of the strip.
Another tip is to make sure your rotary cutter is straight and hugging the edge of your ruler all the way through the cut you are making. You want your rotary cutter straight like in the photo on the left, not slanted like the photo on the right (photos below):
Storage & Care:
Finally, storage and care are important for your rulers. Rulers are expensive and you want to avoid having to replace them as much as possible. Here are some tips:
- Clean your rulers periodically by dusting with a soft cloth. Do not use anything abrasive like paper towels that can scratch the ruler surface and make the markings harder to read. Also don’t use any cleaning solution with bleach or ammonia. If you need to use a cleaning solution, use those that are meant for plexiglass.
- Store your rulers, like your cutting mat, away from direct sunlight and not in areas of your home with extreme temperature changes.
- Finally, make sure to store your rulers securely. If you drop them or they fall from a storage area, they will chip or break. You can hang them on a peg board, from hooks on a wall or put them in a ruler holder on your table.
That’s all for this week. If you can think of anything I may have missed, let me know in the comments. I’m continuing to add commenters to the drawing that will take place on Monday, March 24th, for my pattern, Village Square:
**We have a winner! Congrats, Sharon Soule!**
Happy Quilting!
Deanne
When I’m cutting, I use hand exercise weights to help hold my longer rulers in place while I cut. It keeps, especially the very end of the ruler, from slipping.
Good idea!
I use weights as well, I’m left handed and hold the ruler with my right hand, but my right hand is missing fingers so the weight helps.
Great tips, things I didn’t notice like the little circle where the whit line meets, didn’t know it was there.
I also use weights to hold my ruler from sliding. Lots of good hints, thank you
You’re welcome!
I always pick up tips when I read your blog. Today I learned about finding the exact center of a piece of fabric. Thank you!
You’re welcome!
I use a product called Grip on the back of my rulers to prevent them from slipping. This product is a clear sheet that you cut slightly smaller then the ruler and apply it to the back. It is clear so you can see through it.
Sounds like a great product if your ruler doesn’t already have grippers built in.