How to Use Quilt Rulers: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Ruler Quilting

How to Use Quilt Rulers: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Ruler Quilting photo 4

A Comprehensive Guide to Using Quilt Rulers

Quilt rulers are wonderful tools that can help make precise cuts and add impressive designs to your quilting projects. However, from my experience as a seasoned quilter, it takes some practice to get comfortable using these tools. In this article, I will cover all the essentials of working with quilt rulers so you can feel confident in incorporating them into your quilting technique.

Understanding Quilt Ruler Basics

Let’s start with the basics. A quilt ruler is a plastic or acrylic ruler that is designed specifically for quilting with markings to help with piecing, measuring, and cutting fabrics. Rulers come in a variety of shapes and sizes suited for different techniques. Some common ruler shapes include squares, rectangles, half-squares, and triangles. Rulers also have markings along the edges like quarter-inch increments, 45 and 60 degree angles, and bias lines.

When using rulers for cutting, it’s important that you have a sharp rotary cutter with a new blade. Dull blades can cause fabrics to pucker or shift, ruining your cuts. I would also highly recommend investing in an acrylic self-healing cutting mat to protect your work surface and extend the life of your blades. A nice wide mat gives you lots of space to cut pieces with rulers.

Fabric Preparation

Before you start cutting with rulers, your fabric needs to be prepared. When working with quilt cottons, I like to press them with steam to remove any wrinkles or creases. This allows the fabric to lie flat as you cut. It’s also a good idea to pre-wash fabrics, as some may shrink a bit after washing which could throw off your pieces. For special occasion quilts, I’ll occasionally starch my fabrics first to make them extra crisp after cutting.

Holding the Ruler and Cutting

Now you’re ready to start cutting! From experience, I’ve learned it’s important to hold the ruler securely against the fabric as you run the rotary cutter along the edge. Use one hand to position the ruler and the other to guide the cutter. Make sure to keep your fingers up and out of the way of the cutting blade for safety. When cutting curves or points on rulers, go slowly and gently to avoid slipping.

To get long, straight cuts, I find it helpful to “walk” the ruler along as I cut. Move it in small increments, keeping it flush against the fabric edge. Rotate the fabric instead of the ruler for added control. For curves or triangles, cut just outside the marked line for seam allowances. With practice, you’ll get confident making precise cuts every time.

Common Ruler Techniques

Now let’s examine some specific techniques you can accomplish with various quilt rulers:

  1. Square-in-a-Square: Use a square ruler to cut perfectly square blocks from fabric strips. Just line up the edges and corners.
  2. Half-Square Triangles: Cut triangles from fabric squares using triangular rulers. You’ll end up with perfect half-square triangles for blocks like Pinwheels.
  3. Bias Strips: Lay a fabric square diagonally and cut along the ruler’s bias lines forBias Strips. Add these strips atangled to add interesting design elements.

With a little ruler practice, you’ll basically be able to whip up gorgeous precision-pieced blocks for your quilts. Don’t forget to have fun with it too! I like to challenge myself by speed-cutting as many pieces as I can in timed sessions for a sense of accomplishment.

Common Ruler Issues

From experience, I’ve also faced some common issues when learning to use rulers that may come up for you too:

The number one issue is slipping and sliding the ruler during cutting. Make sure to hold it securely against the fabric edge. You can also use painter’s or masking tape along the back of the ruler to add grip. Dull blades are another culprit for imprecise cuts. Replace cutter blades often for clean slices through fabric.

Banging the ruler on the mat or inadvertently shifting its position are easy things to do while cutting – especially if you’re rushing. Slow down and let the tool do its job precisely. Rulers can also accumulate fabric lint or fuzz that obscures the markings. Wipe yours clean periodically with a microfiber cloth.

Maybe throw on some soothing music while cutting to relax your hands and keep a steady ruler hold. Taking breaks and coming back to it later also helps prevent mistakes caused by fatigue. With patience and practice of the techniques, you’ll work through any issues in no time!

Add Some Quilting Flair

Once you feel comfortable with basic cutting, try challenging yourself with some ruler work that shows off your skills. Try tracing intricate curves for applique, adding some dimensional chevrons, or cutting perfect Y-seams. You could even attempt English Paper Piecing and get hyper-accurate with mini hexagons.

Rulers also open up designs beyond traditional piecing. Try your hand at free-motion quilting intricateswirls and curlicues on a domestic machine. Draw shapes with rulers and stitch inside the lines for one-of-a-kind modern motifs. The possibilities are endless to showcase your precision with these tools.

With a little practice, rulers can become your helpers in the sewing room rather than hindrances. So have fun experimenting and take your quilting technique to new levels of sophistication. Before you know it, you’ll be ruler rockstar quilting circles around us beginners! Let me know if you have any other ruler questions come up.

blank

I hope this guide has covered all the essentials of working with quilt rulers and demystified some of the learning curve. Give these tools and techniques a try – you’ll be whipping up perfectly pieced quilts in no time. Happy quilting!

Tips for Using Quilt Rulers Effectively

Ruler Size Use
6 inch Small piecing, marking corners
12 inch Larger piecing, squaring up blocks
Half-square triangle ruler Making half-square triangles precisely
Quarter-square triangle ruler Making quarter-square triangles accurately
45 degree diamond ruler Cutting diamonds and bias strips exactly
Rotary cutting mat Always use with rulers to protect surfaces and ensure straight cuts

FAQ

  1. How do I pick out a quality ruler?

    When getting a new ruler, look for one that is made of strong, durable plastic or metal. The measurements should be clear and easy-to-read. Spend a little more for one from a brand you trust so it will last for many projects.

  2. What’s the right size ruler for quilting?

    Most quilters find a 12-inch or 6-inch ruler handy for marking quilt pieces. A 12-inch helps with bigger projects while a 6-inch is good for smaller details. You may want several sizes depending on what you’re working on. Rulers with 360-degree rotating heads can go around curves, too.

  3. How do I use a ruler safely?

    Lay the ruler flat and hold it down firmly so it doesn’t slip around. Watch your fingers! Be very careful of the blade if cutting with a rotary cutter or knife. Maybe make sure the cutting surfaces are gripped tightly too to prevent any nasty surprises. It’s always better to take your time than rush a measurement.

  4. What kinds of lines can I mark with a ruler?

    For straight edges, place the ruler next to your fabric and run a pencil or fabric marker along the edge to mark a line. For triangles, place the point of the ruler at the angle and mark the slanted sides. Curved rulers let you trace semicircles or bowties. You can even use them to mark wavy or freeform improv shapes. Just let your imagination go and see what designs you come up with!

    blank
  5. How do I keep my rulers clean?

    After using a ruler, wipe away any left over marker or pencil lines with a damp cloth to keep the measurements clear. Tiny bits of fabric can collect in the grooves too. For tough grime, try using a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Just don’t submerge rulers in water which could damage the wood or warp the plastic over time. With a little care, they’ll last for years and years.

  6. Any helpful ruler tricks?

    Place small pieces of masking or painter’s tape along the edges of your ruler before cutting with rotary blades. This helps prevent fabric from sneaking under the edge. Rulers can also double as make-shift seat cushions or TV trays in a pinch! And who knew they created such awesome sound effects when tapped out as a percussion instrument? Creativity has no boundaries.

  7. Are expensive rulers worth it?

    The cost can really vary, but a more highly-priced ruler from a specialist brand might have some additional perks over a basic one. They may snap into perfect angles, have precise markings in different units, or glide effortlessly on the fabric. Nevertheless, most simple jobs can get done with an affordable ruler. It’s up to you whether those extra features are worth breaking the bank for your hobby.