How to Use Quilting Rulers Properly
Heather Thomas
Quilting rulers come in all different sizes and shapes. Heather Thomas will teach you how to use them properly by explaining what all of the different hash lines on them are for as well as the diagonal lines.
Long Rulers
One of the common types of quilting rulers is the long ruler. Previously, they were made anywhere from 3 ½” to 6” wide and in several different lengths. They now make this quilting ruler up to 6 ½” wide, making it much easier to cut both strips and blocks. No matter what width your long ruler is, it will still have the same markings. Heather explains that the grid lines on the ruler mark an inch while all of the smaller hash marks are for other increments.
While some of those increments might be labeled, like the ½” mark, others will not be, so it is important to either be able to visualize what the other marks are or be able to count them. Heather also shows that there are diagonal lines on long rulers as well. These lines can be used to cut 30, 45 and 60 degree angles. Heather shows how to line up your fabric along these lines to give you the angle that you want.
Square Rulers
Another common type of quilting ruler is a square ruler. These rulers come in all different sizes, depending on what size of square you are wanting to cut. While you can have a different square ruler of each different size if you want, Heather shows how you can quickly and easily cut many different sizes of squares with one larger ruler by utilizing the center diagonal line on a square ruler.
Selecting the right quilting ruler depending on what you are making can help save you time and money. Once you figure out what type of quilting ruler you are most comfortable using you will find that you can do most of your cuts with just that one ruler.
