just starting out what to use

[jacknlucy05]

i am just starting to learn how to quilt and am curious as to what rulers are a must to have on hand. i have some, but its just the basic stuff. any help and suggestions are greatly appreciated! thank you!

[auntjana]

I find a couple of my rulers to be invaluable.

A 6 x 12 - or 6 x 18 is a good basic ruler. You can use it to cut your strips.

I also have a couple of square rulers - 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 is one I use a lot. It can square up blocks up to that size

One that works really well is a 12 1/2 x 12 1/2(square) - it can size up many sizes of blocks to it maximum size. It also allows you to cut large squares of fabric that your 6 inch width can't.

Other rulers that are specialty rulers that I love are-- Quilt in a Day - Flying Geese rulers - they come in many sizes and have a great use in making many blocks - they are used for Star Points on many patchwork blocks. They make your piecing quick and easy!

Those might be a start - but you will soon learn what you like and the one you always grab to do most things.

Be sure to have a good sharp rotary cutter and mat - but only use the grid lines on the mat as a straight place to lay your fabric down. Use the markings on the ruler for the actual size of the strip that you are cutting. The drawn lines on the mat are not as accurate as the ruler markings. You can use the lines on the mat to straighten the first cut - but then use your ruler for the other cuts you make.

In the media theater El has lessons on how to cut your fabrics and get them right - so I would suggest looking at those too.

Good luck - quilting is great to do
Jana

[mellomayking]

Welcome to our world! It's a great place to be. I agree with everything Jana said, but I must add that I like a ruler that is 6x24 for cutting strips. That way, you won't have to move your ruler up to get the end of the strip cut.

That being said, I really don't use that ruler for much else other than cutting my strips, so I guess it is a personal preference.

Melanie

[lucieshouses]

I've gone thru 2 6 X 24 rulers in 12 years. They have 45,60 degree angles.

[shelly322002]

i agree...
my must have rulers are;
6.5 x 6.5 inch
6 x 24 inch
12.5 x 12.5 inch
18.5 x 18.5 inch (i got this at a later date, but did struggle A LOT without it!!)
i wouldn't have survived without these.
also get the biggest cutting mat you can afford!!

i have a spare 6.5 inch. (somehow!!)
i can post it to you if you want it, let me know your address...

[toekeyotow]

I agree with Jana on the rulers, I would also like to add, get a roll of invisa-grip cut this plastic stuff 1/4" smaller than your ruler and stick it to the back of your rulers. This will keep your fabric from shifting while your cutting your strips. A true money saver, I don't think I own a ruler without this on the backs of any of mine.

Welcome to the world of quilting.
Joan

[needlequilt]

always try to stick with the same brand of rulers too as companies can vary sometimes