sassysews2

attended a class on how to use the curvy log cabin ruler, but instructor was teaching about 30 ladies, most have been quilting for years., & all of us had trouble. She said you could use any width of scrap fabric & trim using the ruler so basically all she told us was line up with a dotted line, trim, & sew the next strip. I was confused but bought the ruler anyway thinking I could figure it out at home. Not. I've made a couple of blocks & both are smaller than they are supposed to be using her instruction. They are out of square & no room to trim. If I make the last round wider it looks wonky. I used a scant 1/4" following directions in the ruler folder, pressed each round, & steamed the final square trying to square them but no luck. What am I doing wrong? This ruler makes a gorgeous quilt & would love to learn to use it. Any ideas?

humbird

I''m not familiar with this ruler, but Googled "curvy log cabin ruler" and several hits came up. If it is the Creative Grid ruler, there was a lady demonstrating it on you tube. You might try googling. Good luck.

sassysews2

thanks, but watched it & she was promoting the ruler & no viable details on using it. Just basic stuff. I have the straight log cabin ruler & love it. May go back to it but I hate that I wasted my money on another specialty ruler that I can't use. & they're not cheap.

PaperPrincess

I think a curvy log cabin block is one where the logs are 2 different widths. So for instance, the dark side is all 2" wide and the light side is 1".
1) Since there are several brands of rulers out there, can you give us the manufacturer, that way someone can give you specifics.
2) I would google curvy log cabin blocks. There are lots of you tube videos out there and knowing how to construct the block might give you clues on how to use your tool.
Here's one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82wUlDzU8aI

Prism99

Probably need to know the brand of ruler. I think Creative Grids or Marti Michell has one that is quite different. This is not just a straight ruler, right?

nativetexan

If you never get the hang of the ruler, take it back. I would. those things can be expensive.

Geri B

I would certainly go back to where this " class" was and let them know how little real instructions you rec'd, ask for help in figuring out the ruler or refund on the ruler!

sassysews2

right, this is the Creative Grid ruler but it has dotted measuring lines, (the idea is to line up the block with the dotted lines & trim the row), small square blocks running diagonal representing the center square for each row, a block for marking & cutting the center block. The diagonal square blocks are to line up the center square with each corresponding row then the ruler is turned each time you add a row always turning clockwise & trimming
Problem I had is I line up the center block for each row & trim using the dotted lines for each row, when finished the block is not square. If you square it each time you add a row you keep making it smaller & the end product is way off. There are no measurements on the ruler telling you what size each row adds to the block. Should be simple to figure measurements but by using varying sizes of row fabric & trimming after they are sewn on using the dotted lines on the ruler, you lose some in the fold & each material presses diffferently, even tho I use a scant quarter I nearly always need to square my blocks. May not have made myself clear, hope its not too confusing

SuziSew

Sassy, I agree with Geri, you should go back to the shop and see about getting some better instructions. If that is not an option there are several different video's on this ruler and while some are more of a "sales pitch" there are a couple that might help. I didn't watch all of it but you might check this one, it seems promising, but let us know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WStMbQJvjdw

Rhonda K

See if this helps with cuts, etc for your block. She doesn't use a ruler so perhaps you don't need that one after all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbfjGedSIa0

This one shows the ruler.

https://www.creativegridsusa.com/products/CGRJAW5

Are you squaring up with the "skinny" side when it should be the "thick" side? Hopefully, the shop can help you with they issues.