It's especially useful when working on a Log Cabin. Right now I'm working on a quilt for my DSIL and the collection is De Ja Brew. I'm adding 'frames' around to make it 12 1/2 inches. That's alot of sewing. My strips are 1 1/2 inches in size. Some of the fussy cut squares start at 4x4. I have it right next to me. No up and down for me. Although I could use the exercise. LOL