Originally Posted by feline fanatic

The ruler I use the most is my little straight ruler. It only measures approximately 2" x 6". It was made by Willow Leaf studios but they quit making them. It is easy to hold and keep straight, I think because it is smaller. I also have a larger straight ruler, made by HQ but I rarely use it because I find the size a little unwieldy. I think that one measures 3" x 12". I thought the longer length would be good because I wouldn't have to stop to reposition the ruler when doing long lines of straight quilting (like ditching sashing or a border) but I found I much prefer the smaller size so I never grab the HQ one. The other rulers I use the most are my arc rulers by the Quilted Pineapple. I asked for the complete set for Christmas year before last and Santa was good but I know I haven't used all of them yet. Since then she has come out with some really big oversized ones which I think would be good for doing a whole cloth or larger center medallion type motif.

I also have a complete set of circles ranging from 2" to 11" in 1" increments, but they quilt out at 1/2" bigger than all those sizes. I know there are many circle rulers out there that are made to allow for the foot and quilt out at the even size. There are times I wished I did have a circle that measured at say 5 1/2" diameter so it would quilt out a 6" circle. But for the most part I am happy with my circles. I think I use the smaller sizes much more than the larger ones. I hope to quilt a baptist fan design on a quilt and that is when my circle rulers will come in handy.

There are so many quilting rulers out there, it is easy to be overwhelmed and easy to overbuy too! I have a couple of rulers that I have never used, other than try them out. Like one that mimics a saw tooth border on one side and has clam shells on the other. Waste of money! First I am limited to only that size with the ruler. Second I find if I want to do clamshells and not free hand them I will use a little circle ruler and just move it for each clam. So beware of those specialty shapes.

Many rave about Jamie Wallen's rulers marketed under Quilters Apothecary. His have a little handle built into them. Some people love the rulers with the little notches for lining up for ditch work. I prefer my rulers to be plainer and simpler but that is me.

One thing I would make sure when shopping is to look for Rulers that are laser etched with markings in 1/4" increments and for a straight edge to also have a 45 degree angle etched into it as well. Make sure the marks are easy for you to see and read. Some rulers are colored some are clear so whatever is easiest on your eyes. Mine are all clear.

Have fun at Road!