akisan

I always use my Alto's Quilt cut 2. It works great for me

psthreads

The say at our house is "If you can't see it from the road, it's ok"

anita211

You don't need a bunch of fancy rulers. I started quilting when we still tore the fabric, not cutting it. I still tear on some quilts, and swear that I won't do it again, but still do. I use an Altos QuiltCut2 which has a 24" ruler, but also use a 6"x24" lipped ruler, and the 12" and 6" squares. I have way too many rulers that I have purchased and never used.

Be accurate with your cuts. Like someone said, and eighth of an inch multiplied by eight is one inch. And make sure that you are sewing a true 1/4" seam. Good luck. And don't be hard on yourself. It will be a lovely quilt, and I hope you pose pictures.

Welcome aboard!

LadyElisabeth

My first quilt is not square and many seams don't match. I made it 50 years ago and my Father kept it on his bed the last few months of his life. First quilts are AWESOME.

Amythyst02

You know we can sometimes be harding on ourselves than others are. Some things you think are awful, others may never even notice. Its really all about the love that went into making it that counts. So don't be so hard on yourself, and just enjoy making quilts.

Debbie C

Carolyn,
Welcome to the board and your new addiction to quilting. None of us is perfect so 'mistakes' are very acceptable. Like we all say, no 'quilt police' will come knocking on your door.
I, personally, have found my basic rulers to be the best - they are the ones I always turn to....my 12x12 and 6x24. I also have a couple of other specialty rulers but rarely reach for them.
Keep going....your first will be the one that you measure your improvement over the next and the next one.
Have fun and happy quilting!
Debbie

justme CA

A first quilt never is beautiful in the eyes of the maker. You see the mistakes only, while others see the colors and the whole quilt and LOVE IT. I didn't know about using a hundred percent cotton and bought a poly/cotton mix for my first in 1984. I still love that quilt to nap under and it's one of my favorites. I suspect it will live forever. It's certain imperfect but who cares?

MimiBug123

Nobody is perfect and that's okay! If we were, we'd be quilting in heaven. I use my 6 x 24, 12.5 x 12.5, 6.5 x 6.5, and JT shape cutting ruler. I have other specialty rulers and occasionally use them, but find the 4 mention are my go-tos. Starch, PRESS, then cut and sew. Starch again and PRESS. I still find it hard not to take my iron and go to town on a square, but I know if I do, it's going to become catty-wampuss! Just know that mistakes are okay and you will get better as you go one. Keep your first quilt and you will love it forever. It will be fun in 20 years to look at it and say "I can't believe I did that."

pokeyscorner

I love my Creative Grids rulers -- 8 1/2 X 24, 6 1/2" sq., 12 1/2" square. Mostly that's all I use. Love the non-slip feature.

Jo Anne B.

My first quilt was so bad the instructor agreed to let me donate it to the local animal rescue league, they loved it and asked for more.