Does anyone know where I can find/order a 1-1/2" ruler? I'm new to quilting and need all the help I can get.

Are you needing a square ruler or a longer 1.5 inch ruler? I found my square one at usaus.us, it's meant for squaring up half square triangles but works fine as a square up ruler too.

I need a 1-l/2" ruler to cut strips. I know I can mark off larger rulers to 1-l/2 but find I get off the line and cut the width incorrectly. A 1-1/2 approx 18 or 24 would be perfect.

I've never seen one that narrow.

I haven't seen one that narrow. Use post it notes or painters tape to mark your line on a wider ruler. It helps, especially if you get interrupted or otherwise distracted.

Ok, thanks for the input.

Also, for cutting strips, the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler is fantastic! I mark my spots with the small post it's and it works great!

Get a Shape Cut. That is the easy way to cut narrow strips. You can get it at Joanns, either with a coupon, or when they have rulers 50% off. It is worth the investment.

Omnigrid makes a 1 1/2" yardstick, but it is much easier to use a 6x24" ruler. It won't slip as much. I use my yardstick to mark 1 1/2" grids for quilting.

I've been told before they don't make them that thin for a reason. You are more apt to slip with the rotary cutter when you don't have the added inches. Good luck finding them. I do think they need to make a 2.5" one tho with all the strip projects out there

I usually use my 8x24 inch ruler to cut thin strips. or a square ruler if cutting fat quarter fabrics.
i may have a skinny ruler but hardly ever use it. moves too easily.
also when needing thin cuts like that, i tend to cut larger strips first. like 3 inches, then i lay the ruler on that cut and cut in half, making 1 1/2 inch cuts.

I've seen 2-1/2" rulers - they advertise them as for cutting binding strips. I don't remember the brand, but saw them at Joann's. The Shape Cut ruler is a good alternative.

I have a 3.5 inch wide ruler that is 18 inches and it is perfect. Easy to hold in place and be accurate.

If you problem is that your ruler is slipping, you can use some Elmer's glue & add some squares of sandpaper to the back side of the ruler to help hold it in place. I did this & it helps alot. My main ruler is 6 1/2" X 24' & I use it to cut thin strips all the time. I got the sandpaper tip from Rhonda here on the board. She uses sandpaper on all her rulers.

What about a 2.5 inch ruler? Then you could also cut that size strip which is very popular. You can also use painters tape to mark your ruler. It comes off easy.

I checked both of the BIG distributors and even Omnigrid does not have one this size available now!
THere is a yard stick that is 1.25" wide, but seems very flimsy being that long and thin!

Another recommendation for the June Tailor Shape Cut. You can use it for this project as well as many more in the future. It's sure improved the accuracy of my cuts.

There is one with the Accuquilt Die Cutters. Check out Accuquilt.com It actually cuts 4 strips from the folded width of 22" in length all at the same time. In other words, when you fold your fabric matching up the selvedge edges, line it up on the cutting die, pop the protective plastic on top, roll the fabric thru the crank area and you will get 4 perfectly cut 1 1/2" strips of fabric. I love my Accuquilt Go Cutter for multiple pieces.

I have seen them and may even have one I purchased many years ago, but I prefer using my Omnigrip rulers.

I bought mine at Joann's...yd stick type...

I use blue painters tape to mark the line at the measurement I need.

Even if I found an 1 1/2" ruler, I wouldn't use it, it's way to easy for your fingers to be in the way of the rotary cutter. What I would do is get the June Tailor Shape Cutter, this way you can cut whatever width you want in 1/2" increments.

I have this die...I haven't used it yet but will...wish I was retired...

EZquilting makes a DraftnCut ruler that is 2" x 18" with 1/8" lines. I would use that. It will allow you to hold it still and has a 1/2" more so it would be safer for fingers than a 1 1/2". As someone said earlier I use strips of sandpaper on the bottom of my rulers. Just cut thin strips and make sure you put them where they won't cover a line you need to see. I just use a school glue stick. Elmer's glue stick is my favorite.

Joann's and Hobby Lobby carry this ruler. You can also find them online. I'm thinking they are around $5 each. I might be wrong but I buy these and cut them in half for my mini rulers.

It's not that expensive that you couldn't get one and give it a try and if that doesn't work for you no real harm done.

Edit: Here is a link for the DraftnCut ruler $4.59 plus shipping
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1478-dra...ol-18-x-2.aspx

You might have difficulty holding one this narrow with safety when you cut the strips.Why not think about buying a square rule that has slots cut in it for easy cutting of multiple strips?

Creative Grid makes a 2.5inch, long ruler. It is also great when squaring up a quilt.

I do think they need to make a 2.5" one tho with all the strip projects out there[/quote]

For strips get a june tailor shape cut, they have 1/2 inch increments so it makes cutting strips a breeze. It will be way easier to use than a small ruler

I bought the 2 1/2 inch ruler and I love it..it is also 28 inches long. I bought mine from Joann's. Used a 50% off coupon, so the cost was 6.49.

There is no way you could use a 1 1/2" ruler without endangering your fingers, big time. Get the June Taylor shape cut and you can use it for just about anything you want to cut. It is pricey, but it is well worth the money in the long run.

Check out Marti Michell's log cabin ruler. Also look at now she uses is and you may decide you don't need a new one. I've learned from her to measure over from the edge of the fabric the width of the of the cut I need, place my long ruler there and cut my strip off. Before my ruler would cover the edge of the fabric and I used it for measuring the width of my cut. Now it's just a guide for cutting.

When I started quilting in the late 70s and bought my first rotary cutter, it came with 3 pieces of plexy (?). They were 2", 1 1/2" and 1" by 18". I still have them but no longer use them. They had no markings on them whatsoever. Yolanda Wood River

I would get teh shape cut ruler, that way you can cut a number of strips at teh same time without moving the ruler. Just mark off which ones you are to use.

I've never seen one. If you have trouble with your ruler slipping while you're cutting, purchase a little packet of self-adhesive sandpaper circles and stick them on the bottom of your ruler. The sandpaper grips the fabric and holds it in place while you cut.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Buy a June Tailor Shape Cut. Once you try it, you will never be without it. froggyintexas

If you are new to quilting you may need to take a class at your LQS. Having said that, I hope I understand your question. When you are new to quilting there are so many simple ways that seem impossible to figure out yourself.

The way I cut strips is by putting the fabric on a big cutting pad that has lots of squares 1" apart. First, prepare your "fold" so that your fabric hangs straight (hold by the finished edges and let it drape down from your hands) and shift it until the material hangs straight with no "drape curve". Then cut off the selvage using a 6x24 ruler, usually 3/4" in. Then position your fabric on the cutting mat by lining up the selvage (or what was the selvage since you have cut the selvage off) along the top and cut the fabric just as much as needed to square it off (you'll end up with a loooong triangle piece of scrap). Now your threads are basically straight.

Then, using the lines on the mat grid, keeping your fabric folded in half, put the formerly selvage edge on the top line and your newly cut "end" on one of the grid lines coming down. You cut your 1.5" line by lining up the ruler to the 1.5" mark into your fabric and holding the long ruler down firmly while you run a rotary blade along it and you have a 1.5" piece of fabric. There is a new ruler out that has a pressure device that grips the fabric so if you have wrist or hand problems you can use it w/o putting so much pressure on it.

I, also, would never use a narrow ruler with a rotary cutter.... just too dangerous. And what good it it? You'd just have to cut with the wrong hand to get the second side or move around the table. It's easier and safer to position your fabric and simply move the 24" ruler 1.5" each time.

Also, consider getting "Quilting for Dummies". I've been quilting 10 years now and I still find wonderful answers to irritating little questions in that book. I hope this helps. I remember how lost I was at first, and even though I'm still learning more as I quilt, how grateful I was for help. Also, I also was "in hiding" on QB until I realized the safe nature of this blog. If you come out of hiding you may find that very willing experienced quilters on BQ may live near you!

buy a june taylor shape cutter ruler--it has slots every 1/2" to cut strips--works great! On the 12" one, you would cut@ 1.5,3.0,4.50,6.0,7.50,9.0,10.5,&12.0, w/o having to move your ruler!

I have the Husqverna Viking quarter cut. When using it I pre-mark my choices with blue painters tape. This speeds up my cutting as I don't have to stop & calculate each time.

Can't wait to retire like my hubby, too! So much I want to do, to see and to create. Hang in there and it's an amazing tool - the Accuquilt Go Cutter. Has saved me many a hour cutting multiple pieces, especially for rag quilts that I donate.

with a ruler that thin you take the risk of cutting your fingers, the June Taylor shape cutter would be a good investment.......that is what I use if I am doing a lot of same size strips instead of the 6 1/2" x 24 quilters choice I use for almost everything else.