I recently purchased a Quilter's Select 6 1/2" X 24" ruler and I love it. I'm left handed and markings run both ways so I don't have to turn it around or think about which number to use. It also has a coating on the bottom than keeps it from slipping.

I have both of the rulers you're considering and I use the 8.5" much more that the 6.5".

Well I had to make a decision. The responses were mixed, but since I have a 6" x 24" - not CG, I decided to go for the 8 1/2" x 24". Was worried about it being too cumbersome and my real estate is limited. Hope I won't be sorry.

wesing: Just saw your reply. I am curious. Why do you prefer using the 8 1/2" more over the 6 1/2"?

I love my 8 1/2 x 24 ruler. just got a newer one recently. kept my old one but i'd glued a guard on it and made it hard to see some of the measurements. 6 or 6 1/2 would be too small for me. but it's your choice in what you do the most.

I use the 8 1/2 x 24 1/2 to assure the cuts are perfectly perpendicular to the fold. I don't need the 6 1/2.

I can't say with certainty why I like the 8.5" better. The one I use the most is the 8.5" by 12.5". It has the "new" markings on it and they are much easier to read. Both of my 24.5" rulers have the "old" style markings. I think the flexibility of being able to cut more sizes with the 8.5" is the main reason I use it more. I usually don't cut strips wider than 6.5" but I think I sub cut larger pieces and I don't have to switch rulers. Here is a pic of all three so you can see the difference in the old and new style of markings.

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We use both at the store for cutting yardage. I prefer the 6 1/2," it's just easier to handle because it's smaller and weighs a little less.

i'm not sure i could explain why but i usually reach for my 8-1/2" x 24-1/2" Creative Grids whenever i need to cut from a piece or stack that's longer than 12". it might be the fact that it's heavier than my 4-1/2" by 24-1/2". the extra weight makes it less likely to slip.

i didn't know CG made an 8-1/2" x 12-1/2". i will need to get one of those. it will come in handy when i need to cut or check strips and blocks wider than 6-1/2".

I love the 8 1/2 x 24" ruler because it gives me more space to line up my fabric. It is my go to ruler, and I also have one that is 8 1/2 x 12" for cutting smaller pieces.