Quiltingboard Forums - Do I Really Need an "Add a Quarter" Ruler?

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I use mine all the time when paper piecing, but if your comfortable with a ruler. That rotary blade makes me nervous without it!

I bought it for paper piecing, but I use it for so many things, I personally love mine.

I have a small one and a longer one and I wouldn't be without them.

The seam allowances don't matter on PP as far I can see....you've already sewn the seam before you trim. The ruler is only neccesary to the seller. Profit. Ever notcie how many unnecessary tools are on that list???

I guess I just love gadgets. I bought my rulers on line and got a great deal on them.

When I'm paper piecing I think it makes it a whole lot easier. I'm sure that if you learn to paper piece and then do it all the time you'd get to the point that you wouldn't need it but when starting out or if you pp occasionally, it makes it much easier

yes it is unnecessary, but very handy

I just use a ruler I already have, they have 1/4" marked,
matching the length of the ruler to what I am sewing.
No reason to buy another ruler when something you already have will work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunster (Post 5353882)

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

If you get one, you should know that they come in different lengths. I recommend the 12". 6" is often too small, and 18" seems way too big to me. 12" is just right (said Goldilocks).

I love my add-a quarter rulers. I actually have all three sizes because I do a fair amount of paper piecing, but the 12" ruler is the one I use the most. The 6" ruler works well for me when I'm working on very small units and the 18" ruler is great for when I'm putting large units together. I recently made an Amazon Star quilt (a Judy Niemeyer design) and the larger ruler was wonderful for sewing the final units together effortlessly.

I think these rulers are just like most other quilting/sewing notions. It is purely a matter of personal preference and I always suggest trying the notion first if possible before buying. I teach a number of classes, including beginners' classes and my first beginner's class involves no sewing machine. Students bring what rotary cutting supplies they own and learn those; or better yet, come and try the myriad of supplies I have and choose what they like best and then go an buy what they like. I once had two students who swapped cutters because they liked what the other had purchased. Everyone was happy! :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess (Post 5352883)

Well, I guess I'm 'odd girl out'. I love my add a quarter ruler for paper piecing. The bottom isn't flat, the 1/4" part is a bit thicker so all you have to do is butt the edge of the raised portion against your folded back seam, cut then line up your next piece.

I agree - I love my add a quarter ruler! I have PP'd both ways, but am more accurate with the add a quarter. I also feel less like my rotary cutter could slip and cut me.