Do I Really Need an "Add a Quarter" Ruler?
 

Hi,

I'm taking a paper-piecing class and this was on the notions list. Wondering what it is, I checked out youtube. Do you really think I need this? I'd think I could use any narrow ruler that has 1/4" markings - yes, I'd have to be careful?

But what do you paper-piecers out there use?

Thanks,
Cathy

I paper piece all the time and no, you don't need that ruler. It is totally unnecessary.

I totally agree. It's completely unnecessary.

Not necessary but it is nice to have and I feel safer using it--gives me nice even allowances.

i have one and find that it is more trouble than it is worth. once you can 'eyeball' a 1/4", you don't need to use any ruler. meanwhile, any 1/4 ruler works.

To add the 1/4" for paper piecing I usually use one of my small square rulers, the 4 1/2" or 6 1/2" ones do the job and aren't too big and cumbersome.

Me, too! I have a rectangular ruler that I got at a quilting guild exchange and I use it for paper piecing. I'm not sure how your teacher will use it but I measure the extra fabric and trim before I stitch on each line. Have fun in your class. Paper piecing is really a lot of fun.

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.

Nope ....you don't need it . I use any of my rulers , my favorite is a 6 inch X 1 inch ruler for trimming . Really any ruler will work just fine.
This is one of my issues with some classes. Seems the list of required tools gets loaded up with some items that aren't really neccessary.

I like my add-a-1/4 ruler as well as my add-an-1/8 ruler but really, they are not necessary. Many times, I forget to use them but when I remember, I think I should remember them more. However, again, not necessary and you may prefer to spend your $$ on other things.

Guess I am "odd" too as I love my add a quarter. Makes it so much easier to line up and cut. I also use an old credit card to fold the paper on the line. Makes the line sharper and easier to fold. Of course, I love tools of any kind...lol.

But - if the ruler isn't very expensive - sometimes it's just simpler/easier to have the same things 'the other kids' in the class have - even if it isn't really necessary -

I think I have them - somewhere - but I usually just use whichever ruler that has 1/4 inch markings on first.

I think that if I started out using a regular ruler, I would be fine. I like my 1/4 inch ruler, don't like to paper piece without it. But I have done it without because I lost my ruler. Still couldn't find it even after cleaning my sewing area.

I love my 1/4 inch ruler. It has a lip on it and you can place it and cut without thinking. I personally think it's a tool worth having.

The add-a-quarter ruler has been too useful for me to want to give it up. I keep it handy with my paper-piecing equipment and believe that it makes things go faster because I can "feel" my cut rather than measuring. I also have a piece of straight-cut template plastic to use as a straight edge for folding paper, a small swivel cutting mat that can sit right beside my sewing machine, a small rotary cutter and mini iron. This is my PP tool kit.

I simply would not PP if I did not have my add-a-quarter ruler! The lip makes all the difference. It stays where it should be, is easy to line up, is definitely NOT the same as a regular ruler.

Hi,
I have used the 1/4" ruler and I have done without it. If your new to quilting and paper peicing it is easier to trim your fabric because the ruler has a guide that will stop at the paper and will not move when you are trimming your peices. I have used just the plain ruler and added some small sticky notes to the back of the ruler to make the same sort of guide with my smaller quilting ruler. It is a matter of preferances.
rmichap

I have done paper piecing and just eyeball it and often for very small squares just use a scissor. I just got the add a quarter and must say I like it. If used as directed it is nice as it has a lip. Look at the directions and then you see what I mean. Those little rulers are super cheap and in my opinion work nice.

I don't use one either. I have a 3 1/2 x 6" ruler that I use as it's the smallest ruler I own and has all kinds of handy markings. Use this one for all my small trimming jobs.

I love mine too. This is one of those tools that for me it saves time as I can quickly take a thick recipe card, place it on the top of the sewn fabric right on the sewn seam, fold over that last piece sewn, put the add a quarter ruler up against the card/fabric seam, and cut to the 1/4". No fussing. And, the 1/4" marking is thicker so it is easy to butt up against the seam. No checking to make sure the other rulers I have line up. For me, it works. It is like other tools-whatever you need for the project, you have close by. Kind of like putting the rotary cutter inside the Klutz glove. I know I will need the cutter, so it also reminds me to use the glove. I don't start anything unless I have everything I need right at hand. Becomes habit. Not everyone agrees or does this, but it works for me.

I don't do PP, when I need to trim diagonal seams to 1/4" I use a 1" x 6" ruler and draw a line or trim with rotary cutter. I think that would work for PP. A 1/4" is a 1/4" no matter what you use.

I fail to see the point to a perfect 1/4 inch seam *after* it's sewn so I just use a smallish regular ruler and trim.

I love my 1/4" ruler for all of the reasons above. It makes it easier for me to trim and I need all the help I can get. :)

Thank you all for your replies. It's nice to have both points of view. I didn't realize that the ruler has a lip on it.

The teacher won't be upset if I come without it but I can see its value.

Thanks,
Cathy

I'm convinced I NEED one of these rulers! At first I was thinking it was another gimic tool that I didn't need. (I have quite a few of those in my sewing room - LOL) But just last night I spent two hours trimming fabric on 192 pp sheets. I tend to be a perfectionist. After reading this post I realize that a lot of that time was spent ensuring I had the perfect quarter inch. Thanks so much for the post!

Many guild members kept telling me I didn't need the quarter ruler, no use buying one. (I should have asked how they knew since if they didn't have one) I took a class from Carol Doak and my paper piecing was transformed! The ruler is necessary for me. No more miss cuts and my seams are all the same. I learned not to listen to others about new quilting tools when they don't have them to know if they are worth it or not. I have all of the sizes of them and I can say they are worth it and necessary when I paper piece.

After reading all the replies, I did buy one. $7.22 free shipping from Overstock.com. Little enough for something that I think will be helpful.

Thanks again,
Cathy

: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).

That's the one I got.
Thanks Dunster!!

I have done with and without it and although it's not necessary I like it because I can butt it up to the edge of the paper without looking/squinting/putting on reading glasses to make sure I have a quarter inch :thumbup:

I love mine but you don't really need one. it just helps because these rulers have a lip/edge that you but up to your seam to trim.

Love my add a quarter ruler for pp. Saves me time.

mltquilt

NO!!! I hate those things! I can find the 1/4" mark on my own ruler and I do paper piecing all the time! Using one of these by accident caused me to cut pieces the wrong size! At least they were too big and could be trimmed.

Wouldn't PP without my trusty "1/4 ruler:thumbup:

i've been paper piecing for years---and didn't have one for years---and was successful- but i have to say- when i finally did get one i really wondered why i waited so long- i love it and use it all the time now- it makes it so much easier- faster-
and a regular ruler with a 1/4" mark does not take the place of it- the ruler has a (ledge) that you line up with the edge of the paper- then you cut giving you an exact 1/4" line to line up with for your next piece- it has really made my paper piecing more fun.

Exactly!!! :thumbup:

You don't need an add a quarter ruler to paper piece but it sure does make it easier. And, if it's on your class supply list, your teacher probably wants you to have one.

You'd have to fight me for mine, and for my add an eighth ruler too!

I love mine, I have the 6" and thte 12"

It's not for after you sew the seam. It's for before you sew your next seam.