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plainpat 10-10-2010 01:36 AM

Need a new ruler.Have a couple big block 12 1/2" rulers & don't like either.They just don't feel comfy in the hand.Do you have a fav,maybe 8 1/2" sq?

judylg 10-10-2010 02:14 AM

I have a 12 1/2x12 1/2 square on use it a lot, along with my 6x24 in ruler. If I were to pick, these would be the ones I use most. Am wondering what everyone else will suggest.

zennia 10-10-2010 02:48 AM

When I read your title my first thought was my 121/2x121/2. I use mine a lot.

SueDor 10-10-2010 03:49 AM

I agree with judylg. That s what I use a lot.

Shelbie 10-10-2010 03:59 AM

I use my 6 X 24" and my 12 1/2" all the time as I cut a lot of strips and almost slways make 12 1/2" blocks and need to square them up. I also use my 8 1/2" ruler frequently both to cut blocks and square up smaller blocks. Many of the scrap quilts that I make start out with 4 1/2" strips or 8 1/2" strips. I also have an 8 1/2" X 24" ruler which I use quite often but as it is much wider, it is heavier to handle. I put the rotary cutter shield on this one so it wouldn't slip when I was cutting and cause a nasty accident. Having the right rulers available just makes quilting easier and safer. I think they are a good investment and haven't worried about having different sizes. I also like my 3 1/2", 4 1/2". 6 1/2" and 9 1/2" squares which I use to square up blocks and parts of blocks. I know I could do this using less rulers but I like the convenience of just grabbing the right size and trimming up without having to fiddle to get the right size.

sewcrafty 10-10-2010 04:04 AM

I think it really depends on the size block that you normally make. I have all different sizes that I use from 1.5 to 8.5 then 16.5 (basically used for squaring up). Is the question for squaring up your blocks or cutting out? If I'm cutting out its the June Tailor Shape n cut hands down. I do have one favorite that I'd die if I lost, its y 1x6, this is the handiest little ruler I have.

erstan947 10-10-2010 04:36 AM


Originally Posted by judylg
I have a 12 1/2x12 1/2 square on use it a lot, along with my 6x24 in ruler. If I were to pick, these would be the ones I use most. Am wondering what everyone else will suggest.

These are the 2 I use most also.

janRN 10-10-2010 04:39 AM

I swear by my 2 1/2" square ruler for finishing HSTs. I also use a 6 1/2" a lot-I keep replacing it because I keep cutting the corners off. For cutting long strips I use a 6 x 24.

plainpat 10-10-2010 05:03 AM

Sorry I wasn't clear.For table runners or throws,I use 8 1/2" blocks the most, so need a square up block.The 12 1/2" blocks are just not comfy for that.The 5 or 6 !/2 " is used so much & also my longer ruler for cutting strips.

I actually have a lot of rulers & like creative grid brand.Guess I need to go shopping.My rulers tend to last & last, so seldome need another one.

"Is the question for squaring up your blocks or cutting out?"



Is the question for squaring up your blocks or cutting out?

mic-pa 10-10-2010 05:11 AM

I have a 16 1/2 square ruler, a 8 1/2 sq. , a 6 1/2 sq and a 4 inch ruler. I use them all depending on the size of my block. And I also have Omnigrid triangle ruler that I use consistantly to make half sq triangles then I do not have to square them up when done.

KathyAire 10-10-2010 05:35 AM

I use my 6 1/2 X 24" and my 12 1/2" square rulers the most. I use a 6 1/2" square that I use for smaller pieces.
I have all sizes of rulers. I'm a gadget person. I buy lots of rulers and gadgets.
I have a 20 1/2" square ruler that I seldom use but, when I need it, I'm glad I have it.

amma 10-10-2010 11:04 AM

I have various sized square up rulers, I like to use the one that is closest to the block size... It feels more comfortable to me too :D:D:D

np3 10-10-2010 11:10 AM

I have a LOT of rulers. I want the size that is closest to the size of my block or piece of fabric.

I do prefer the Omnigrid rulers because of the dots and the see-thru areas as opposed to the ones with the fatter solid lines.

dunster 10-10-2010 11:28 AM

8.5 x 24 - use it all the time, had to buy a second because the first wore out.

gale 10-10-2010 11:39 AM

I have a 9.5 x 9.5 that would work well for squaring up 8.5" blocks. I think I'll buy a 12.5 x 12.5 the next time they go on sale or I have a coupon to use.

RkayD 10-10-2010 12:05 PM

My favorites are the Quilter's Rule brand..with the nubbies on the back to grip the fabric. Any size...as long as they have the nubbies. =)

plainpat 10-10-2010 12:10 PM

I have the 6 1/2" ruler....have the marks about worn off. Wish they had 8 1/2" ruler.


Originally Posted by RkayD
My favorites are the Quilter's Rule brand..with the nubbies on the back to grip the fabric. Any size...as long as they have the nubbies. =)


quiltluvr 10-10-2010 02:54 PM

I use so many depending on the project. But when I decided to just cut up fabric I used the 6 1/2 square and wore off all the markings.

watterstide 10-10-2010 03:11 PM

i use june taylors square up rulers, they have the 1/4" all the way around the ruler in a darker color. i think i like this type best. you can get the little snadpaper dots at any hardware shop to put on the back for slippage.

i love my creative grid rulers..i now own 3 of them.

MamaHen 10-10-2010 05:35 PM

My favorites are the ones that I have in my hand at any given time, but the ones I use the most are my 6 1/2 x 12" and my 6 1/2" x 6 1/2". I prefer the EZ Quilting rulers by Sharon Hultgren, uncluttered, easy to see, and easy to use.

pieces 10-10-2010 05:57 PM

I use my 12 1/2 square all the time. Couldn't do without it.

RkayD 10-10-2010 05:59 PM

[quote=justme2]I have the 6 1/2" ruler....have the marks about worn off. Wish they had 8 1/2" ruler.

I've had mine for over 10 years and have not noticed any wear. I will have to inspect them for that.

plainpat 10-11-2010 02:16 AM

That's cause I've had my ruler for nearly 20yrs!

[quote=RkayD]

Originally Posted by justme2
I have the 6 1/2" ruler....have the marks about worn off. Wish they had 8 1/2" ruler.

I've had mine for over 10 years and have not noticed any wear. I will have to inspect them for that.


iqlt2 10-12-2010 04:06 AM

8 1/2 x 24 and 2 1/2 x6

neonparrot 10-12-2010 05:17 AM

Like everyone else I have LOTS of rullers...small, large, square, etc. But the ones I seem to grab the most are my T-squares. These are the ones carpenters use. I have 3 different sizes and love them. Also, don't forget the carpenter's triangle.

catrancher 10-12-2010 08:15 AM

6 x 24 is what I use most, but I have a 5 1/2 square and a 6 x 12 that I use quite often. I have others too, but those are the ones I use most. If have a couple of small rulers too, but I don't use them often because they slip too easily.

Olivia's Grammy 10-12-2010 08:57 AM

I have every size ruler and some of them, more than once. My favorites are the shape rulers. (the ones with the slots) I have four different sizs of those. I use all my rulers and am always on the look out for different ones.

mshawii 10-12-2010 02:00 PM

I have all sizes and my favorite is the one I need at the time. I need a variety of sizes. and my biggest is a 16 1/2 x 16 1/2. Jan

Rhonda 10-12-2010 02:08 PM


Originally Posted by justme2
Need a new ruler.Have a couple big block 12 1/2" rulers & don't like either.They just don't feel comfy in the hand.Do you have a fav,maybe 8 1/2" sq?

What kind of 12 1/2 ruler do you have? I am looking for another Fiskars ruler.

galvestonangel 10-12-2010 04:08 PM

These are the two I use most. I just tried the Olfa frosted rulers and I love them. The ones with the yellow marks gave me a headache, too busy.

Mkotch 10-12-2010 04:27 PM

Seems to me if you need to square up 8.5" squares a lot, you should get one of those. It's probably worth the "investment." I prefer Omnigrid, but the ruler I use the most is my 12 x 6". Amazing how often I reach for it.

Barbara Lee 10-12-2010 05:21 PM

I have a question. I have a pattern that calls for a 90 degree ruler for triangles. I hate buying special rulers as they can it spendy. Does anyone know of a way to get 90 degree angles with out a special ruler.

Barbara Lee 10-12-2010 05:22 PM

I have a question. I have a pattern that calls for a 90 degree ruler for triangles. I had buying special rulers as they can it spendy. Does anyone know of a way to get 90 degree angles with out a special ruler.
I corrected my error, sorry for the double reply. Don't know how to get rid of this one.

josi49 10-12-2010 07:27 PM

Hey, if you are going to be shoping for new rulers, someone on here recently mentioned the new Cutting Edge rulers, or something like that. They sharpen your rotary blade as you cut. I've looked into them and when I need another ruler, I will definitely buy one of these. One of my LQS has the 37" x 3" Cutting Edge and she insists it's the greatest thing since sliced bread!

Josi in FL

Fancy Nancy 10-12-2010 07:28 PM

i favor my 4 x 18" unless cutting longer strips - then use my 6 x 24.

madamekelly 10-12-2010 08:23 PM

My favorite ruler is my 6" x 24". I use it for everything I sew.

purplefiend 10-12-2010 08:31 PM

I like the Omnigrid rulers; all the other ruler brands confuse me.
My most used sizes are: 6.5"x24",6"x12",
12.5" square,9.5" square and 6.5" square.

lab fairy 10-12-2010 09:23 PM

I like my Creative Grid 4 1/2 x 12 1/2 inch ruler a lot. I also use a Creative Grid 6 1/2 inch square and 12 1/2 inch square. I have a 6 1/2 x 24 inch and rarely use it.

A right angle is a 90 degree angle. You can make one with any square ruler. The 90 degrees is where the sides meet in the corner. I suspect most 90 degree rulers would actually have two 45 degree angles and a 90 degree but you might want to check the pattern to be sure. Just remember the triangle rule: the total all the angles must equal 180 degrees.

judi wess 10-13-2010 03:57 AM

Just love the ones that judylg uses. They are big enough to measure long strips, square blocks, true up the fabric before cutting etc. My favorite brand is Quilter's Rule, the ridges on the back hold the ruler in place while cutting.

QuiltswithConvicts 10-13-2010 04:12 AM

Can a quilter have too many rulers? My favorite of all is the 8 1/2" x 12" Omnigrip, followed by the 8 1/2" x 24" Omnigrip. Then comes my 6 1/2" sq., 9 1/2", 12 1/2" & a very old Quilter's Rule 16 1/2" square. They're kinda like measuring cups - you can't cook with just a 1/3 cup measure.


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