how to use curvy log cabin ruler
 

attended a class on how to use the curvy log cabin ruler, but instructor was teaching about 30 ladies, most have been quilting for years., & all of us had trouble. She said you could use any width of scrap fabric & trim using the ruler so basically all she told us was line up with a dotted line, trim, & sew the next strip. I was confused but bought the ruler anyway thinking I could figure it out at home. Not. I've made a couple of blocks & both are smaller than they are supposed to be using her instruction. They are out of square & no room to trim. If I make the last round wider it looks wonky. I used a scant 1/4" following directions in the ruler folder, pressed each round, & steamed the final square trying to square them but no luck. What am I doing wrong? This ruler makes a gorgeous quilt & would love to learn to use it. Any ideas?

I''m not familiar with this ruler, but Googled "curvy log cabin ruler" and several hits came up. If it is the Creative Grid ruler, there was a lady demonstrating it on you tube. You might try googling. Good luck.

thanks, but watched it & she was promoting the ruler & no viable details on using it. Just basic stuff. I have the straight log cabin ruler & love it. May go back to it but I hate that I wasted my money on another specialty ruler that I can't use. & they're not cheap.

I think a curvy log cabin block is one where the logs are 2 different widths. So for instance, the dark side is all 2" wide and the light side is 1".
1) Since there are several brands of rulers out there, can you give us the manufacturer, that way someone can give you specifics.
2) I would google curvy log cabin blocks. There are lots of you tube videos out there and knowing how to construct the block might give you clues on how to use your tool.
Here's one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82wUlDzU8aI

Probably need to know the brand of ruler. I think Creative Grids or Marti Michell has one that is quite different. This is not just a straight ruler, right?

If you never get the hang of the ruler, take it back. I would. those things can be expensive.

I would certainly go back to where this " class" was and let them know how little real instructions you rec'd, ask for help in figuring out the ruler or refund on the ruler!

right, this is the Creative Grid ruler but it has dotted measuring lines, (the idea is to line up the block with the dotted lines & trim the row), small square blocks running diagonal representing the center square for each row, a block for marking & cutting the center block. The diagonal square blocks are to line up the center square with each corresponding row then the ruler is turned each time you add a row always turning clockwise & trimming
Problem I had is I line up the center block for each row & trim using the dotted lines for each row, when finished the block is not square. If you square it each time you add a row you keep making it smaller & the end product is way off. There are no measurements on the ruler telling you what size each row adds to the block. Should be simple to figure measurements but by using varying sizes of row fabric & trimming after they are sewn on using the dotted lines on the ruler, you lose some in the fold & each material presses diffferently, even tho I use a scant quarter I nearly always need to square my blocks. May not have made myself clear, hope its not too confusing

Sassy, I agree with Geri, you should go back to the shop and see about getting some better instructions. If that is not an option there are several different video's on this ruler and while some are more of a "sales pitch" there are a couple that might help. I didn't watch all of it but you might check this one, it seems promising, but let us know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WStMbQJvjdw

See if this helps with cuts, etc for your block. She doesn't use a ruler so perhaps you don't need that one after all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbfjGedSIa0

This one shows the ruler.

https://www.creativegridsusa.com/products/CGRJAW5

Are you squaring up with the "skinny" side when it should be the "thick" side? Hopefully, the shop can help you with they issues.

I find that Creative Grids do not write the best instructions on how to use their products. What might help you is viewing their instruction video in slow motion and in full screen. Sometimes the demonstrator goes too quickly.

To slow down a YouTube click on the Settings icon (which looks like a gear/cog) and select which speed. Then select full screen and when viewing hit the space bar to pause and space bar again to start. I find this helps me when I want to follow along.

HettyB

I have this ruler (Creative Grids) and have made several quilts with it. I will say that it is not the most intuitive to use but once you get the hang of it it goes along fine. The key to using the ruler is to line up your center square with the square on the ruler. There is a different square to line up depending on the round you are on. If you google creative grids curvy log cabin tutorials it will take you to the Creative Grids page and the video tutorials.
Basically you start with your center square and in the upper right hand corner of the ruler there is a square with rough holes in it. Place this over your center square and mark the four corners. This will get you started right to have the correct seam allowance. Once you've done this sew two wide strips along the top and side and two narrow strips along the other two sides. You don't have to be concerned at this point as to how edges line up as you will trim those away with the ruler. Just make sure you have your stitching line going through the dots you made on your center square. This will assure you that your center square is the correct size. Now take your ruler with the wide strips across the top and down the right side and place the square on the ruler that is labeled "Wide Round 1". Line up the square and trim off the two wide strips you have. Next flip the square around and the ruler around and line up the square that is labeled "Narrow Round 1" with your center square. Trim the edge along the top and right side of your square. Now you are ready to do round 2. Do the same by sewing on two wide strips to the wide strips and two narrow strips to the narrow strips. Go to your ruler and line up your center square with the square that is labeled "Wide Round 2" and trim. Turn your block around so the narrow strips are along the right and top, line up your center square on your block with the square on your ruler that is labeled "Narrow Round 2". Do the same for round 3. The dotted lines on the ruler should line up with your seams in each round. Hope this helps.
How your arrange your blocks will determine how your finished quilt will look like. There are a number of patterns that are available using this ruler. Here are two quilts that I have made.

If you square after each addition you will lose the concept. Go to MSQC and check their tutorials for a curved log cabin. You don't need a special ruler to do this and it comes out beautifully.

Thanks, HettyB. I never knew one could do that. I think it will be very helpful for future viewing.

Leslie

I like Mary Ann Fonds Curvy quilt ..it beautiful .

Log length
 

I just came across this conversation about the curvy log cabin ruler (4 inch) almost 4 years after the original discussion.I recently bought the Creative Grids 4" curvy ruler so I could make a rectangular wall hanging for my daughter making each log cabin circle in the colors of the 4 seasons. I need each block to be no larger than 16 inches. I thought this ruler would give me the perfect size. I've watched several YouTube videos demonstrating how to use the ruler, but none of the videos mentions how each log needs to be. Is this something I should know without being told? I'm feeling very stupid right about now! If anyone has any information to share about this, please do.

I would contact this quilter: https://mountainquiltworks.blogspot....n-designs.html She is the pattern and ruler tester for the curvy log cabin.

I have this ruler and have used it to make several quilts. If you search on YouTube for ‘Sewing Quarter 20th August 2017’, this ruler is demonstrated in the final hour.

That last hour was hilarious. I busted out laughing several times. The one who knows how to use it lost her voice and the other selling the rulers talking for her. Despite that, amazingly, how to use the ruler is explained and shown.

Here is a direct link to the segment where they show it.
https://youtu.be/MTglOZAvWnI?t=11272

Quilter contacted
 

Thanks, Onebyone, for suggesting I contact the quilter. Not only did they give me good advice, but they gave me a link indicating how long the logs need to be!

You are so welcome. I'm glad to have helped.
After watching the video posted I bought the book they were using. I found it on Amazon for $7 including shipping.