Longarm quilting using a ruler
 

My hats are off to all of you that longarm quilters who quilt with rulers! I didn't realize how hard it is. Just did my first top only outlining blocks and it took me two days. It looks much easier than it is!!!!
Did get lots of practice though:o Will post picture when quilt is completed.
Next I plan on doing some feathers on each side of the border edges. The blocks are so large they don't all fit in one sewing so I have to roll up and down (won't make this mistake again, hahaha).
Have a whole new respect for you all that's for sure and now know why it costs so much to go to a quilter. Applause to you all!

Oh boy ,I just ordered extension table and ruler foot for my machine yesterday. Still looking at rulers to start with. Hope I am able to do it!!!!

I'm going through the same growing pains ;-)

Don't stress about it being hard at first - isn't everything? It will get easier with practice, and there are some beautiful things you can do with various longarm rulers. Just be sure you are using one that is the correct thickness for your longarm, usually 1/4". And be careful not to hit it with the needle.

There are some great DVD's out there to help you too. Don't know abut what YouTube might have.

Start with a practice piece and the proper tools and you'll get the hang of it in no time.

ali

Actually, I just took a ruler class. It was great, but both teachers are recommending 3/8" rulers. In addition, placing skateboard grip to keep them from sliding. Does your machine have an open toe foot?

I use a foot made for ruler work and somewhere I read to use rubber cement on the bottom of rulers to help keep them from being slippery. Rubber cement works great! My blocks have three rows of borders so it was a lot of stitch in the ditch. Not as perfect as I would like it but not too shabby for a beginner.
Thanks for the encouragement!

Ooooh, stitch in the ditch isn't easy, for me anyway. Using the rulers for design work though is easier. Best tip is to not press on it too hard. Good luck and have fun.

If I may offer a piece of advice, take frequent breaks when doing ruler work. From experience, I needed like 3 visits to the chiropractor (sp)? after one wall hanging I did alot of ruler work on. Kept pushing when I should have taken a break.

I just tried this on my last quilt for my new grandbaby. It wasn't easy, but it did help me make nice straight lines.