Sadly, I learned this the hard way.

This is why I have all creative grid rulers; I have a few other brands that I bought when I first started, but I do not use them. I prefer to stick to a brand of tools that I like, it makes it earlier to remember what I have, and I certainly need all the help I can get remembering things!!!!

Olfa brand rulers will always measure the same from one ruler to the next. That is the only brand I will buy as I know where to place my ruler on the fabric to get the cut that works for me.

I would imagine it's similar to butter measurements on the package.

I would have never thought about a difference in ruler marks. I'll be sur to use the same ruler when I cut. I always learn something on this board.

This conversation made me wonder if mine all matched. Just did a test and Yes they do no matter which brand they are, try to always use the same brand but specialty rulers are not. Even my cutting mats all match up. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones.

An inch is an inch is an inch.

Every time I hear/see this, I keep wondering if there are knock-off rulers that are being sold that the inch is not an inch.

Perhaps those who are saying there are differences, would show us some pictures of the offending rulers, and tell us the brand names????




One thing that I do know ... I prefer using my Olfa brand rulers over the OmniGrid rulers. Because of the fine lines on the Olfa it is much easier to cut with precision. With the OmniGrid "fat yellow" markings, it is easier to cut a thread or two wider, or narrower because of the thickness of the lines. That can easily throw off piecing results.

I guess this is where only owning one cutting mat, and one ruler (Olipfa) is working to my advantage. There is very little that I can't accomplish with this ruler and mat combo. I have trouble spending money on tools... I'd rather buy a couple yards of fabric!

It's not just quilting rulers either. When I taught, the state issued cardboard rulers for the students to use when taking the state tests because all rulers measure differently. You'd think there'd be a standard they'd have to go by when manufacturing, but apparently there's no quality control!

I did not realize all of this. I am glad I read this everyday. I have learned so much from you smart ladies. From now on I will be checking my rulers. :)