One of the first rulers I bought was the Quilter's Rule with the ridges on the back.

What I don't like about it now - the lines are "thick" - and I like the rulers with "thinner" lines now.

Creative grids has an 8.5 x 24.5 ruler - it's nice, but I do need to pay attention to the markings on it.

I think the 6.5 x 24 ruler would probably be the most useful - if one could only have one.

The next choice - if I could only have one - would be a 6.5 x 12 ruler.

For small cuts, I love my 4 x 8 Omnigrid ruler with the 1/8 inch markings.

I find the 6x24 too long to handle for smaller cuts. I usually fold my fabric to where I can use the 6x12. I also like my big square to square up my 12" blocks and a smaller square for the 6" blocks.

As important as the size is the color and how well you can read the lines on the fabric (dark and light). I'd suggest go to a store and test drive a few to see what you like.

I have a 6x24 and that's all I had for years. It was difficult to square up blocks, though, so finally got a 12.5x12.5. I love it for squaring up and it works OK for cutting strips when the shorter ruler will work. I just bought a 6.5x6.5 but haven't used it yet. The big square is unweildy for squaring up small blocks.

I forgot about color! They come in various ones, now.

And frosted, vs. clear.

I agree!

I actually disagree. I can get along without a 6 x 24, but I NEED my 15 x 15 for squaring up blocks and cutting larger squares.

Ditto :!:

my go to ruler is an omnigrid 8 by 14.

Thanks to all The little sewing group that I srarted several week ago that you gave me pointers on went to shop for thier ruler and mat today.Most were able to get the 6x24. Up date: tonight we went over reading and using the ruler the ruler. We cut strips, because we will be making thr WARM WISHES pattern. We are excited and had lots of laughs and fun. thanks again for all your help.

Ditto!

And I think it's important to get a large square ruler next for squaring blocks. Ideally a 16"x16", but you usually get by with 12x12.