Ruler Quilting on DSM
 

Just wondering how others are doing with this. I recently signed up for a class by Amy Johnson through Craftsy.com. Today I went to LQS and bought the ruler foot plus starter kit for my Pfaff QE 4.2. I'm so hoping that I can do this. I've been doing FMQ for awhile and would like to branch out a bit. Would love to hear your experiences with ruler quilting.

It's quite doable, I've done ruler work on my Janome DSM just like Amy Johnson. She has several Free YouTube videos as well. There are other threads I believe here on the board that discuss it, just do a search for it. It's a great addition to your quilting.

I love it! I have really enjoyed doing ruler quilting. If you're comfortable FMQing then the ruler work will be pretty easy to pick up. The hardest thing for me was remembering to keep my ruler foot against the ruler.

I find that for certain kinds of designs--particularly ones that involve straight lines or long curves, and also for some geometric designs , I've been more satisfied with the end result when I've done them using rulers. I also like to combine ruler work with regular FMQ-- you can get some really nice effects that way.

Amy Johnson's classes are both very good. I have also enjoyed watching Lisa Calle and Patsy Thompson work with rulers. They both have a number of youtube videos out there, as does Amy Johnson. I think that Leah Day has recently started doing some ruler work videos as well.

Have fun.

Rob

I've been teaching the Westalee Template class where I work, and I am really enjoying it! There is a learning curve, and you really need some good traction on the back of your templates. They come with the sticky back rubber shelf liner, but you can use anything you put on the back of your regular acrylic rulers. We've found that a dab of hot glue gives you some good traction, but it comes off easily. The other thing that takes practice is moving the quilt, without moving the ruler on the quilt. You have to move the quilt, but hold the ruler gently. Here's a picture of some samples.

I've used them for a couple of quilts...there is a learning curve,but it's doable and pretty fun.

Quitledsunshine those samples are beautiful.

I do ruler work on my DSM. The biggest advice I'd give besides practice, practice, practice is to be careful of the size of the rulers you purchase. The DSM limits how long a ruler you can use. Start with a couple of basic rulers and when you get familiar with them you can branch out.
Also look into Patsy Thompson's videos and Amy Johnson's. Both very good.

I'm signed up for one of Amy Johnson's classes but I haven't started it yet. It's strange but I am watching youtube videos for some reason. I have been really enjoying Jamie Wallen's work found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqz...TaxSTV4mxj872g

Thanks for asking your question. I have been looking at the rulers for awhile and I am almost ready to take the leap of faith. I have many UFO's waiting to be quilted, and this looks like something I will enjoy doing. I am a little OCD and am never satisfied with my fmq. I think the rulers will help with my problems. I am very critical of my finished projects and hope they will help. Wish me luck, I think I will be ordering the rulers soon.
Sue

I would like to try some ruler work someday. Gosh, there is so much I want to try. :) I just looked at the Jamie Wallen link & he is awesome & a great teacher. I better study his work before I ever start anything like this on my own.

I bought the Westalee Template starter set. I like it. I didn't have any problem learning how to use the rulers.

Need to call my lqs and see if they have them.

Thanks for all of your encouraging responses! I was able to get the foot on my machine today, that felt like quite an accomplishment in itself:) Did a short test run but without my slider and gloves and I'm sure they will help. I'm also still learning my new machine, so I will have to be patient with the process.

Susie-Susie- wish me luck, too. Let us know how you are doing once you decide to jump in.

I bought one of Amy's classes & the foot & a few rulers over the past 6 months or so. It is fun to do. Like anything new, it takes practice but I think anyone can do it with good results. The rulers do all the work once they are placed properly. The rulers are very expensive but I keep adding one here & there & I love learning new techniques to expand my quilting. Have fun!

I too have the Westallee starter set. It has a learning curve for me, but I get better all the time. I am just learning free motion quilting, so with your experience, you should have no problem! I have fun with them, and get some practice in making charity or neonatal quilts.

I'm not the OP but I'm also excited to hear the positive responses about these rulers. I just purchased the starter pack and foot and am anxious to play! Thanks for the link to Jamie Wallen ... I had not found his videos when searching you tube:)
Sherrie

I'm back. I ordered the rulers and they came yesterday. I have several things to finish before trying them, but they look great and easy to use. I can't wait to begin practicing with them. I did read the directions and looked at a few tutorials. I think I will be able to get to practicing by the beginning of next week. So excited to get started.
Sue

I just picked up the Westalee ruler foot and template set and can't wait to get started.

I too bought the rulers and had to order the adapter for my bernina. Foot number 72. Then I pulled the tendon on my right arm and have had to wait until it healed to use them. Always something when you get old, huh? Sheesh.
I have been playing on the embroidery machine and doing regular sewing in short spurts.