Does anyone know of a quilting ruler that is longer than the standard 24"? I have an O'Lipfa Lip Edge 24" ruler and sometimes I need to use a longer one for fabrics that go beyone this length. I don't like to fold the fabric over so I thought I might be able to find a longer one.

I also have a small cutting mat and was thinking of getting the large white one that JoAnns sells rolled up in the box. Any advice on that mat? I would not be able to tac it down since I use my dining room table so when I m done with it, I put it behind my bookcase.

I have a 36 inch ruler, looks just like a yard stick, maybe a tad bit wider. I found it at Joanne's with the other quilting ruler. I don't use it all of the time, but it does come in handy.
I also have one of the cutting mats you are talking about. I'm lucky, it's the exact size of my kitchen island, so I use it there to cut fabric. I use some of the spongy shelf lining stuff, a six inch strip on both ends,between the mat and the counter top to keep it in place. Works really good!!

My longest ruler is a 24" ruler. (I prefer the Omnigrid 6 1/2" by 24") I have several mats - all the green Olfa brand. I have the 12" x 18", 18" x 24", and 24" x 36" sizes. I leave the 24" x 36" set up on my desk at home and usually take the smaller two on trips with me. There is one that you can get up to 70" (see here for the Olfa brand: http://www.olfa.com/MatsDetail.aspx?C=27&Id=87). When I have stuff longer than 24", I make about 20" cuts at a time and carefully move the fabric as necessary.

You would need table (or floor) space big enough to accommodate the big mat and/or ruler. I don't know off-hand of a ruler longer than the 24" though.

I have the cutting mat you are referring to and have used it for years.... I really like it. I find it hard to cut on the smaller mats since I started using the one that covers my entire table.

I have an O'Lipfa Lip Edge 36". I think it's 36X4. I don't use it as much as the 24" version, but it really does come in handy at times. I have the white mat and use it, however, I have a problem when cutting batting, like just before you put the binding on. the batting sticks into the cuts made by the rotary cutter and is hard to get out. i use a fiskars mat if I'm going to cut batting.

I would find it very difficult to cut longer than 24". Even 24" is stretching it for me on a stiff back day and I'm just shy of 6' tall.

I spend a considerable amount of time getting my fabric straight on the grain when I fold it in half and I check to make sure I'm straight after every few cuts.

Perhaps you would do well with one of the June Taylor Shape Cut rulers.

I have the 36 inch plastic yardstick one that I got at Joanns....I generally make DD help hold it down to make sure it stays straight on both ends when we are cutting a very long piece of fabric. Otherwise I find my 6 1/2 x 13 one to be good. I dont' have a 24 inch one, but it would be good to have!

Once you learn how to properly fold your material in half you will wonder just why you wanted a longer ruler. It makes it easier to store your things and uses much less space. I know there are some great videos/tutorials out there for this.

Maybe you can search the QB for the link or someone else will post it here.

ali

I have to 36" O'lippa ruler it is 4" wide with the lip. I use it quite often, it comes in handy when I am checking out how straight my edges are when getting to put on the binding, I also have the large white cutting mat from Joanne, I put it on my pool table which I use to cut out my fabric on, I use it all the time, the only time it's moved is if someone decides they have just got to play pool, then I store it behind the couch in the game room standing on edge

I have the big huge white cutting mat also. My husband bought it for me for my birthday this past year. It covers my entire table that we specifically bought for my sewing table. The only problem I have with it, is that it moves around on me. But I did see on here where Grama Lehr says she uses some spongy shelf stuff under hers to keep it from moving. I am going to have to get some. Because I wouldn't trade this cutting mat in for a million dollars. I do have a purple cutting mat thats huge and I do need a smaller one to take to my sewing class with me. :) As for the ruler, I have one of those lipped rulers that I use mainly when I cut on my white cutting board, as the lip is JUST the right depth.