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I use the 6.5 x 24 and the and the 14 inch square the most. With these 2 rulers you can do just about anything. I have the Olfa cutting mat and have been very happy with it.
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Originally Posted by feline fanatic
Most used is the 6.5 x 24 size, then my 6.5 square and my 12.5 square. I always use the 6.5 for squaring up HST. Just line my fab up so there is a little excess to the size I want trim trim, then flip the unit and true line it up and trim the other two sides. Can't see much reason to buy a smaller ruler when I can simply flip the unit.
Re self healing mats.... I swear by my Olfa. I started quilting almost 20 years ago and bought an ofla then. It would still be going strong except I stupidly set my hot iron on it. So I replaced it with a fiskars one thinking same thing. Not so. I bought another Olfa last year when JoAnnes was having a 50% off sale on all olfa products. I think they truly are self healing. DottyD. |
I use my 6 x 24 amd 6 x 12 the most. The 6x12 is good for when you go to a class or somewhere outside of home--smaller to carry.
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I have been using the same olfa mat for 7 years....I have a smaller one for traveling.....they are great. Ditto on the rulers...We all find our comfort zone on the rulers....I use my 31/2 X 9 ruler for smaller issues and my 6.5 X 24 for larger ones....I have many many more but find those are the two I reach for. Blessings on your journey!!!
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You might think about getting a square-up ruler instead of separate single rulers. The proper way to use this ruler and the ruler itself is on Quilt in a Day website. Eleanor Burns has several rulers that can be used for more than one thing. I believe that Walmart has several rulers along this line also. Most patterns suggest which rulers to use, you just have to learn how to adjust what you have to limit the number of rulers you need. Have a good trip to the States and keep in touch with us here.
Charlie |
My favorite rulers are 3.5" wide. It's an easy width to handle and I can lay two rulers side by side to get wider if I need it. I use both the 24" and the 12"
I got a Martelli mat a few years ago and really like that. I find that my June Taylor mat and the Salem mats tend to dull the blade in your rotary cutter. |
Originally Posted by justflyingin
I'll be going to the states in September for two weeks. While I'm there I'd like to invest in a few more rulers. I have one 6.5" square, a 3" longer one and two more 22" (approx.)--one is 5.5" and one is 6" wide (I think).
I've found I would really like a 3.5" square (for squaring up HST) and probably a 4.5" square. What other ones do you find yourself using a lot? I really don't need a LOT of gadgets. I'd much rather use the money on fabrics as I've managed quite a while without so many fancy rulers and special equipment beyond the mat and rotary cutter and a few rulers--but I usually use one of three. The self-healing mats are worth the price. I've had mine for 20+ yrs. and they are still in good shape. As to rulers, I believe my6 x 12, 6 x 24, 3 x 18, and 12 1/2 sq. are used the most by me. Also, are any of the mats REALLY self-healing? I have June Tailor (the blue mats from Walmart that are/were pretty cheap) and they work as mats, but they do get ruts in them. I've read here that some claim the Olfa actually self-heal. Is that true? Does that mean that they go on indefinitely without needing to be replaced? Really and truly? It's hard for me to believe, but please tell me if that's true. Since I don't live in the USA anymore, but come back to visit once in a while, it would be worth it to me to invest in one that actually does self-heal. They are much more expensive here in Poland. I'd like at least a few of your input. |
6.5 X 24". shape cut--can't live without it!, and 3" x 18
With these 3, I can pretty much ct whatever I need to! |
In regards to the mats just remember that they cannot be left in extream heat or they will warp. You will never get them flat again. I'm thinking about your travels and how hot the entire US is these days. I agree the Olfa is the best. I have one over 20 years old. I store it flat and every now and again run a nylon bath scrubbie over it to get any caught threads or batting out of it.
One thing to consider about rulers. I've been told to stick with the same brand name for the most accurate cuts. Many of the Wal-marts have discontinued their crafts & fabrics dept so have friend or family check to see if they still carry the items. Safe travels and good luck with you search for new tools. |
For Hst's it is hard to beat the Quilt in a Day triangle square up ruler. You can use it for sizes ranging from 1" to 6.5" (maybe 6"?). Square them up b4 you open them, mMuch faster than squaring them up as squares!
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