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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. 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. |
have fun on your visit and I hope you get some more great quilting supplies
I like the small cutting mat that turns for paper piecing and small projects. and here is link to show you, I got mine at Joann's fabric store http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd29158 |
my favorite and most-used ruler is a 6.5x24 fluorescent. it's a great size for cutting larger pieces and the fluorescent makes it very easy to precisely see the measurements.
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I am a huge fan of Creative Grids rulers. I like all of their rulers. I would invest in a 60º, pyramid ruler for triangles and even hexagon blocks. A 12" square ruler is helpful for squaring up blocks up to that size.
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I find myself reaching for my 3.5"x24" ruler the most when I'm cutting yardage. For small pieces, I usually grab my 2"x8" ruler (the big one is a bit too unwieldy on my small cutting area). My original plan was to buy rulers piecemeal as I need them, but I'm finding I really don't need any others.
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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. |
The ruler I use the most is the June Tailor Shape-Cut ruler. Love it, love it, love it!! It is wonderful for cutting strips or squares. You can cut other shapes as well by using the various degree lines on your mat. I have invested in several of the other June Tailor rulers, but the 12" x 12" is the one I have used most.
I hope you have a fun and safe trip! |
I don't have many rulers. I use my 6" X 24" and 8.5" square ones the most. And I like my little 1" x 6" (I think that's what it is).
I have an Olfa mat and it truly is self-healing! Of course, mine is only 3 or 4 years old, but it looks great! Only when I have cut Minkee have I been able to see where I was cutting (I guess those fine little fibers get pushed into the cut, but wipe away). |
Originally Posted by laurlync
The ruler I use the most is the June Tailor Shape-Cut ruler. Love it, love it, love it!! It is wonderful for cutting strips or squares. You can cut other shapes as well by using the various degree lines on your mat. I have invested in several of the other June Tailor rulers, but the 12" x 12" is the one I have used most.
I hope you have a fun and safe trip! I swear by the Olfa mats. I've never replaced mine and use them all the time. Have a fun trip!! :thumbup: |
Thank you all soo much for this information. I've read many of your comments about things like the June Tailor shape-cut previously and need to do more research.
I'll be going to a missions conference in AZ and then fly to SC to see my three college kids and then to FL to see my parents and twin sister for a couple of days and then back home to Poland to get back to my youngest two kids. I probably pretty much need to know what I want before I head back both because of time and because of money. I need to plan carefully. Money always flies out of my wallet very quickly in the states. :) |
You should post while you're in the US and ask for a link to a current Joann's coupon (valid in stores) so you can print them out for use.
While Creative Grids are great rulers, you can't beat the price on the Olfa and Omnigrid rulers at Joann's with a 40% or 50% off coupon (if they're not on sale already). |
For squaring up HST the best ruler yet is the Quilt In A Day triangle square up ruler. You only make one cut. It is amazing. You place the line for the size you need on the stitching line of the triangle before you open it. One cut and you have a perfect squared up HST.
If you have a coupon at Joanns you can get it for around 9 dollars. Joanns marks up the price to 15 dollars but it is 11 at my local quilt shop. Who do they think they are fooling? Like every one says the 6x12 or 6x24 is the most used I have a June Taylor shape cut but have not used it. You need to fold the fabric to fit the ruler first so just havnt done it yet. A 6 1/2 and a 12 1/2 in square up ruler is nice to have. I love the turn table also. Good idea about getting Joann coupons. |
I use my 6X24 a lot because it will cut the whole distance across the width of the fabric (selvage to fold). I really like my 15X15 square to square up blocks and square the corners of my quilt before binding. For seeing clearly, I am partial to Omnigrid rulers. I have used the same Olfa 18X22? green cutting mat for 15yrs or more. I am now using the back side to cut on because I do finally have some divots in the front surface. Like most quilters, I have a slew of others size rulers that I have purchased for different projects.
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Originally Posted by justflyingin
Thank you all soo much for this information. I've read many of your comments about things like the June Tailor shape-cut previously and need to do more research.
I'll be going to a missions conference in AZ and then fly to SC to see my three college kids and then to FL to see my parents and twin sister for a couple of days and then back home to Poland to get back to my youngest two kids. I probably pretty much need to know what I want before I head back both because of time and because of money. I need to plan carefully. Money always flies out of my wallet very quickly in the states. :) What size of mat are you thinking about getting? |
It does sound like Olfa is superior to June Taylor, then. My June Taylor cutting mat definitely has ruts in it. It is not self-healing as far as I can tell. I inherited a second one this year from a lady who was returning to the states, but it is well used. I cut up a few bags of scraps earlier this year into strips and it really took its toll on my cutting mat.
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Originally Posted by jdiane318
I am a huge fan of Creative Grids rulers. I like all of their rulers. I would invest in a 60º, pyramid ruler for triangles and even hexagon blocks. A 12" square ruler is helpful for squaring up blocks up to that size.
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I use the June Tailor Shape Cutter, the 20.5" square-up ruler, and my 6.5x24 florescent the most. But I do use the 3.5 and 6.5 square up rulers. I want to get the Eleanor Burns triangle ruler -- need to try Joann's this weekend.
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Originally Posted by craftybear
have fun on your visit and I hope you get some more great quilting supplies
I like the small cutting mat that turns for paper piecing and small projects. and here is link to show you, I got mine at Joann's fabric store http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd29158 |
I love my 6.5 x 24 inch ruler with the lip that catches on the cutting mat to keep everything square! I think it is an Olfa brand. I also love my Creative Grids 8.5 square ruler.
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I use the June Tailor Shape cut ruler most...I bought my first on almost 20 yrs ago from QVC...have a new one now but..its still my favorite
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You have the ideas. I would also invest in a bias square up ruler. It is easier to use than a square ruler. Martingale made the one I have.
ali |
I get my rulers when JoAnns has them half price.
My favorite work horse ruler is the 8 1/2 x 24. After that my 6 1/2 inch ruler and 12 1/2 square up get used the most. I do a lot of quilts on point and have one to cut the triangles on the edge. I like having the straight of grain on the ends so I don't like cutting squares in half for the set in triangles. I like cutting them from a strip. I love any ruler that will save me time. But some I can mark off on the rulers I already have. |
I have an 8.5 x 24 and an 8.5x12 that I use the most. I like the extra widths.
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Originally Posted by QuiltnNan
my favorite and most-used ruler is a 6.5x24 fluorescent. it's a great size for cutting larger pieces and the fluorescent makes it very easy to precisely see the measurements.
and i use my 12.5 squaring ruler all the time too - it squares blocks from 2.5 to 12.5 inches |
I have a few rulers and the ones that I use the most are my 6.5 square my 6.5x24 and my 2.5x6.5 I have a 12.5" square and a 8.5" square and a 6.5x18" also but dont use them quite as much as the others. I would get a diamond ruler maybe and would either get an olfa or one that I saw from martelli's. saw it at a quilt show. those two would be the ones that i would get. have a fiskers now and it works for the price i was willing to pay. looking at getting a larger one soon.
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The ruler I use the most is the 6"x24" and I use my rotating mat almost as much as my big mat.
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I use a 2x20 and a 3x18 more than any others. Also the June Taylor cutting thing.
The 6x24 gets in my way. The bigger squares area bulky. I use a tile (12x12) from the home store for 49cents to square-up some blocks. |
I agree with QuiltnNan
Originally Posted by QuiltnNan
my favorite and most-used ruler is a 6.5x24 fluorescent. it's a great size for cutting larger pieces and the fluorescent makes it very easy to precisely see the measurements.
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I don't think any mat is self-healing for life. I have gone through 4 over the last 15 years, but I use the old ones for various things. I have also found a little 6 x 8" mat useful for cutting and for carrying to classes.
My favorite ruler is 6 x 12 but I don't have a huge amount of space for cutting. |
Ruler: My newest best friend is a 2.5 x 6.5 creative grid ruler, I love it and use it most by my machine.
Mats: I use Fiskars most because the colors enable me to see the edge of the fabric more clearly. I recently purchased the pink one which works great for the more intense jewel and earth tones I love. For the lighter colors I still use the OLFA green one. I also use a OLFA 5.5 x 7.5 and a Omnigrid 8 x 11 (these are actual grid measurements) on a table by my sewing chair for quick cuts. Regarding mats and self-healing. I do not believe any of them are totally self-healing forever. If you always cut in the same area, you will lose that area. The trick for me is to use enough pressure to cut the fabric, but not so much that I cut deep into the mat. Where are you visiting in the U.S.? |
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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