IrishMom

I've watched a few questions about ruler quilting and I think I am ready for the next step to my quilting. I work on a domestic machine, Janome 6600, not a long arm. I was especially interested in the Creative Grids rulers - Shorty, Slim, Archie, Squiggy, etc.

Currently for quilting I do stitch in the ditch, straight lines using that metal bar thingy to follow lines already made and I do a free motion stipple. I've also done some free hand echo quilting. On one quilt I used a stencil which went ok, but not as easy as I thought!

If I were to start with one ruler which would you suggest? The Shorty and Slim look so similar, that I'm tempted to get the Slim for the extra length. I will admit the rulers with all the curves and circles call to me as well, but I'm thinking I should get the basics down first.

So please share your experience and tips! Thanks!

Watson

Not familiar with the rulers you mention, but I usually use a straight ruler that is about 10 (?)inches long, a gentle curve and a Westalee ruler that makes circles. I have others but I rarely use them.

You don't want a ruler really long because it will shift on you and you want to be able to keep an eye on where it ends.

I also have a little measuring guide thingy that you use to make sure you are 1/4" away at the far end, which I find helpful.

The main thing I really have to watch is that I keep the foot against the ruler and don't let my mind wander, because then the foot will too!

Watson

Tartan

Angela's rulers are good and they come with a little rough edge and pads on the back that helps with grip. If you don't have a straight edge ruler, then one is nice for FMQ straight SITD lines. She has videos on the different designs you can do with her rulers. I bought the Squiggy and the stops she has on each end make it very nice to continue a design by moving from stop to stop.

mindless

What kind of quilting do you want to try? Each of those rulers are designed to help with specific kinds of quilting. (borders, curves, symetrical arcs, circles, etc.) although they can be used in multiple ways too.
Have you looked at any other brands? Some of the other brands offer even more choices, and are just as good. They all seem to be in about the same price range.
One of my faves has a half circle and a straight edge. Like a protractor. I also bought a Versa tool from HQ (my first ruler for fmq) that I love! It gives me a lot of possibilities. Another fun one I bought is called a Nautilus. And I love the concentric spiral curves I can do with it.
For beginning, I think that the Versa tool is the best one to start with.

https://www.google.com/search?q=HQ+versatool+ruler&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab

Unless of course I misunderstood your question, and you have already bought the creative grids rulers. Then....Archie & Squiggy both look like fun to try.

Sorry, don't know why this becomes part of the link above.

bjchad

You will need a ruler foot, but Janome has a great one. Definitely get a straight ruler, one that is not too much longer than your hand. A longer ruler tends to bump into the edge of the harp if it is too big. Either of the two that have the straight sides from the ones you mentioned would be good.
I like Archy a lot. It can be used for many designs and is a good size for a DSM. Someone also mentioned the Versa tool which is a great ruler. Be aware that ruler work will take practice. Start with the straight ruler until you get the hang of moving quilt and ruler together. Curved rulers take more practice but can be used in many ways. Don’t get discouraged if your first efforts are shaky. Just keep trying. It will click and probably sooner than you expect.
Enjoy!

MadQuilter

It's nice to have a straight-edge ruler so you can use it for grid work AND for stitch in the ditch.

Take a look at the different patterns each of the rulers supports and pick the ones you like best. Remember with your machine, you probably want to stick to small-ish rulers because you don't have a lot of throat space.

Rhonda K

Can I grab a seat on the bus with you? I'm considering trying the rulers too so will follow your progress. Our LQS does classes each month so that is helpful.

Mindless, Just click the world with RED X on it to un-link your text.

quiltedsunshine

My favorite ruler is Westalee Spinning Wheel #36. It makes flowers with rounded petals or pointed petals. And when you use the thumbtack, it makes a bigger, more intricate flower. You can also do an all-over flower fill with it.

mindless

Thank you Rhonda!!!

IrishMom

Thanks for the input! I haven't bought any rulers yet, I just watched the videos for the Shorty, Slim, Archie, Squiggy and I was looking on Amazon at a book on quilting with rulers. But the Versa looks really cool with all the different aspects. I guess I want to learn the technique and then jump in the deep end with all the curves and flower designs. I just didn't want to buy a dud or something too gimmicky. And especially since the foot needed is rather pricey for my machine.

Rhonda K - please join me on the bus! I wish I had a LQS to help me. I know the internet is chock full of info, but sometimes a real person is the best help. I hope you take a class!