Sailorwoman

I have decided to challenge myself to learn ruler work quilting and I thought that 6 weeks before Christmas would be a great time to add to my Christmas list. So, to all of you quilters who are way ahead of me, what rulers would you recommend for someone who has only recently learned to spell "ruler work". I have already ordered the ruler work foot for my domestic Juki which does have an extension table. I am primarily interested in rulers that are great for absolute beginners but that have some versatility. I appreciate your advice and suggestions, as always.

Rhonda K

It sounds like a wonderful idea!

I have just started looking at the rulers and the how-to of the technique. Do you need a slider for the extension table?

Check to see if a local dealer is offering classes. Our dealer is starting classes again and I'm thinking of joining them.

Sailorwoman

I am thinking of getting a super slider (teflon toboggan) but I am not sure. I would love to take classes but unfortunately, my closest "local" dealer is about 1 hour away. I am looking at many videos and such but I really want input from people who are not "invested" in rulers. I don't want to spend a small fortune for rulers I won't use much.

osewme

Thanks for the question about rulers. I would love to take a class also & may be able to talk our local Sewing Lounge to put together a class on them. I bought the Westalee Ruler Foot Starter Package & it came with the foot & one Arc ruler. I haven't tried it much but want to learn how to use rulers because I like the look of ruler work on quilts. I've been watching Angela Walters rulers as she builds her selections & they seem more versatile than others that I've seen. She has lots of videos to watch.

Cari-in-Oly

Here's a money saving tip - I had a glass shop cut me a 1"x6" and a 2"x12" piece of thick plexiglass to use as a straight edge ruler and it cost me less than $20.

Cari

Watson

I think for a beginner, or anyone, a straight ruler with the markings on it, a gentle arc and a 1/4" gauge are essential.
You can get all of those from Westalee and other manufacturers sell the rulers, but I'm not sure about the gauge.
The gauge is to use to assure yourself that the far end of the ruler is in the right spot so you end up where you want to be. I had never seen one and now that I have one I wouldn't trade it.
I've also heard that Quilter's Apothecary sells rulers with a handle and have videos for most of their rulers, so that might be helpful.

Watson

QuiltnNan

one can go crazy buying fun looking rulers. [ask me how i know]. i would start with a straight ruler and an arc. if/when you accomplish work with those, then look at fancier ones... there are so many out there now. i have not gotten Angela Walters' ones yet, but they look cool and have cute names.

SusieQOH

Great thread!
I'm just beginning on my ruler work and I bought Angela Walter's rulers. She has videos on how to use them. I also got the Westalee beginner set with the foot on Ebay a few months ago. Be sure to get the correct foot for your machine and have fun! I'm enjoying playing around with them and hope to get better at it.

bjchad

It’s difficult to work wth large rulers on a domestic machine, so go for small or medium size on your straight ruler.

Tartan

You will want a straight edge and if you can get that with a curve on one side, that’s a bonus. Angela Walters rulers have the benefit of a non slip edge so that is helpful. Westalee has some great rulers too. Rulers are like potato chips, you can’t get just one, they are addictive.