Rulers
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
Rulers
This has probably been asked before, but I couldn't find it. When I watch the Fons & Potter shows, they are always showing how to use their rulers. They make it look like the job would go much faster, accurately, & easier if using them. My question is 'Does anyone have them and are they are as convenient as they make them look?'
#2
My personal opinion is that using odd-angled rulers is probably useful. I bought a pattern that called for two different EZ rulers and I purchased them, but in hindsight, I think I could have just used my regular rulers; however, I also used a 60 degree ruler on a Stack & Whack, and it was definitely a good choice. So, bottom line, I think it depends on what you are working on. Good luck on your projects.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
many specialty rulers---not just fons & porters---are 'helpful'
they are not necessarily required- you can 'make due' with what you have-
but they make things a little easier-
so if you have problems with certain blocks/cuts sometimes purchasing the special ruler will help you be more successful-
sometimes if you tend to do a certain block ALOT---like making many many flying geese blocks- it makes sense to buy a flying geese ruler-
they help with accuracy & with trimming- but you can still make (most) things without them- it is a personal choice
i have some specialty rulers-some i use alot- others never- it just depends on what type of quilts you make- and what is easy for you-
often your lqs will demo-let you try specialty rulers- so you can see for yourself the benifits and decide if you would like to buy it or not (and yes-they even carry the fon's & porter rulers---at least some do)
they are not necessarily required- you can 'make due' with what you have-
but they make things a little easier-
so if you have problems with certain blocks/cuts sometimes purchasing the special ruler will help you be more successful-
sometimes if you tend to do a certain block ALOT---like making many many flying geese blocks- it makes sense to buy a flying geese ruler-
they help with accuracy & with trimming- but you can still make (most) things without them- it is a personal choice
i have some specialty rulers-some i use alot- others never- it just depends on what type of quilts you make- and what is easy for you-
often your lqs will demo-let you try specialty rulers- so you can see for yourself the benifits and decide if you would like to buy it or not (and yes-they even carry the fon's & porter rulers---at least some do)
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: missouri
Posts: 3,893
I tend to stay away from rulers that are only used in 1 pattern, I can't afford to spend $20 or more for just 1 ruler (some patterns wants you to buy 2 -3) for just 1 pattern design. If the ruler can be incorporated into more designs it may be worth the money.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
I have most of the Fons and Porter rulers and haven't used hardly any. I think some day I will and I get their magazine, so when I find a quilt I want to make, I will have the ruler for it.
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 281
I have only one F & P ruler, an 8 x 14. I love the size and use it alot. But the lines are not dark enough for me! I do not buy specialty rulers anymore, because I know I will not make more than one of any quilt. And I do not take retreat classes that require them...cost of class often goes up $30 by adding the ruler! If it is just for a certain size or shape, the local hardware store may be able to cut inexpensively out of plexiglass.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
Ive wasted alot of money on rulers I never use. I have several Fons and Porter ones: Flying geese and point trimmers. But I do use there 1/2 inch rulers alot.
The best specialty ruler I have is Quilt In A Days triangle square up ruler, which saves alot of time and is revolutionary.
I also have all her flying geese rulers and love them.
The best specialty ruler I have is Quilt In A Days triangle square up ruler, which saves alot of time and is revolutionary.
I also have all her flying geese rulers and love them.
#10
ha, ha. i bought the two small rulers for trimming off corners on triangles. i hardly ever use them. those dog ears just don't bother me. they simply want to sell their rulers so they now include them in demonstrations, even guests use them.
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