Long Arm Quilting Ruler Work
 

I am finally getting my new-to-me long arm set up, it is non-computerized and I am expecting to work about half free hand and half pantographs.

But along with the system, came all sorts of goodies including all sorts of rulers that I don't really know how to use. So I'm looking for suggestions and comments and who is worth watching on video.

I am not someone who watches a lot of videos, I will but my rabbit holes in the interweb usually goes in other directions. But when I find a teacher/artist/whatever with something I like, I can be glued to the screen. So please help me find my on-line guru.

Stylistically, I prefer a thicker batting and less quilting than is currently popular. I'm not at all interested in quilting matchsticks or 1/4" apart. But with my vision and other issues, I also hate marking a quilt and/or following lines and if I can use a ruler instead of marking -- I'm all for it!

If the rulers have the company name on them I would start with their website. Most places that sell rulers have tutorials to go along with them.
Have fun!

You might already know this, but you'll want to use a ruler foot with those rulers. It's a foot where the toe is "taller" than standard. It's to prevent the ruler from slipping on top of the foot and getting between the foot and the needle, which can break a needle and knock the machine out of timing. Hopefully the machine came with one since it came with the rulers.

Handi Quilter has some good videos on ruler quilting. They're obviously intended to market their rulers, but they do show techniques.

Even though it means more frequent starts and stops, I prefer shorter/smaller rulers to larger ones, including for straight-line quilting.

Did a regulator come with your quilt machine? I'd think you'd have to practice your movements with the machine to keep your stitches even if it didn't. Good luck as I know you'll love it once you get the hang of it.

I'm watching this thread. Now, I know that the rulers need to be 1/4" thick to work well for FMQ.

I like Natalia Bonner her website is Piece n Quilt and Angela Walters website Quilting is My Therapy. Both have excellent videos on YouTube. Also make sure you know if your machine is a low or high shank this will make a difference as there are rulers for low shank 1/8" and high shank 1/4". Using the wrong ruler could cause damage to your machine.

Likewise, what brand is your machine?
Check their website for videos and other info about ruler quilting.

Most importantly ... Have FUN!

So happy for you, Iceblossom! Can't wait to hear about your progress!