Top Five Tips: using Quilting Rulers

Tip One

The markings on quilting rulers are much more accurate, and often more detailed, than the ones on cutting mats. You could use the lines on your cutting mat with the quilting ruler markings to help square up fat quarters (and other pre-cut fabric sizes) but other than this, always use your ruler as an accurate cutting and measuring guide.

Tip Two

A ruler that moves when you try to cut is bad news so it’s important that your ruler has some sort of grip and doesn’t skid across your fabric as you begin to cut. Creative Grids rulers have a great range of sizes and they all have build-in non-slip grip. If your ruler doesn’t have enough grip you can easily add extra; spray-on non-slip coating, stick-on grip dots or stick-on non-slip film for the underside of your ruler are all great options.

Bonus tip…you can check a ruler for grip even before you’ve got it on your sewing table; feel the underside for differences in the surface (the grip is usually bumpy or very slightly coarse) or look for areas that are textured or not totally clear.

Tip Three

Whenever possible always try to position your ruler onto fabric so that you are cutting along two sides before having the move the ruler. This makes it easier to cut more precisely and it’s quicker than having to keep repositioning your ruler or fabric.

Tip Four

Make use of any diagonal markings your ruler has too. They are great for accurately trimming half square triangle, marking a perfect 45º angle for joining strips for quilt binding and lots of other things.

Bonus tip…always check the accuracy of any diagonal lines on quilting rulers and make sure they go right into the corner of the ruler. If the line isn’t lined up exactly with the point of the ruler’s corner then this will lead to problems when trimming things like half square triangles.

Tip Five

If you are able, always stand up when using a quilting ruler to cut fabric. Being over the top of your ruler and fabric helps to keep the rotary cutter blade at the correct angle (straight!) and makes it easier to keep a more even pressure on the ruler. Kitchen work surfaces are a great height for cutting with a quilting ruler!