The Best Quilting Cutting Rulers for Accurate Fabric Piecing

A Cut Above: Everything You Need to Know About Quilting Cutting Rulers

As any quilter knows, precision is paramount when cutting fabric pieces. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro, quilting cutting rulers are essential tools that can help streamline your quilting process and ensure perfect cuts every time. But with so many different rulers on the market, it can be tough to know which ones you really need. In this article, I’ll break down the basics of quilting rulers, explain their most common uses, and provide recommendations on the top rulers to consider adding to your toolbox.

Understanding the Basics of Quilting Cutting Rulers

At their core, quilting cutting rulers are straight edges made of acrylic, plastic or self-healing polymer materials that feature measurement markings. Rulers come in a variety of widths ranging from 1/4″ to 6″ or more. The most common sizes are 1/4″, 1/2″, and 1″ wide. While straight edges are handy on their own, measurement markings are what truly set quilting rulers apart. These allow you to accurately cut fabric strips or pieces to precise widths and lengths.

In addition to standard inch and centimeter markings, many rulers feature specialty markings as well. Quarter-inch markings are very common, as 1/4″ seams are essential for piecing quilt blocks. Other common markings include half-inch graduations, lines every 5/8″ for flying geese blocks, and lines spaced 2.5″ apart for cutting 10″ squares. Rulers also differ in length – the longer the ruler, the bigger the pieces you can cut in one pass. Generally, 12″ is a good minimum length to consider.

The Most Common Uses for Quilting Cutting Rulers

1. Cutting fabric strips: Whether you need 1/4″, 1/2″, or 1″ strips, rulers allow you to cut perfect multiples every time with just a few passes of your rotary cutter.
2. Cutting quilt block pieces: Use rulers to ensure squares, rectangles, triangles and other shaped pieces for blocks are cut to the exact dimensions required. Properly sized pieces are crucial for accurate piecing.
3. Square up block edges: After piecing blocks, using a ruler helps square up the edges so blocks are true and the same size for layout.
4. Cutting borders: Rulers make quick work of cutting borders to the required width and length for your quilt. Measure twice and cut once.

Of course, rulers have many other uses too – from squaring up full quilt tops to cutting bias binding strips. No matter the project, rulers are indispensable allies for quilters of every skill level.

Top Quilting Cutting Ruler Recommendations

Now that you understand the basics of how quilting cutting rulers work, here are some specific ruler recommendations to consider adding to your stash:

1. Omnigrid Qulter’s Ruler: This versatile 12″ x 6″ ruler is a go-to for many experienced quilters. Its measurement markings are scaled for quarter-inch accuracy.
2. Fiskars Rhombus Sharp Ruler: For less than $10, this affordable acrylic ruler is great for beginners. Its unique rhombus shape allows you to cut stripes up to 6″ wide in a single pass.
3. Cutterpillar Quilting Ruler: Quilters love this flexible plastic ruler that bends without breaking for intricate curved piecing. Markings are printed on both sides.
4. Addison 60 Degree Triangle Ruler: This specialized triangle ruler is ideal for cutting precise pieces for diagonal setting triangles, squares on point, and 60 degree blocks.
5. Creative Grids Quilt Ruler Bundle: For variety, consider this multi-ruler pack with essential sizes from 1/4″ up to 6″. A great value bundle to get you started.

In general, I recommend having at least one standard 6″ x 12″ ruler, a a 1/4″ ruler, and a 60 degree triangle ruler in your quilting tool kit. But you may also find specialty rulers helpful for particular projects or techniques.

Tips for Using Rulers Effectively and Safely

Now that you’ve got the right rulers, here are some tips I’ve learned from experience for getting the most accurate and safe cuts:

1. Use a self-healing mat: Rotary cutters glide smoothly on self-healing surfaces for cleaner cuts compared to other mat types.
2. Secure the ruler in place: Applying light pressure as you cut prevents slippage. I also use low-tack tape on slippery surfaces.
3. Change cutting blades often: Dull blades can fray fabric. Replace when cuts are no longer clean and smooth.
4. Go slow and let the tool do the work: Forcing the cutter risks slips. Maintain control with a gentle guided motion.
5. Always cut away from your body: Basic safety should never be overlooked for risk of injury.

With practice, rulers will start to feel like natural extensions of your hands. Soon cutting will become second nature, allowing you to focus on freeing your creativity! Get started with the right rulers and you’ll be making memory-filled quilts in no time.

I hope this overview has helped answer your questions and revealed all the possibilities quilting rulers unlock for your projects. Feel free to reach out if you need any other recommendations as you build skills and techniques. Now go cut something – you’ve got this!

Quilter’s Cutting Ruler Review

FAQ

1. What is a quilt cutting ruler?

   Basically, a quilt cutting ruler is a tool that quilters use to help cut their fabric accurately. It has guides and markings which allows quilters to cut patches and pieces for their quilts to exactly the sizes needed.

2. What shapes and sizes do quilt cutting rulers come in?

   Quilt cutting rulers appear in just about every shape and size under the sun! You can get rulers made for squares, triangles, half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, flying geese units, and many other common quilt block shapes. Ruler sizes range from small templates that are just a few inches across all the way up to giant rulers over 2 feet wide for cutting large quilt backs or borders.

3. How do I use a quilt cutting ruler?

   Using a quilt cutting ruler is pretty straightforward. First, lay your fabric right side up on a flat surface. Place the ruler on top of the fabric lined up with the markings for the size you want to cut. Then slide a rotary cutter along the edge of the ruler to cut out your pieces. It’s important to hold the ruler securely so it doesn’t slip while cutting for accurate results. Doesn’t that sound easier than trying to cut patchwork pieces freehand?

   

4. Are acrylic or plywood rulers better for quilting?

   This is a hotly debated topic among quilters! Acrylic rulers are lightweight, see-through, and won’t dull rotary blades as quickly as plywood rulers. However, acrylic rulers can sometimes bend or warp with heavy use over time. Plywood rulers are more durable and less prone to flexing. On the other hand, they are heavier and can’t be seen through. Both acrylic and plywood rulers work well, so it kinda depends on your cutting style and needs. Perhaps the best option is to start with an acrylic ruler and later add a plywood one if needed.

5. How do I care for my quilt cutting rulers?

   To keep rulers in tip-top shape, store them flat rather than stacked when not in use. Wipe off any fabric fuzz with a dryer sheet after each cutting session. Occasionally rub the edges with very fine-grain sandpaper to keep them sharp. Do not submerge rulers in water, as this could cause the edges to delaminate over time. And of course, be careful not to leave rulers in direct sunlight or in hot vehicles, as extreme heat may warp the plastic or wood. With a little TLC, rulers can last for many quilt projects to come!

6. What is the best way to learn how to use rulers effectively?

   The best way to get better at using rulers for quilting is practice, practice, practice! But it also helps to watch YouTube tutorials or take an in-person class. Seeing a more experienced quilter demonstrate proper ruler handling technique is super helpful. You may also want to start with simpler straight-line cutting before trying intricate shapes. Don’t get frustrated if it feels strange at first. With experience, ruler work will become second nature. Perhaps the most important thing is to focus on maintaining consistent pressure as you cut for precise results.

7. Are expensive rulers really worth it?

   Interestingly, studies have shown there’s no direct connection between cutting ruler price and quilting ability. While more costly rulers may offer greater versatility or thickness for durability, a basic ruler can still do an awesome job. Building fundamental skills matters way more than how much you spend. At the same time, expensive doesn’t always mean better – the best tool is the one you’ll truly use. With some ingenuity, cheaper rulers can perform admirably. In the end, what’s most crucial is feeling comfortable with what’s in your hands as you cut. Your stitches, not your supplies, define your quilting prowess!

   

8. Do you have any other quilt cutting ruler tips?

   Here are a couple more thoughts on rulers: Be sure to periodically test your ruler edges on scrap fabric to ensure blades are still cutting cleanly. And consider bringing a small ruler along for minor correction cuts – it takes less storage space than hauling large ones. Also, leaders and enders (those short edge pieces) are annoying but more avoidable with practice. Most importantly, try to enjoy the process! With each project, your skills will expand. Quilting is meant to reduce stress, not cause it, so keep things light. The friends you quilting are worth more than perfect points.