A friendly guide to choosing quilting rulers

Quilting rulers are a total game-changer when it comes to quilting. If you're new to quilting or just starting to explore rulers, it can feel like there are so many to choose from. Trust me, over time, you’ll end up with a collection, but there are a few trusty rulers that will make designing your quilt motifs so much more fun! Let’s take a closer look at what to look for.

Choosing the Right Rulers

Straight Quilting Rulers

If you’re just starting out, I recommend picking a ruler that’s both versatile and practical. One of my favorites is a straight ruler with a curve, like the Tramlines ruler. This one is super handy, especially for stitch-in-the-ditch work on moving machines.

Why it's awesome:

• It has a nice, straight edge for perfect lines.
• There are needle stops to make transitions smooth.
• The ⅛” line markings are great for precise, narrow lines.
• Multiple angle lines let you get creative with your designs.
• And, it has a curved edge, which adds even more flexibility!

Now, if you're working on curves, you’ll want to grab a few rulers with arcs, circles, or even an appliqué guide, like the Handi Quilter’s Versa Tool. Just a heads-up, though—while the Versa Tool is great for curves, its straight edge is a little short, which can be frustrating if you're doing lots of straight-line quilting. It also doesn’t have those ⅛” markings, so keep that in mind for detailed work.

If you want to get even fancier with your designs, shaped rulers can add some real magic. Take a heart-shaped ruler, for example—it’s not just for hearts! The curves and angles can help you create beautiful feather spines, plumes, and even leafy shapes. Plus, the outer edge often doubles as a straight edge, so it’s like getting two tools in one!

Curved Quilting Rulers

Curved rulers, like French curves, have always been a staple for sewing, and they work wonders for quilting, too These rulers are great for adding elegance and flow to your designs.

Some fun ways to use them:

1. Make feather spines that are consistent and stunning.
2. Design cool, unusual shapes like domes to give your quilt a unique twist.
3. Create parabolic curves, which add beautiful dimension and interest.

If you're into wave patterns, wavy rulers are fantastic for that. They often have multiple reference lines, so you can easily create echoes, mirrors, and overlapping designs, adding layers of depth to your quilt with hardly any extra effort!

Wrapping It Up

When it comes to quilting rulers, the right one can make all the difference. Start with a good straight ruler like the Tramlines, and then expand into curved and shaped rulers to take your quilting to the next level. Each ruler brings something unique to the table, helping you create stunning designs that you’ll love. So go ahead, have fun experimenting, and happy quilting!