Choosing the Right 24" Rotary Cutting Ruler: A Quilter's Guide
When diving into the world of quilting, one quickly realizes the importance of the right tools. Among these, a 24" rotary cutting ruler stands out as an essential item. However, with the multitude of options available on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. Let's explore some of the popular choices and their features to help you make an informed decision.
Why a 24" Rotary Cutting Ruler?
A 24" rotary cutting ruler is invaluable for several reasons:
Squaring Your Quilt: The length helps ensure your quilt is perfectly squared. While I also appreciate the big square rulers from Olfa, the 24" length is particularly handy.
Cutting Strips: This ruler makes cutting strips a breeze, eliminating the risk of fabric folds causing kinks in your strips.
Cutting Borders: It’s ideal for cutting borders for your quilt, providing precision and ease.
Comparing the 24" Rotary Cutting Rulers
Here’s a comparison of three popular 24" rotary cutting rulers:
| Feature | Sew Easy 24″ | Olfa 24″ | Creative Grids 24″ |
| Grips the fabric | No | Yes | Yes |
| Easily slides over the fabric | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works well on light fabric | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works well on dark fabrics | Yes | No | Yes |
| Multiple markings to work in any direction | No | No | Yes |
| Angle markings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ⅛” markings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Centre of ruler marked | No | No | Yes |
Features to Consider
When choosing a ruler, consider the following features:
- Grip: The Creative Grids 24" ruler grips the fabric, which prevents slipping and ensures accurate cuts. Neither Sew Easy nor Olfa offer this feature, which means you might need additional grips.
- Fabric Compatibility: All three rulers slide easily over fabric and work well with light fabrics. However, if you work with dark fabrics, the Creative Grids ruler stands out as the better choice.
- Markings: The Creative Grids ruler has multiple markings that allow you to work in any direction and includes a marked center, making it incredibly versatile.
- Angle Markings: All three rulers have angle markings, though Olfa offers more variety.
- Cost: Sew Easy is the most affordable, making it a good choice for beginners or those on a budget. Olfa offers a balance of features and price, while Creative Grids, though pricier, provides superior grip and versatility.
Personal Recommendation
Choosing the best ruler ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. I started with an Olfa ruler and used it for many years with satisfaction. However, once I discovered the Creative Grids ruler, I found it to be unparalleled, especially when working with delicate fabrics like silk and satin. The grip on the Creative Grids ruler is unmatched, ensuring that your fabric stays in place without snagging.
If you're frequently working with unusual or delicate fabrics, I highly recommend the Creative Grids 24" rotary cutting ruler. It’s a bit more of an investment, but the precision and ease it offers are worth it. On the other hand, if you're on a budget or just starting out, the Olfa is a reliable choice, and the Sew Easy ruler is perfect for testing the waters of quilting without a significant investment.
The decision on which 24" rotary cutting ruler to choose is a personal one and should be guided by your specific needs and budget. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Sew Easy, the reliable Olfa, or the premium Creative Grids, each ruler has its own set of advantages. Happy quilting!