I am writing directions for a table runner geared toward the beginning quilter. In your opinion what should be the first ruler someone should buy? What size should it be?

Hi, Janie! The first rulers I bought were a 6" square (now upgraded to 6.5" sq), a 6x24 and a 12 1/2" square ruler. I found them all useful right from the start. But if someone's not sure if they want to stick with quilting, I would recommend the 12 1/2" square, because they can do a lot of measuring and cutting with it. If fabric is folded carefully for cutting borders, it can be done with the 12 1/2" sq., though I much prefer the longer 6x24 (Mine is upgraded to 6 1/2x24 - great for cutting a 6" wide finished border.)

The smaller size is great for squaring up units of a block (I also now have a 4" sq, and a 2 1/2" sq), as well as a 15" square (not used much to date). Squaring up units is so important.

Like I said above, if they only want to buy one for now, go for the large square. I hope this helps - it's my opinion, only!

Gerda

I would say that a 6 1/2x24 is probably the first I would buy. It's certainly the one I use the most and is the best option for cutting large pieces of fabric. But, I would have to say, it depends on what types of projects the person is planning on doing. If you're working with FQ's or making smaller projects, smaller rulers would be more handy. Maybe recommend the size that would be most useful for the runner you're making??

I purchased the Fons & Porter 8" by 14" ruler and it has replaced two of my other rulers. It's really a great size and the grids are really easy to follow. I'd recommend it.

Oh boy...this should be a fun topic.

I am a total ruler-template-a-holic...but IF IF IF I had to pick ONE ruler I was most dependant on as a newbie it would have been my 6” x 24”. Love it for cutting borders and sashes and for cutting (squaring up) a clean edge. I use my JoAnn’s coupons and get their template rulers on sale all the time. I think I have them ALL.. .LOL Not really...but I have a lot of them.

WOW!! Funny you should ask. I'm getting ready to teach a beginner's class and I'll recommend the 6X24. I love the one I have... with a little lip that snugs up to the mat. I'd go with the 12 1/2" square after that. I didn't get one of those for a long time but I use it now almost as much as the 6X24.

Good Luck!!

My most used ruler is my 6" by 24" ... it is a necessity, I think, for rotary cutting.

For convenience in cutting and squaring, I also have a 12.5' square and love it. A a long time ago when I first started quilting I picked up a set with a 10.5",6.5,4.5" and a 2.5" ... I use these all the time. I bought an 8.5" specifically to make Happy Blocks even easier.

I have a couple of easy templates for cutting triangles, too.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: scrapatches,

Pat?
What's a Habby Block? Does one have to be over 50 and flabby to make one? If so... I qualify!!

LOLOLOL.... running ducking!!~~**** DON'T HURT ME...LOLOLOL

Why, Felicia, dear, ... whatever do you mean?

I see that I clearly typed ... um ... edited ... "Happy Blocks" ...

lol ... must be my flappy fingers hitting the wrong keys again ... hmmm ... maybe I should try to blame the keyboard again ...

hmmm ... how about this one ...

I was distracted by my nifty new notion, the Lazy Angle Ruler, that I bought at the Quilt Show ...

Bye, bye ... I am going back to the quilt show now ... want to come?