A Guide to the Different Types of Quilting Rulers

Be warned: the first time you see a quilting ruler, you may have a terrifying flashback to your fourth-grade school supplies list. It called for a transparent protractor and triangle ruler, and although you didn’t yet know what geometry class was, you had a dark feeling that it was going to be bad.

For many of us, it was. Can anything heal you from that kind of emotional scarring? Oh yes. Quilters know that the right ruler makes measuring and cutting fabric pure joy. Combine it with a superior rotary cutter and self-healing mat, and you’ll feel like you can slice through anything life throws your way. Use this guide to the different types of quilting rulers to choose one that will give you the precise building blocks you need for a successful result.

The Basics Rulers

Quilts can be endlessly creative, but they begin with the same kind of divine order you can only achieve with an acrylic ruler. In the end, many adjectives will apply to your quilt, but we don’t want “wonky” to be one of them. These rulers are marked in 1/8-inch intervals and often have angle lines. If you can find them with nonslip coating or pads on one side, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation with slipping fabric.

As you experiment with different kinds of patterns, you’ll move into more specialized tools. These basic recommendations are subject to opinion, of course. Some quilters prefer an inch or two more, or something even smaller. Our suggestions can act as a solid foundation for your collection, though. And make no mistake—if you love to quilt, you will end up with quite a ruler collection.

Rectangular Rulers

6" x 24" This is one of the most popular sizes because it’s so versatile. It will help you tackle larger quilt blocks and cut strips from yardage.

6" x 12" This size is ridiculously handy for cutting wider strips, fat quarters, and folded fabric. It also works well for cutting with paper templates.

3" x 7"  In quilting, that ¼-inch seam is everything. Keep a trimming ruler like this nearby for easy checks or for trimming an edge on a block.

Square Up Rulers

If you have a ruler that’s the same size as the blocks in your quilt, it’s virtually impossible to screw it up. We say “virtually” because, hey, we’ve been there. But this is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your blocks are accurate. Sometimes, you can find square up rulers sold in an assortment of sizes, so a versatile four-pack is a good place to start.

Half Square Triangle Rulers

When it’s time to expand beyond the basics, this is where you should start. These are the most common specialty rulers. It’s one of quilting’s most basic blocks, often referred to as HSTs. You can use an HST to create all kinds of patterns, both traditional and modern.

Flying Geese Rulers

Flying geese are some of the most basic quilting blocks. They are twice as wide as they are tall, and date back to at least the Civil War. These blocks can be difficult to sew consistently s they are sewn on the bias and can easily stretch. But with a flying geese ruler you can have a perfect flying goose every time!

Specialty Rulers

Name an existing pattern. Heck, imagine the craziest-looking pattern you can. Guess what? There’s a ruler for that. The quilting community has a way of coming up with tools and guides to make every kind of project easier and more accurate. When you’re ready, you can use this guide to the different types of quilting rulers for specialty patterns. These are just a few.

60-Degree Triangle Ruler

When you’re ready to move beyond squares and rectangles, a 60-degree triangle ruler will open up countless new patterns for you. You can use it for diamonds and 30-degree angles. When pieced together, you can enter the wonderful world of hexagons.

Dresden Plate Ruler

If you love quilts with flowers and sunbursts, you’ll eventually encounter the Dresden wedge ruler. It helps you cut the petals that will fan out around a circle, and the ruler often includes a template for that.

Crazy Eight Templates

They might look random, but a five-piece set of rulers can help you assemble crazy patch blocks that fit together every time.

Pro Tips for Using Rulers

Visuals Are Key

Don’t ignore your eyes when you’re shopping for rulers. Markings that are simple for some quilters to read may be confusing to you. A lot of people prefer black and neon yellow lines and numbers, while others are more comfortable with red, blue, or straightforward black. Depending on the fabric you’re working with, a frosted ruler might be better for you. Don’t go all-in on one style before you’ve tested out a couple.

Downsize When Possible

It’s far more efficient to use the smallest ruler possible to get the job done.

Weigh Your Options

Remember when you bought all those small hand weights to tone up your arms? You know, the ones in the basement buried behind the yoga blocks and your Thighmaster? Finally, you have a use for them. Place them on top of your ruler when you’re making longer cuts.

Keep It Tacky

If your ruler doesn’t have nonslip backing, the DIY diva within you can do something about it. Try using some clear silicone caulk on the bottom of your ruler, making sure to let it dry completely for a few days.

At Patchwork Plus, we’ve tested all our rulers and can advise you on exactly what you need for your project. We love that acrylic rulers are clear so that we can center fabrics exactly how we want them. What’s the point of using adorable nautical quilting fabric if your favorite turtle, shark, or crab gets cut off at the seam? Take a look at our selection of rulers, and contact us with any questions. No pattern is impossible when you have the right tools.

A Guide to the Different Types of Quilting Rulers