After recently purchasing yet another ruler, I had to ask myself—why? Couldn’t one of the over thirty rulers I already have do what this new ruler does? This question sent me on a mission to critique the various techniques for piecing, and to determine which methods are the most accurate and efficient for creating the more common units used in quilting. Follow along as I share with you my findings in a new series on precision techniques for quilters.
Out With the Old
The first step is to square up your yardage. This is done by folding the fabric length-wise, selvedge to selvedge. Slide the selvedges along each other until you get a smooth fold.
Next, place a ruler along one end to cut a straight edge. Most quilters will use an Omnigrip ruler for this. However, cutting with the Omnigrip requires placing the ruler on one end of the fabric for the squaring cut, then turning the fabric around to cut the strips, moving the ruler with each cut. This technique is not only inefficient, but can also lead to inaccuracy.
In With the New
Cutting the Pieces
Step 1: A more accurate and efficient method is to use the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler. Using this method, you will need to fold your fabric a second time, bringing the selvedges down to meet the first fold. Make sure this new fold is smooth. Align the zero horizontal line of the Shape Cut ruler along the fold of the fabric and align the zero vertical line alongside where you will make the first squaring up cut.
Step 2: After making the squaring up cut, without moving the ruler, continue along the ruler making each desired cut. You can square your fabric and cut as many as six 2” strips without moving the ruler. This method of cutting is more efficient and more accurate.
Step 3: To make a four patch, repeat this procedure using another color. Sew the two color strips right sides together. Many experts suggest sewing a scant ¼-inch seam for best results. Press to the dark and place the pieced strips one on top of the other, matching up the seams.
Step 4: Next, align the zero horizontal line of the Shape Cut ruler alone the edge of the pieced strips and align the zero vertical line where you will make the first squaring up cut.
After making the squaring up cut, without moving the ruler, continue along the ruler making each desired cut.
You can square up your strip set, cut your units, and have them paired up ready to be sewn, all at the same time.
Trimming to Size
Step 5: After sewing the units together into four patches, using the scant ¼-inch, press the seams to one side.
Now it is time to trim the units to their correct size. Trimming as you go along will assure you that your finished block will be the correct size.
I like to use the Precision Trimmer 6 by Marsha McCloskey. It is great for trimming other square units, such a four patches, nine patches, log cabin units, rail fence units, and much more.
For trimming larger units, I use the Creative Grid 12 inch ruler.
More in this Series:
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 2: Half-Square Triangles
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 3: Quarter & Triple Triangle Squares
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 4: Flying Geese
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 5: Square in a Square
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 6: Triangle in a Square
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 7: Fancy Half-Square Triangle
- Precision Quilt Piecing Part 8: Blocks and Borders
Took me twice reading to understand but now I have a much better understand of how to best use the slotted ruler. How does one bookmark or mark this series for easier finding when I come back to the site? There seems no way I saw to “mark as favorite” if that makes sense
Sorry never mind I saw that the bookmarking question was answered. 🙂
I WANT A VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE SQUARE IN SQUARE
I have 5″ squares of several different colors. I want to join 4 into a block. I have trouble getting the 4 points to align correctly in the middle. Can you help? I just recently found your site and as a beginner it is GREAT!
Is there a way I can save this series to view at a later time
Hello Katie!
Great question! You can save this page to your favorites in your browser. I’m not sure which browser you’re using but if you Google “How Can I Save a Page to my Favorites” and you should be good to go!
If you have any other questions, you could always chat, email, or call us at 1-855-706-3538.
Sincerely,
Jessica
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I recently bought your beginers’ quilting DVD’s and need to get the patterns that go along with them. How can I access the patterns if available?
ear Merle,
Thank you for contacting us.
There are patterns in the Shop Tab on the web site for purchase.
I would suggest looking at accuquilt.com once you sign up you can get free patterns.
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-706-3538, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Joan
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
As for me, to stop that flipping the fabric problem which I agree is a problem..I taught myself to cut with both hands – problem solved.
I am new to quilting. (But also lazy and frugal.)
I am wondering why the Omnigrid method requires flipping the fabric. Why couldn’t the fabric be oriented as for cutting strips and the ruler be positioned to use the opposite edge?
Very interesting
very helpful tutorial ,inspired to try all ,
I own enough rulers already ….. been using mine for 20 plus years and with attention to detail have not encountered problems. 😊
Is it necessary to use different rulers, or canone type do the trick?
Hi Barbara,
No, it is not necessary to use multiple rulers, unless you are making a certain block where using a specialty ruler would be required. One ruler can be used for most of your cutting needs.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C15284
I am a new quilter and really appreciate all of your support and tips!
I enjoyed reading about your precision cutting technique, which I learned something new even after all the years I have been piecing & quilting!
I REALLY NEED T LEARN HOW TO CUT STRAIGHT!! HELP
I am trying to find a tutorial on how to sew 4 triangles to a square center block
Google How to add triangles to a quilt square. There was a no math YouTube explanation that seemed to have good detail.
…… “A more accurate and efficient method is to use the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler. …., you will need to fold your fabric a second time bringing the selvedges down to meet the first fold”.
Maybe i’m challenged but i could not picture or understand that part “fold your fabric a second time bringing the selvedges down to meet the first fold” —- is there a video for this (easier to see than read). The photo was also hard to see trying to read the ruler and couldn’t figure out the differences in measurements also.
I’m having very same imagination problem! Bringing down…first fold…not getting it!
Hello De Ann,
Could you please give us more information on what you are not understanding and we will look further into it for you.
Thanks,
Becky NQC Product Programs
I too am very confused about these directions. I wish the “ruler” description was given and this “fold “ technique had better pictures. Nowhere does it specify what this ruler or what’s so special about it , until the comment section where someone asked about it.
Hello Rachel,
The ruler being used is the June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler. We apologize if the pictures are not allowing you to see the folding technique. Here is a tutorial from June Tailor on that ruler specifically that should help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pETsJf2nNQE
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Memberhsip
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C13444
Very helpful and worth considering,thank you.
Makes sense to me. Flipping the fabric usually causes one to re straighten the material. Thanks
I was not aware of these rulers and will have to try them. The directions are very clear. Thank you.
I wonder why I hadn’t thought of this before. I had just used this ruler for cutting fringe.
I wish they had one that had the 1/2 inch slits in the ruler for those 2 1/2 inch strips that I so often need. Thanks for the wonderful suggestion.
Yes, there is one for the 2 1/2 inch!
I am confused. How can you make the cuts without moving the ruler? Wouldn’t the ruler be in the way?
The cuts are made through the slats in the June Tailor ruler. It is a nifty tool available at most craft and fabric stores. I hope this addresses your question. I also noticed that it is an article and not a video which may have made it difficult for you to see the slats. Have a great day
Thank you very much for your timely reply. Now I understand how it is used. I will look for one in my local fabric stores.
The rulers with slits in them, like this June Taylor, and there’s a Creative Grids Stripology one, are fiercely expensive and not worth it. My favorite ruler is my Olfa 6″ x 24″, with extra nonslip donuts I added. Once you have to fold that fabric a second time, you are rolling the dice. No matter how careful you are (and I have quilter’s OCD just fine) you are increasing the chances of getting some wonk at the folds. At my cutting table, not worth the cost of the ruler or the wonk in the cut. Keep it simple. I know people with the rulers with the slits and those slits don’t always make the crisp, perfect cut you can get by using the edge of a ruler as a guide and if you consistently lean left or right on a slit, the slit does not remain accurately placed over months and months of use. I’ve had my Olfa for 8 years.
I completely agree. These rulers with the slits are hard to use, don’t allow for any cuts other than 1/4” increases and you can cut yourself very easily. Learn to use a standard ruler correctly. You can then cut what ever size you need. The most important thing is to learn to fold your fabric so you don’t make u cuts. Enjoy the process.
very helpful, Thanks
A selvage (US English) or selvedge (British English) is a self-finished edge of fabric. Salvage is something (such as cargo) that is saved from a wreck, fire, etc.
that’s selvedge, not salvage ..