Where Should I Place My Ruler?

By National Quilters Circle Editors

Ask an Expert Banner NQC
NQC Question
In terms of measuring, I have often wondered: should the line on a ruler sit ON the edge or BESIDE the edge of the fabric? I know it might only be a whisker difference, but should I only see fabric beneath the measurement line? Submitted by Denise
NQC Answer
What a good question! I personally prefer to have my ruler sit directly ON the edge of the fabric as opposed to beside it. You are correct that it would only be a tiny difference if any at all, so I would just recommend consistency. However you choose to line up your ruler, do so the same every time. Hope this helps! Ashley Related links: Quilting 101: Common Problems and Quick Fixes How to Make a Quilt Border: Cutting and Measuring Accessories for Quilting Rulers Do you have a quilting question you’d like answered by an expert? Email your question to editor@nationalquilterscircle.com or reach out to us on Facebook. Please note: questions may be edited for clarity and relevance. Quilting Tips
Reply to Jessica
  • (will not be published)

26 Responses to “Where Should I Place My Ruler?”

  1. Robin

    How should I square up my pre cut squares?
    I am a nw to quilting and have not been able to find an answer please help

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Robin,

      Thank you for your question. The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for paid members of our online community. By becoming a member, you will also receive access to our full-length videos, articles, and discounts on products.

      To enjoy these benefits, please click on the offer below:

        https://go.nationalquilterscircle.com/C49984   

      Once you have signed up, click on Contact Us at the bottom of our website to submit your question.

      If you have any further questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.

      Sincerely,

      Sarah
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  3. Lydia Bourque

    When using shifting fabric it frays. Should the frayed ends be cut off completely, cut to a quarter inch, leave alone? Thanks

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Lydia,

      Thank you for contacting us. 

      Fraying can be alleviated by using spray starch or spray sizing on the fabrics before cutting. This helps bond the fibers before the cutting occurs. When quilting – our seam allowances are only 1/4″ and you can trim any threads if needed, but try not to trim the seam allowance. The layering and quilting process will assist in stabilizing the seam and should reduce any further fraying.

      If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service. 

      Sincerely,

      Sarah
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  8. Karen

    What are the tools that I would need for quilting ie cutting mat what type of scissors rotary cutter etc ?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Karen. Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!
      Jean
      National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  9. Jessica

    The creative grid stripology rulers that allow you to cut numerous strips is this a way to go for more perfect strips?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi,

      It is hard to recommend a specific brand of ruler, as many people have different preferences when it comes to them. I would recommend trying one out, if possible, and seeing if you have better results that when using a standard quilting ruler.

      Cheers,

      Ashley
      National Quilters Circle

      Reply
  12. Carol

    I am new at this and have wanted to make some of these beautiful blankets.
    Can you give me some help in what to use and buy so I can have a go and see if I can make a blanket or 2.please

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Carol,

      If you are looking to buy rulers and cutting mats- you can find them at most craft and fabric stores. Some of the more common and easiest to find mats are made by Olfa, and the most commonly found rulers are made by Omnigrid.

      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/C11756

      Cheers,

      Ashley National Quilters Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  13. Peggy Harris

    I’m trying to sign up for your newsletter on this page. It won’t let me type in the field. However, it lets me type in this one. Weird.

    Reply
  14. Christine

    What is the best way to make sure all layers of the quilt are taunt so it can be pinned before machine quilting?

    Reply
  15. Mary Enders

    When piecing I use a 1.4 length stitch. Should I back stitch or reinforce at the beginning and end of piecing or is the 1.4 stitch small enough to lock stitches?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, Mary. You do not need to backstitch when piecing. Even if you were using a standard stitch length you would not need to backstitch when piecing. As you construct your quilt top, the edges of the seams will be caught in other seams, reinforcing them as you go.

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, Deb. I would not recommend using metallic thread on a hot pad as it does not stand up well to heat. The metallic coating on the thread can warm and actually almost peel off. Heat also weakens the thread.

      Reply