In this post:
- Creative Grids has released all my machine quilting rulers in low shank versions for use on low shank sewing machines.
- Learn how to determine whether your sewing machine is high shank or low shank
- Get access to ruler quilting resources, including free downloadable PDFs.
Machine quilting with rulers is a technique that helps quilters of all skill levels, whether you have never machine quilted before or you’ve been quilting for years! They not only help you quilt shapes that are difficult to freehand they also act a guide helping you recreate the shape consistently over the whole quilt.
But, did you know that machine quilting rulers are available in different thicknesses….depending on what kind of machine you are quilting on? I am excited to announce that for the first time, all of my creative grids machine quilting rulers are available in two different thicknesses, 1/4″ and 1/8″ ……for high shank and low shank machines.
Low Shank vs. High Shank
Not sure what that means? You’re not alone, I get a lot questions about this.
In general, you would use 1/4″ thick rulers when quilting on a longarm or high shank sewing machine. This thickness is desirable because it prevents the foot of your machine from quilting over the ruler. Running over a ruler is no fun! It can break the needle, break the ruler and make you pee your pants……I mean, in theory…..
But if you have a low shank sewing machine, the 1/4″ thick ruler could be too thick to fit next to the foot, preventing you from creating your beautiful designs. In this case, you would want to use a thinner machine quilting ruler, about 1/8″ thick.
Not sure what type your machine is? Check out this video where I show you how to determine what type of machine you have.
Ruler Resources
Once you decide what type of machine you have and determine which ruler is best for you, it can be daunting to know how to go about using it to create different designs. It just so happens, I have you covered!
Downloadable PDFs
For my more complex rulers, I have step by step downloadable pdfs that will show you how to create amazing designs. Click here to see all the options.
Ruler Video Series
Last year, I released the Machine Quilting with Rulers Free-motion Challenge Quilting Along, a free video series where I show you how to use several different types of rulers. It’s completely free and a lot of fun to do. Click here to learn more about the video series.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts about machine quilting with ruler? Do love it or hate it? Let me know in the comment section!
I can’t find the ruler you refer to as Slim.
Sorry, the low shank rulers were discontinued and are now out of stocks. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I watched your video on handquilters couchingfoot and you are meandering with it with ribbon,how or do you just go,or do you use a pattern and trace it. Also, can you use a embroidery foot?
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So happy to have the low shank—I have all the original so will be selective about the new ones. Will have to figure out which ones annoy me the most using the 1/4 inch thick before replacing with new ones. Great to have the choice.
Can I preorder Angela’s new rulers that will be coming out in the fall?
if i purchase from the your store . Can i get the promotional code for my purchase.
Hi Angela, I am a long time fan & follower, and have followed all of your “Challenges”. I have yet to dive into “Ruler Work”, but purchased “Slim” a long while back as I thought it would be a great place to start. I have a Janome 6500p which I believe is a low shank machine. The Slim that I purchased is a 1/4″ thick. Am I correct in thinking I cannot use it on a low shank machine? If so, lesson learned. I am both very glad that you have come out with all of your Rulers for the low shank machines and equally as happy that I only purchased the “Slim” for the high shank version. I will find some use for it…