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.
new low shank machine quilting rulers from Angela Walters

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.

low shank machine quilting rulers

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.

Click here to learn more about the rulers.

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!