Let’s talk machine quilting rulers!
Yesterday, I announced my newest Free-motion Challenge Quilting Along. Since then, there have been a ton of questions about what types of rulers to use.
When I put together this challenge, I didn’t want to require specific rulers. That way, you could use any rulers that you already have and if you did need any rulers, you could purchase them from me.
Once the challenge starts, each week will focus on a different type of ruler. I’ll give tips on what to look for when selecting those kinds of rulers.
But if you want to purchase rulers beforehand, here are some things to consider
Week 1: Straight Edge Rulers
Any ruler with a straight edge will work. The Slim ruler is one of my favorites for sewing machines and longarms alike. But if you have a smaller sewing machine, the Shorty ruler is a great option.
Week 2: Wavy Rulers
Look for a ruler that has a repeating wave. In general, the shallower the wave, the easier it is to use. The Elvira ruler is a great wavy ruler that is nice and shallow. If you want more of a wave, the Squiggy ruler has a great curvy shape. Other wavy rulers that I like to use include the Wave E, the Wave F and the Wave C. rulers by Handi Quilter.
Week 3: Arcs
Think ovals with a point. With this section, we are going to learn motifs and curved echoing. The Achie ruler has a nice arc and it smaller, making it great for newer quilters, but for larger motifs, I love all of Handi Quilter’s Arc rulers, especially the Arc A and Arc B.
Week 4: Cutout Rulers
Cutout rulers are a fun and easy way to make complex shapes. Any ruler with a cutout will work, just pick a shape that looks like fun! I will be using the Taj ruler, the Sid Ruler and the circles ruler.
Week 6: Curves
We are going to master curves by learning clamshells and orange peels. The Shelly ruler and the Multi Clamshell ruler are great options, but any curved ruler will work.
Please let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below. I can’t wait to get started!
Hi,
I was all set to start the challenge, as I am a new quilter. It appears the challenge is over. Are the videos available for me to view in my own time to work on my skills?
Thanks, Pat Coley
Hi,
Is there a bundle for the rulers I can purchase for this class? I don’t have any. I will use a Juki TL machine. Thank you
WIll you be making more low shank rulers. I ordered the 3 you have but would like Elvira and Slim and others in 1/8 thickness..
Hi Angela I’m new to ruler quilting. Which ruler do you recommend for a beginner.
I know it’s late, but can I still sign up and order my supplies for this challenge.
Hello Angela,
This is Kim! I’m working on Straight Line Ruler Work on my Daughter’s Halloween Table Runner for Practice on Monday September 28th:). Should I stitch in the ditch around my Triangle or after I do my straight line ruler work!???
I’m working on it today(Sunday)😅❤️ Please let me know soon! Your so Inspirational Angela and love watching you!! Thank you!
Happily Quilting
Kim Clark
I am without access to my machine for a week or so. Will the videos be available so I can catch up once I get access? Thanks. Melanie
Please tell me exactly which ones to order for your class I will be using the Bernina 790Plus, with the 1/4 ruler foot
This is Angel
Also interested in the exact rulers.
Thanks for the blog post which you sent to me. My next question is do you bundle these rulers together and create a packaged deal?
Hi Angela, I live in Perth Western Australia. I love you videos, I was wondering if you sell the patterns for The Quilt along challenge
ItI is so expensive to buy in the USA (About $126.00) Aussie dollar. Looking forward to watching you quilting videos.
Thank you and stay safe in this awful pandemic.
Hi Angela, Here is my delima. My husband owns a 30 inch Nolting pro long arm. I have never used it. He uses it for computerized pantos only. I have never machine quilted so I want to learn because I love custom quilting. I have been told that the 30 in is to heavy and not good for custom, should I stick to my Bernina 770 to learn machine quilting or start on the long arm?
Thank you, Tammy
I was checking out the rulers. Thought I would start with Slim but I see it doesn’t ship until December 15. Was hoping to use it for this quilt challenge. I don’t have any rulers yet at all. I’m so excited about this challenge. You are my favorite quilter!
I’ve just recently found you.
I’m also newish to quilting. Is there a place to buy all of these rulers as a set?
I have all your rulers except Chevy, which I will order for the class. I also ordered the HQ Multi-clam, will I be needing the other HQ rulers?
Please give us options for rulers that work on low shank machines. I have bought some of yours and then discovered that they won’t work for my machines. A list that designates if ruler will work on low shank machine would be helpful.
I’m excited to take this class. I learn so much from you. Thank you!
I’ve clicked on several rulers to see the accompanying video, as in “See Slim in action in this video: ” or “Learn how to use Squiggy in this YouTube video:” but there is no button or link to click. I’d really love to see the videos so could you please fix this? I purchased “Slim” a year ago and would like to take another look at your instructions. Thank you!
I’m eager to use Archie. However as I’m practicing my thread repeatedly breaks or I have skipped stitches. My machine is a Pfaff, is just back from cleaning and maintenance, and works well except when using the ruler foot I just purchased. Any thoughts?
I’m having the same problem. Don’t know what up with my machine
Check out your tension
Angela, I machine quilt but NEVER used rulers. So as a Newbie With rulers, what is best for your buck to buy for the beginner ruler quilter. Say that 3 times….I know there are a lot of us not knowing what rulers are bet. I love your suggestions but I can’t buy all those rulers at once.
Thanks so much for doing this video challenge!!!
If I understand correctly we will need a special ruler foot that fits on our machines. I am really hoping all machines have this because I ordered your rulers, then thought about a foot. Hoping Babylock makes a ruler foot for low shank machines.
I bought my ruler foot from eBay and I paid about 5 dollars for it. The foot came quickly and I use it on my low (short) shank Brother domestic machine. The foot works very well. Hopefully this helps.
What kind of Brother do you have? I have an XR1355, the model carried by Costco. Was there a brand name to this ruler foot? Brother does not list a ruler foot as available for my machine.
Hi Angela,
If I decide to purchase rulers for the challenge, is there a bundle with the recommended rulers? Thanks Ann czarny
I’m excited to take this class. I learn so much from you. Thank you!
Thank you for such a helpful post. I’m excited to get more use out of my rulers that I already have. I use Slim like crazy, but the rest sit idle a lot. Your rulers are my favorite because of the built in grip, manageable size, great registration marks that show up on any fabric, and of course all the help from you! You are the kindest quilting rock star ever!
Can you suggest some rulers for a low shank machine? I would love to use your rulers but they don’t work for my machine 😢
Amanda Murphy has low shank rulers they also have a non slip back and guide lines in black and white so you can see it on dark and light fabrics
I have a low shank machine too. I have some of Angela’s rulers and they can be tricky with my machine too as they’re almost too thick. I’ve found that the Sew Steady ruler foot and Westalee (also by Sew Steady) low-shank rulers work like a dream for my machine. You can find these from Sew Steady directly or other online sewing machine retailers.
I am also from Australia and wondered if I can purchase a print to use rather than purchase your beautiful design. I would love to use yours but postage is so expensive. What size would be best?
Hi Angela,
I have a range of Bernina rulers I have never used. Can I use them? I have ordered some of yours yesterday, the ones listed with the challenge too. I hope these are the ones I need . Postage to Australia is very expensive.
Thanks Norma