Confused about which quilting ruler to choose? Discover the must-have, best quilting rulers that simplify cutting and improve your quilts!
I'll show you the four basic quilting rulers that you need if you quilt. And one more set that makes my life way easier 🙂
Also, find out which quilting ruler to get if you can only get one.
Table Of Contents
If there’s one thing that can take your quilting from good to great, it’s having the right rulers in your toolkit. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you're looking for your first quilting ruler. But don’t worry - I’ve narrowed it down to three must-have rulers that cover all the essentials.
These are the rulers I reach for again and again, and they’re perfect whether you’re just starting out or have been quilting for years.
What Basic Quilting Ruler To Choose?
Starting your quilting journey can feel overwhelming with so many tools to choose from, but having the right rulers makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the must-have quilting rulers every beginner needs to cut fabric accurately, piece blocks beautifully, and trim with perfect results. No more wonky quilt blocks!
From the versatile 6" x 24" ruler to the handy 12½" or 10 ½" square, I’ll walk you through which rulers to start with, how to use them, and why they’re essential for your first quilts.
My favorite brand? I love Omnigrid rulers, not just because they are good quality but also because they are easily accessible both in a local quilt shop as well as online, like here on Amazon. The Omnigrid brand rules are not too pricey either. (No wonder they are bestsellers!) You'll notice two different groups of this brand: ones with yellow and ones with green markings. The neon green ones are marked as omnigrip, they have a non-slip layer.
IN SHORT: Ruler Chart + Where to get them
| Ruler size | Best for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 6" x 24" Quilting Ruler | Ideal for cutting long fabric strips and squaring up yardage. | Amazon, Joanns |
| 12.5" or 10 ½" Square Ruler | Perfect for trimming and squaring large blocks accurately. | Amazon, Joanns |
| 6.5" x 6.5" Square Ruler | Perfect for working with smaller blocks and detailed pieces. | Amazon (BEST SELLER!), Joanns |
| a small ruler (any size, or a SET) | Good-to-have for quick trimming of small bits. | Amazon |
6" x 24" Quilting Ruler
This is the ultimate ruler for cutting yardage, long fabric strips and trimming large pieces. Its length will cut the full width of quilting fabric at once (since fabric is folded in half on bolts), making it perfect for cutting binding, sashing, or strips for piecing. The 6" width offers great stability, and its size makes it versatile for almost any project. If you’re only going to buy one ruler, this is the one to start with!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Perfect for cutting yardage.
- Works for trimming quilt tops and aligning borders.
- you'll use it ALL the TIME.
Hands-down, it's my favorite. It’s versatile, practical, and an absolute workhorse in my sewing room. If you don’t have a 6" x 24" ruler yet, I can’t recommend it enough! It’s a staple that will simplify your cutting process, save you time, and help you achieve polished, professional results. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever quilted without it.
I also have a metric long ruler, one that I use when I need to turn those inches into centimetres.
Only getting 1 ruler? → Choose this one: 6" by 24" (Omnigrip), because you can cut yardage, trim and square up blocks and the entire quilt with it, AND it has a 45-degree line a 60 degree line. High-quality plus it's on the affordable side. It will allow you to do just about everything you need.
A Large Square Quilting Ruler
A large square ruler like a 12 ½" or 10 ½" is a lifesaver when it comes to squaring up larger blocks. Also, for squaring up quilts. The square shape makes it easy to align seams and keep everything neat and precise. This 10 ½" Omnigrip Neon has a non-slip surface.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ideal for squaring up larger blocks.
- Perfect for squaring up entire quilts - use it together with the 6"x24" ruler!
6½" Square Quilting Ruler
For smaller blocks or trimming Half-Square Triangles, the 6½" square ruler is an essential tool. Get one with non-slip feature, like this 6 ½" Omnigrip (best seller on Amazon) It’s compact, easy to handle, and perfect for those finer details.
This ruler is especially handy for piecing intricate quilt designs where accuracy is key. It’s also great for travel or classes when you don’t want to carry bulky tools.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Excellent for precision work.
- Great for trimming smaller blocks and HSTs.
- Compact size makes it easy to use and store.
An extra small ruler for trimming bits
Can get an extra one? A smaller, or just a much narrower ruler is a game-changer for cutting strips, small pieces, and trimming edges. I have this Cute CUTS set by Lori Holt. Having all those different sizes feels like such a treat - it makes trimming squares super easy and so satisfying!
The smallest one? My fav. I keep the 2 ½" square ruler at my side at all times. It's so useful for trimming off tiny bits, and even double-checking my seam allowance or measuring the distance of the needle from the machine foot edge! This one:
It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and perfect for cutting smaller fabric pieces or working in tight spaces. (And sooo cute!!) The zipper pouch too, get the free pattern here.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Complements larger rulers for detailed work.
- Perfect for trimming small pieces and strips.
- Lightweight and portable.
How These Rulers Work Together
With these three/four rulers, you’ll have all your quilting bases covered. The 6" x 24" ruler handles large cuts, while the 12 ½" or 10 ½" square ruler is perfect for bigger blocks. Also, these two work wonderful for squaring up a quilt of any size!
For smaller projects and precision work, the 6½" square ruler will make the process so much easier. Together, they create a versatile set that will serve you through countless quilting projects.
INSIDER TIP: Notice the above 12 ½" is the regular (yellow) Omnigrid, but I'd recommend you get the beeter-sticking neon green Omnigrid- it's called Omnigrip (notice the P) because it has an extra non-slip coat on the neon layer.
Best Quilting Ruler Brands?
- Omnigrid: Durable with bold yellow and black gridlines for visibility on all fabrics, offering a variety of sizes for all quilters. My go-to brand as it's high-quality, not expensive and easily accessible.
- Creative Grids: Non-slip grips and clear markings make Creative Grid rulers perfect for precision cutting and a wide range of quilting needs. Pricey but superb quality!
- Fiskars: Budget-friendly
- Stripology Rulers are specialty quilting rulers (here on Amazon). With cutting slits every half inch, they enable cutting without moving your ruler around. Definitely one that I want to give a try some day.
- Marti Michell: Known for specialty templates with built-in seam allowances, ideal for precise shapes and unique blocks.
Helpful Tips On Rulers
My favorite set for cuttign and trimming small squares? Cute CUTS square ruler set by Lori Holt. Loving it! → See on Amazon
Specialty quilting rulers are designed for specific tasks, making intricate techniques easier and more precise. Popular options include Bloc-Loc rulers for trimming Half-Square Triangles and Flying Geese, triangular rulers for cutting shapes like equilateral and 60-degree triangles, and curved rulers for Drunkard’s Path blocks or other curved piecing. There are also log cabin rulers for perfectly proportioned strips and stripology rulers for cutting multiple strips quickly and accurately. These tools are perfect for quilters who want to tackle unique patterns or save time on repetitive tasks.
The most useful size quilting ruler is the 6" x 24" ruler. It’s perfect for cutting long fabric strips from yardage, squaring up edges, and handling most quilting tasks.
If you don’t have a non-slip ruler, add adhesive grips or dots to the back for stability, and always apply firm, even pressure while cutting.
The best way to store quilting rulers is to keep them upright in a rack or hanging on a wall using hooks or a pegboard. This prevents warping, keeps them organized, and makes them easy to access while protecting the edges from damage.
How to Use Quilting Rulers (Beginner-Friendly)
It wouldn't be fair not to add this section if youre new to quilting: a quick how-to use your quilting ruler.
- Lay Fabric on a Cutting Mat: Keep your fabric flat and secure.
- Line Up the Ruler: Use the grid lines for accurate measuring.
- Hold Firm: Press the ruler down to prevent slipping.
- Cut Along the Edge: Guide your rotary cutter along the ruler for a clean, straight cut.
It’s easy and gives you perfectly sized pieces every time!
Do you have a favorite ruler that you can’t quilt without? Let me know in the comments - I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Need some help to figure out how much binding, backing, and batting you need - for ANY quilt you make from now on! THIS! ↓↓↓
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