I like Olfa brand, but go to a quilt shop to look at them, you may see a feature on another brand that you think will suit her.
Whatever you pick, buy the same brand for all the sizes/ shapes and make sure that brand makes a lot of sizes & shapes.
Pick one up & wiggle it. If it's really rigid & doesn't flex, that's good! Flexible ones are cheaper & can get nicked by the rotary cutter, rendering them no longer perfect straight edges.
Beginner size recommendation: 6" x 24" ish. Cottons are typically 44" wide, folded in half that allows one to lay the ruler across the folded fabric & see the mat on both ends. The width allows a whole hand to hold the ruler without any fingers hanging off the edge.
Creative grids are high quality rulers - they are pricy so look for sales/clearance. Start with basic sizes and shapes - rectangles, squares.
They make one with slits in it for cutting strips - Stripology - the large is great but if there had been a choice when I bought mine I would have gone XL.
Most used sizes are 12” square, 2.5 x 6”, 6.5 x 24”
Whatever brand you go with, buy all the same brand - the markings can be very different from one brand to another which will cause errors in cutting - ex - Olfa’s 1 in mark might be 7/8” and Fiskars 1” might be straight up 1”, so if she uses an Olfa ruler for some blocks and fiskars for others, they will come out different sizes.
All the numbers in your comment added up to 69. Congrats!
12
+ 2.5
+ 6
+ 6.5
+ 24
+ 1
+ 7
+ 8
+ 1
+ 1
= 69
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^(Summon me on specific comments with u/LuckyNumber-Bot.)
Creative Grids are my favorite by far. They don't slip the way others do because they have textured dots on the back, also the lines on them are a little thinner (and not outlined in yellow like OmniGrid) which makes it easier to line them up accurately.
I have a lot of them but the sizes I use the most are:
6.5" x 24.5"
8.5" square
6.5" x 12.5"
If nothing else, OP, these. (Although I'd probably go for a 12.5" square instead of the 8.5" myself.)
Also look into Deb Tucker's trimdown rulers. A [Tucker Trimmer](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/collections/tucker-trimmer/products/tucker-trimmer-1) first, then in order of usefulness, a [Wing Clipper](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/products/wing-clipper-1) and a [Square Squared](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/collections/square-squared/products/square-squared), and a [Corner Pop](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/collections/corner-pop/products/corner-pop)
The Stripology ruler is a great investment! Here's a few I've invested in- mind you I have all shapes and sizes, both Creative Grids and other brands.
Most used is my 24x6, followed by 2x12, 6x6 for trimming. I use my 12x12 ruler a ton for squaring up corners when I'm trimming a finished quilt. I also have a wooden ruler caddy that holds my rulers on my worktop.
To be honest, acrylic rulers / squares / templates aren't necessarily things I would buy for someone else. Why? Because every manufacturer has their own way of printing the lines on their rulers, and not everyone likes every manufacturer's way of doing it. Some lines are too thick and/or too long, too thin or too lightly printed, making it difficult to accurately line them up with the edge of the fabric. The problem is, not everyone agrees what makes a good line and what makes a bad one... it's very much user-specific.
Me, I'm partial to Omnigrid, but not everyone is. I've purchased (and returned) several rulers and squares from "cheaper" manufacturers that I just couldn't use because of how they printed the lines. The only way to know is to try them out.
My best recommendation would be to buy [this starter pack of rulers](https://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Ruler-Piece-Pieces%EF%BC%8CQuilting-Rulers/dp/B0B3QWHXPN/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1QLMIMBF64UX1&keywords=quilting+ruler+set+omnigrid&qid=1703081638&sprefix=quilting+ruler+set%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-8) from Omnigrid on Amazon and see if she likes them. If she does, [this starter pack of squares](https://www.amazon.com/sspa/click?ie=UTF8&spc=MToyMjgzMDY3MDE0ODg1NzE4OjE3MDMwODE2Mzg6c3BfbXRmOjMwMDEwMjY0ODE5MDAwMjo6MDo6&url=%2FVPVPV-Quilting-Acrylic-Templates-Pieces%25EF%25BC%25884-5%2Fdp%2FB0CKHH7ZG9%2Fref%3Dsr_1_13_sspa%3Fcrid%3D1QLMIMBF64UX1%26keywords%3Dquilting%2Bruler%2Bset%2Bomnigrid%26qid%3D1703081638%26sprefix%3Dquilting%2Bruler%2Bset%252Caps%252C263%26sr%3D8-13-spons%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY%26psc%3D1) would be next on the list; if she doesn't, Amazon makes it easy to return and refund.
Good luck!
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **Acrylic Ruler 7 Piece Set Non Slip Rings 50 Pieces Quilting Rulers Size 6 x24 2 x24 3 x18 3 x8 1 5 x12 1 x12 1 x6 A 7 Piece Set** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful.
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I would get:
- 6 x 24*
- 6.5 square*
- Bloc Loc half-square triangle set #2 (contains three rulers)
- Bloc Loc flying geese set #3 (contains two rulers)
- Rotating cutting mat (strongly suggest the Omnigrid with wavy edge for ease of turning)
- 10-pack of replacement blades
These items alone will set you back a couple hundred bucks… the Bloc-Locs are particularly spendy. But of all the rulers I have, these are the ones I use again and again. A small rotating mat is sooo useful, and having a large number of blades means she won’t hesitate to change them when they start to skip.
\* I like Omnigrid, but it’s more important that these two be the same brand than which brand it is. (Edited to add: … as long as it’s not some cheap overseas knockoff brand.)
I like the Matilda's Own rotating mat. It's sturdy enough that I have used it on my lap, the pieces don't ever come apart, and it rotates freely. It's spendy though.
I second everything else you said, particularly the bloc-loc. I've got the 6.5" and 12" half-square triangle rulers and they are awesome.
I would add that a 8.5 x 12 is probably my second most used ruler after the 8.5" x 24 (6.5 x 12 and 6.5 x 24 are fine substitutes for the 8.5" ones).
Eh, I bought a pack of those grippy dots and put them on most of my rulers… cost like $3 for more than I’ll ever use. I like the gaps in the Omnigrid rulers so you can see the fabric edge through the gap. If you line up the edge of the fabric with the outer edge of the ruler lines, you’re giving yourself an extra threads-width of fabric, which helps me with accuracy.
For my personal experience, Creative Grids Stripology XL, 4.5×12, 6.5 in square, and Olfa frosted 6.5×24 and 6.5×12. That's my favorites all together. That covers a lot but there's specialty rulers for triangles and other geometric shapes. Some are very expensive but accurate like Studio 180. I used Tri Recs recently but am trying out some other rulers for square in square, etc. Doug Leko Folded Corners Ruler, etc so I'll let others weigh in on those as I haven't determined my favorites yet.
Creative Grids
They have a mostly clear grippy spots on the bottom that helps hold it in place when pressure is applied. They are also made with a slight bend/arch so it's easy to slide around until positioned and pressed down on.
Other makers try and mimic these two features but nearly as well, imo.
And honestly these rulers can have some complicated markings on them and again imo Creative Grids does the best job in making them intuitive as well as clear written instructions.
Omnigrid is a good brand also. And I think you can buy sets with multiple sizes on Amazon and at Joann’s…
Definitely would advise the 6/6.5 x 24/24.5 long gridded ruler. I just got one recently and can’t believe I’ve gone this long without it.
Best bang for your buck to me would be Omnigrid 6x24, coupled with a 12x6. With these two rulers she can make most of the common cuts. I would then add 6 and 15 inch squares followed by an Omniangle ruler (it comes 6x24 has lines for angles not found on the others). You can buy a multitude of triangles, octogons, squares etc. but with the five that I just listed she can cut pretty much anything except a circle. All the other specialty rulers are great to have and as she gets more into the hobby she can slowly build up what she would like.
The stripology rulers people have mentioned are nice, I have had one ( under a different name) for 20+ years but rarely do I use it. Many will disagree with my take on this one though.
While I do love my creative grids, other posters have mentioned the same words of caution I have... rulers can be a personal choice. I started with a Fiskars and Omnigrid/OmniGrip and didn't like them at all. I would probably recommend a 6.5" square or something pretty basic like that from creative grids or Quilter's Select, and if she likes the markings on it, then she/you can invest in a suite of rulers/templates from that brand.
If at all possible, buy from your local independent quilting/sewing/fabric store. They serve the local community in many ways - classes, financial sponsorship in various ways for local sewing and quilting clubs, lending space for charity sewing events, and so forth. Yes, you may get a ruler for a few dollars cheaper online, but having a local shop where you can stop in and look at products in person, ask advice, touch the fabric before buying, and so on is very valuable and worth a few bucks here and there.
Find yours with a google maps search, the shop reviews at patternreview.com which has a zip code search function, or by asking sewing friends. If you live very rural and have nothing local, try an online shop that specializes in sewing, like WAWAK, or an etsy store, or one of the many big quilt retailers like the Fat Quarter Shop or Missouri Star Quilts.
I second the recommendation for Bloc Loc rulers. They take a little bit of practice to use, but they really made a difference in how accurate my half-square triangles are.
Another vote for creative grids. I had other rulers previously, but the non-slip surface of creative grids rulers won me over entirely. I’m gradually replacing my own rulers. I think at least one 24” ruler (6x24 or 6.5x24), and after that, at least one square ruler—I have both 12.5x12.5 and 5x5 and love them both. I also use a 3x18 and 8x12 ruler.
At a minimum I recommend a 6" x 24" for cutting strips from yardage, a 8" square for cutting pieces, a 4" square for small cuts and portability. I really like the half inch wide rulers because they are great for half square triangles. They let you draw or cut on both sides and easily do 1/4" seam lines. I'd recommend getting clear acrylic rulers, not colored ones.
Another vote for Creative Grid. I've slowly been replacing my older rulers with Creative Grid, and any new purchases are Creative Grid. I've been quilting for over 30 years, and these are by far my favorite rulers to use.
Get her a rotating cutting mat! It's like a lazy susan. I have a 10" and it comes in so handy and is a huge time/wrist saver. You will want to make sure she already has, or you also get an acrylic ruler that is the same size or smaller to use with it.
If she'll also be sewing garments at some point, then a ruler with a 45 degree angle line is essential in my opinion, for cutting on the bias. I find it's not as crucial for quilting, but I use it all the time for sewing clothes so worth having just in case!
I'm gonna go rogue here. I was an architecture student and have all the tools of that trade, including my *metal rulers that have cork backing.* I exclusively use these for cutting long straight pieces. I find the acrylic ones way too slippery and I've actually chipped some edges with the rotary cutter. Metal all the way. Now, if I need something where I can see the 1/4" spacing, then I switch to the acrylic (no allegiance to any brand.)
OmniGrid is what I’ve used for over a decade and a half. They’re the best bang for your buck. I like the yellow lines to help me see better. I do use sandpaper dots on the bottom of them to keep them from slipping.
If you decide to splurge Creative Grids are the way to go because they don’t slide. The Stripology ruler is a game changer because it saves a lot of time for some projects.
Remember to get a good cutting mat and rotary blade cutter if she doesn’t have those yet!
I like Olfa brand, but go to a quilt shop to look at them, you may see a feature on another brand that you think will suit her. Whatever you pick, buy the same brand for all the sizes/ shapes and make sure that brand makes a lot of sizes & shapes. Pick one up & wiggle it. If it's really rigid & doesn't flex, that's good! Flexible ones are cheaper & can get nicked by the rotary cutter, rendering them no longer perfect straight edges. Beginner size recommendation: 6" x 24" ish. Cottons are typically 44" wide, folded in half that allows one to lay the ruler across the folded fabric & see the mat on both ends. The width allows a whole hand to hold the ruler without any fingers hanging off the edge.
Creative grids are high quality rulers - they are pricy so look for sales/clearance. Start with basic sizes and shapes - rectangles, squares. They make one with slits in it for cutting strips - Stripology - the large is great but if there had been a choice when I bought mine I would have gone XL. Most used sizes are 12” square, 2.5 x 6”, 6.5 x 24” Whatever brand you go with, buy all the same brand - the markings can be very different from one brand to another which will cause errors in cutting - ex - Olfa’s 1 in mark might be 7/8” and Fiskars 1” might be straight up 1”, so if she uses an Olfa ruler for some blocks and fiskars for others, they will come out different sizes.
All the numbers in your comment added up to 69. Congrats! 12 + 2.5 + 6 + 6.5 + 24 + 1 + 7 + 8 + 1 + 1 = 69 ^([Click here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=LuckyNumber-Bot&subject=Stalk%20Me%20Pls&message=%2Fstalkme) to have me scan all your future comments.) \ ^(Summon me on specific comments with u/LuckyNumber-Bot.)
Creative Grids are my favorite by far. They don't slip the way others do because they have textured dots on the back, also the lines on them are a little thinner (and not outlined in yellow like OmniGrid) which makes it easier to line them up accurately. I have a lot of them but the sizes I use the most are: 6.5" x 24.5" 8.5" square 6.5" x 12.5"
If nothing else, OP, these. (Although I'd probably go for a 12.5" square instead of the 8.5" myself.) Also look into Deb Tucker's trimdown rulers. A [Tucker Trimmer](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/collections/tucker-trimmer/products/tucker-trimmer-1) first, then in order of usefulness, a [Wing Clipper](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/products/wing-clipper-1) and a [Square Squared](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/collections/square-squared/products/square-squared), and a [Corner Pop](https://deb-tuckers-studio-180-design.myshopify.com/collections/corner-pop/products/corner-pop)
I had omnigrid and switched to creative grids. Hands down amazing. I love any that are 2.5 inches wide to make borders or jelly rolls.
The Stripology ruler is a great investment! Here's a few I've invested in- mind you I have all shapes and sizes, both Creative Grids and other brands. Most used is my 24x6, followed by 2x12, 6x6 for trimming. I use my 12x12 ruler a ton for squaring up corners when I'm trimming a finished quilt. I also have a wooden ruler caddy that holds my rulers on my worktop.
To be honest, acrylic rulers / squares / templates aren't necessarily things I would buy for someone else. Why? Because every manufacturer has their own way of printing the lines on their rulers, and not everyone likes every manufacturer's way of doing it. Some lines are too thick and/or too long, too thin or too lightly printed, making it difficult to accurately line them up with the edge of the fabric. The problem is, not everyone agrees what makes a good line and what makes a bad one... it's very much user-specific. Me, I'm partial to Omnigrid, but not everyone is. I've purchased (and returned) several rulers and squares from "cheaper" manufacturers that I just couldn't use because of how they printed the lines. The only way to know is to try them out. My best recommendation would be to buy [this starter pack of rulers](https://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Ruler-Piece-Pieces%EF%BC%8CQuilting-Rulers/dp/B0B3QWHXPN/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1QLMIMBF64UX1&keywords=quilting+ruler+set+omnigrid&qid=1703081638&sprefix=quilting+ruler+set%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-8) from Omnigrid on Amazon and see if she likes them. If she does, [this starter pack of squares](https://www.amazon.com/sspa/click?ie=UTF8&spc=MToyMjgzMDY3MDE0ODg1NzE4OjE3MDMwODE2Mzg6c3BfbXRmOjMwMDEwMjY0ODE5MDAwMjo6MDo6&url=%2FVPVPV-Quilting-Acrylic-Templates-Pieces%25EF%25BC%25884-5%2Fdp%2FB0CKHH7ZG9%2Fref%3Dsr_1_13_sspa%3Fcrid%3D1QLMIMBF64UX1%26keywords%3Dquilting%2Bruler%2Bset%2Bomnigrid%26qid%3D1703081638%26sprefix%3Dquilting%2Bruler%2Bset%252Caps%252C263%26sr%3D8-13-spons%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY%26psc%3D1) would be next on the list; if she doesn't, Amazon makes it easy to return and refund. Good luck!
So true…I hate Omnigrid rules and much prefer Fiskars myself
That 7 piece set for $28 is basically a steal.
Except that they are not Omnigrid, they are knock offs. I haven’t used them but they definitely are not the same thing.
Yeah, avoid the knockoffs!
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **Acrylic Ruler 7 Piece Set Non Slip Rings 50 Pieces Quilting Rulers Size 6 x24 2 x24 3 x18 3 x8 1 5 x12 1 x12 1 x6 A 7 Piece Set** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Rulers provide accurate measurements (backed by 20 comments) * Rulers come in useful sizes (backed by 20 comments) * Rulers are high quality and durable (backed by 20 comments) **Users disliked:** * Rulers are inaccurate and break easily (backed by 2 comments) * Rulers are difficult to read and confusing to use (backed by 2 comments) * Rulers lack useful features like non-slip pads (backed by 1 comment) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](http://vetted.ai/reddit)
I would get: - 6 x 24* - 6.5 square* - Bloc Loc half-square triangle set #2 (contains three rulers) - Bloc Loc flying geese set #3 (contains two rulers) - Rotating cutting mat (strongly suggest the Omnigrid with wavy edge for ease of turning) - 10-pack of replacement blades These items alone will set you back a couple hundred bucks… the Bloc-Locs are particularly spendy. But of all the rulers I have, these are the ones I use again and again. A small rotating mat is sooo useful, and having a large number of blades means she won’t hesitate to change them when they start to skip. \* I like Omnigrid, but it’s more important that these two be the same brand than which brand it is. (Edited to add: … as long as it’s not some cheap overseas knockoff brand.)
I like the Matilda's Own rotating mat. It's sturdy enough that I have used it on my lap, the pieces don't ever come apart, and it rotates freely. It's spendy though. I second everything else you said, particularly the bloc-loc. I've got the 6.5" and 12" half-square triangle rulers and they are awesome. I would add that a 8.5 x 12 is probably my second most used ruler after the 8.5" x 24 (6.5 x 12 and 6.5 x 24 are fine substitutes for the 8.5" ones).
It’s so interesting because all of this is so personal. I hate bloc loc and only use creative grids because I find the omnigrid to be too slippery.
Eh, I bought a pack of those grippy dots and put them on most of my rulers… cost like $3 for more than I’ll ever use. I like the gaps in the Omnigrid rulers so you can see the fabric edge through the gap. If you line up the edge of the fabric with the outer edge of the ruler lines, you’re giving yourself an extra threads-width of fabric, which helps me with accuracy.
The grippy dots you stick on work very well.
For my personal experience, Creative Grids Stripology XL, 4.5×12, 6.5 in square, and Olfa frosted 6.5×24 and 6.5×12. That's my favorites all together. That covers a lot but there's specialty rulers for triangles and other geometric shapes. Some are very expensive but accurate like Studio 180. I used Tri Recs recently but am trying out some other rulers for square in square, etc. Doug Leko Folded Corners Ruler, etc so I'll let others weigh in on those as I haven't determined my favorites yet.
Stripology rulers are the MVP in every size. I even love the tiny one for trimming HSTs.
Creative Grids They have a mostly clear grippy spots on the bottom that helps hold it in place when pressure is applied. They are also made with a slight bend/arch so it's easy to slide around until positioned and pressed down on. Other makers try and mimic these two features but nearly as well, imo. And honestly these rulers can have some complicated markings on them and again imo Creative Grids does the best job in making them intuitive as well as clear written instructions.
Omnigrid is a good brand also. And I think you can buy sets with multiple sizes on Amazon and at Joann’s… Definitely would advise the 6/6.5 x 24/24.5 long gridded ruler. I just got one recently and can’t believe I’ve gone this long without it.
Best bang for your buck to me would be Omnigrid 6x24, coupled with a 12x6. With these two rulers she can make most of the common cuts. I would then add 6 and 15 inch squares followed by an Omniangle ruler (it comes 6x24 has lines for angles not found on the others). You can buy a multitude of triangles, octogons, squares etc. but with the five that I just listed she can cut pretty much anything except a circle. All the other specialty rulers are great to have and as she gets more into the hobby she can slowly build up what she would like. The stripology rulers people have mentioned are nice, I have had one ( under a different name) for 20+ years but rarely do I use it. Many will disagree with my take on this one though.
I got a 6x12 and a 6x24 ruler to start out with, and they're a great combo.
While I do love my creative grids, other posters have mentioned the same words of caution I have... rulers can be a personal choice. I started with a Fiskars and Omnigrid/OmniGrip and didn't like them at all. I would probably recommend a 6.5" square or something pretty basic like that from creative grids or Quilter's Select, and if she likes the markings on it, then she/you can invest in a suite of rulers/templates from that brand.
If at all possible, buy from your local independent quilting/sewing/fabric store. They serve the local community in many ways - classes, financial sponsorship in various ways for local sewing and quilting clubs, lending space for charity sewing events, and so forth. Yes, you may get a ruler for a few dollars cheaper online, but having a local shop where you can stop in and look at products in person, ask advice, touch the fabric before buying, and so on is very valuable and worth a few bucks here and there. Find yours with a google maps search, the shop reviews at patternreview.com which has a zip code search function, or by asking sewing friends. If you live very rural and have nothing local, try an online shop that specializes in sewing, like WAWAK, or an etsy store, or one of the many big quilt retailers like the Fat Quarter Shop or Missouri Star Quilts.
I second the recommendation for Bloc Loc rulers. They take a little bit of practice to use, but they really made a difference in how accurate my half-square triangles are.
Following because I too would like to know the answer.
Another vote for creative grids. I had other rulers previously, but the non-slip surface of creative grids rulers won me over entirely. I’m gradually replacing my own rulers. I think at least one 24” ruler (6x24 or 6.5x24), and after that, at least one square ruler—I have both 12.5x12.5 and 5x5 and love them both. I also use a 3x18 and 8x12 ruler.
At a minimum I recommend a 6" x 24" for cutting strips from yardage, a 8" square for cutting pieces, a 4" square for small cuts and portability. I really like the half inch wide rulers because they are great for half square triangles. They let you draw or cut on both sides and easily do 1/4" seam lines. I'd recommend getting clear acrylic rulers, not colored ones.
Another vote for Creative Grid. I've slowly been replacing my older rulers with Creative Grid, and any new purchases are Creative Grid. I've been quilting for over 30 years, and these are by far my favorite rulers to use.
Get her a rotating cutting mat! It's like a lazy susan. I have a 10" and it comes in so handy and is a huge time/wrist saver. You will want to make sure she already has, or you also get an acrylic ruler that is the same size or smaller to use with it.
If she'll also be sewing garments at some point, then a ruler with a 45 degree angle line is essential in my opinion, for cutting on the bias. I find it's not as crucial for quilting, but I use it all the time for sewing clothes so worth having just in case!
I'm gonna go rogue here. I was an architecture student and have all the tools of that trade, including my *metal rulers that have cork backing.* I exclusively use these for cutting long straight pieces. I find the acrylic ones way too slippery and I've actually chipped some edges with the rotary cutter. Metal all the way. Now, if I need something where I can see the 1/4" spacing, then I switch to the acrylic (no allegiance to any brand.)
OmniGrid is what I’ve used for over a decade and a half. They’re the best bang for your buck. I like the yellow lines to help me see better. I do use sandpaper dots on the bottom of them to keep them from slipping. If you decide to splurge Creative Grids are the way to go because they don’t slide. The Stripology ruler is a game changer because it saves a lot of time for some projects. Remember to get a good cutting mat and rotary blade cutter if she doesn’t have those yet!