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Let’s talk about rulers!

National Sewing Month 2013

Hey there, friends. It’s Kim B. here; I’m part of the Prym Consumer USA team and I write the Dritz® Make Something blog. I’m thrilled to be participating in the Moda “Measure Twice, Cut Once” series, and I’m even more excited to share some information with you about our Omnigrid® rulers – a very appropriate set of tools for this series, don’t you think?! 

Quilters and teachers really covet their Omnigrid rulers. Want to know why? Simply put, because they provide unmatched accuracy.  Here are some things you might not know about Omnigrid rulers:

  • They are laser cut to within .002 inch accuracy – they’re consistent from ruler to ruler;
  • They feature uniquely patented double-site lines; the grid lines show up on light and dark fabrics;
  • Printing on their underside eliminates viewing distortion;
  • They’re made of durable, premium quality acrylic;
  • They feature smooth laser cut edges.

Are you excited yet?

Omnigrid rulers come in a variety of sizes, and I’m going to talk about some of the most popular ones and how they’re used.  The first one is the 6” x 24” which is a basic all-purpose ruler, perfect for beginners. It’s great for cutting long strips, borders and bias pieces. (AND … it’s a ruler in the giveaway!)

First Cut – straighten raw edges

  1. Fold fabric in half lengthwise.
  2. Place ruler on right edge of fabric (opposite for left handers).
  3. Line up grid lines on the width of the ruler with fold in fabric.
  4. Rotary cut along edge of ruler, walking your fingers and thumb across ruler as you cut – apply firm pressure.

Cutting Strips – quiltmaking

  1. Turn cutting mat so fabric is on right (opposite for left handers).
  2. Place ruler over cut edge of fabric at desired width. Make sure vertical lines of ruler are parallel to the cut edge of fabric.
  3. Horizontal lines of ruler should be parallel to fold of fabric.
  4. Cut fabric strip.

The 6” x 12” ruler is a handy size for classes. It’s ideal for cutting folded fat quarters into strips or making secondary cuts on strips.
Making a Pinwheel Block

  1. Cut strips of fabric in two colors.
  2. Layer strips together and subcut into squares the same width as strips.
  3. To cut half-square triangles, place 45° angle line of ruler along edge of square. Cut diagonally through center of each.
  4. Sew one triangle of each color together, on long sides, to create a square. Arrange squares so colors are alternating to create a pinwheel design, and stitch together.

The 3” x 18” ruler is portable, with extra length for versatility. Great for cutting sashing with ease!

Making a Four-Patch Block

  1. Cut two strips of fabric in two different colors.
  2. Stitch together on long edge, and press seams.
  3. Subcut strips into pieces same width as the original strip.
  4. Sew together two of the subcut pieces, rotating one piece 180° to form a four-patch square.


Making Strip-Pieced Diamonds

  1. Cut two strips of fabric in two different colors.
  2. Stitch together on the long edge and press seams.
  3. Place 45° angle line on ruler along the edge of your fabric.
  4. Subcut strips into pieces same width as the original strip.
  5. Sew together two of the subcut pieces, rotating one piece 180° to form diamond.

The 4” x 14” ruler is quick and easy to manipulate. Cut folded fat quarters into strips.


Making a Simple Seminole Design

  1. Cut four strips in four different fabrics.
  2. Stitch strips together on long edge, and press seams.
  3. Subcut strips into pieces same width as the original strip.
  4. Position strips to create a multi-color diamond effect. Stitch together.

The 12-1/2” square ruler squares up blocks 12-1/2” and smaller. It’s one of the most common block sizes!

Now that you’ve got some Omnigrid rulers know-how, let’s talk about InvisiGrip. It’s a clear, non-slip material that you apply to your rulers to prevent slipping when rotary cutting. Nifty, huh?  

To celebrate the “Measure Twice” rule, we’re giving away one 6” x 24” Omnigrid ruler and one package of Omnigrid InvisiGrip to one lucky winner!  To enter please leave a comment with an answer to this question: What is your favorite Omnigrid ruler and what do you use it for most often?

You will have until September 30th at midnight to comment. All winners will be randomly selected and announced on Moda… The Cutting Table Blog on October 2nd. Make sure to visit the blog every day for the opportunity to win each giveaway!

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244 thoughts on “Let’s talk about rulers!”

  1. I do love my Omnigrid rulers. My favorite is probably the 6″ square. I use it all the time for squaring up blocks or sections of blocks. Thanks for the great information in this post.

  2. My favorite Omnigrid depends upon what I’m working on. I’ve been using a 6.5 square Omnigrid recently for squaring up HSTs … lots of HSTs.

  3. I have two favourite, can’t function in the sewing room without, Omnigrid rulers. The 3.5 x 24 and the 2.5 x 18 are the ones I use the most. And I have InvisGrip on the 3.5 x 24 inch ruler. These are great products.

  4. I use my 12″ square & 6″ sq for everything. I love them. I do not have a 6″ x 24″ and would consider it a welcome addition to my tools.

    Thanks for the tut’s and for a chance.

  5. The 6×24 is probably the one I use most often because of its versatility. It’s perfect for making 2 1/2 inch strips borders and binding. My second go to ruler is the 12 1/2 inch square. Thanks for the chance.

  6. My favorite and most used ruler would be my non slip 8 1/2″ x 12″ Omnigrid ruler. My second most used is the 8 1/2″ x 24″ non slip ruler. There is nothing better than an Omnigrid ruler…there just isn’t.

  9. The 6×6 ruler is the one I use most often for cutting pieces for scraps. I have several other sizes and love how the lines never disappear no matter what color the fabric is.

  16. I love the HUGE 16.5×16.5 square for squaring up customers quilts before and after longarming them. Its size allows me to work from various registration positions on the quilt (within the pattern before skeewampous borders distort everything:)!

  18. My favorite one is my 6″ square. It tucks nicely in my “on-the-go” box and is perfect for squaring up the corners of blocks and trimming them to size. Thank you for the give away!

  20. I use the 6 inch square all the time…it seems that there is always a need to square up a block and this is the perfect one! Omnigrid does an exceptional job on their rulers! Great giveaway!

  29. I love my Omnigrid 12.5 inch ruler! It’s great for squaring up blocks & it’s a great size for everyday use, it’s the ruler I use the most. Thanks for the chance to win.

  33. My favorite ruler is the 6 X 24. I especially like to use it when I square up and trim a quilt to add the binding. I probably use it more than any other and I sure could use a new one.

  35. I mainly use my 6×24…but in reading this post, it seems I cut opposite of what I should be doing. I use the lines on the mat?? instead of the ruler.

  37. Favorite Omnigrid ruler? You are kidding right? That is like picking a favorite child! I love them all. However, the one that stays in my life all the time is that little 1 X 6. I have about 6 or so of those all over the house and it all my sewing kits. They are by my sewing machine…well, everywhere! I use those to check my accuracy, to do little snips with the rotary on points, all sorts of things. I use all the other sizes all the time but that little 1 x 6 is my best friend.

  38. My favorite OMINIGRID RULER is the 12 1/2 inch square, because I can use it to square up all sizes of blocks, and we all know if your blocks are square your accuracy makes it all fit together perfectly. I haven’t tried the INVISI GRIP yet, but it surely looks interesting.
    soardkgatfusedotnet

  41. The 6 x 24 is the one I use most. I have a bunch of Omni grid rulers and love every one of them. Have never tried the InvisiGrip but that sounds like a must have!

  42. I think I use my 1″ X 6″ the most… I use it pretty much daily to check seam allowances.. I keep it right next to my sewing machine..
    I would be lost without it….

    Omnigrid rulers are my favorite without a doubt…

    Kris

  44. I love my Omnigrid rulers and Invisigrip!!! I use my 6×24 a lot my 6×6 and my 4×14 more often than I thought I would when I bought them. Great products, great company!

  46. I have been using the 15 inch square. I made a t-shirt quilt for my daughter and am now making a string quilt for my son using the 15 inch square. It makes the job of squaring up my blocks so much easier!

  47. 6×24 which I could use a new one– it is the first one I grab to straighten the fabric and the first one my son uses to cut the sleeves off his t-shirts. but then I will start naming the other one I use as the 1×6 is by the sewing machine. Thanks

  49. My favorite is the 6 1/2″ X 24″ ruler. I use it all the time to cut strips and to cut blocks for sizes other than my 4 1/2″ sq. ruler. I like how it is a little raised on the lines on one side. It’s very easy to line up due to the yellow lines.

  50. The one I use the most is the 12-1/2 x 12-1/2 inch and I use it to square up my quilt blocks. I’ve seen the longer rulers on quilt shows and I’ve always thought I should get one. The non slipping ruler would be wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win a gift.

  59. У меня есть две линейки фирмы Omnigrid, 15 на 30 см и 15 на 15 см, с удовольствием ими пользуюсь, очень удобные! Сшила с их помощью несколько наволочек на подушки, сейчас заканчиваю панно.

  61. I own quite a few Omnigrid rulers. My favorite ruler, the one I use on a very regular basis, is my 8.5″ x 12″. I’ve already worn own out two. LOL Second on the list of favorites is my 6.5″ x 24″ ruler.

    Awesome giveaway.

  69. All of my rulers are Omnigrid! My favorite is a 8.5″ x 24″. I use it for just about everything. I also love my 12.5″ square. Thanks for a great giveaway.

  70. I wish I owned more Omnigrid rulers!! My all time favourite is the big 12×12.5 for squaring up! Love it!! I would also love to try the grips!! Thanks for the chance!
    Paulette

  72. I like my 6×24 ruler best because I can line it up with the notches on the top and bottom of my cutting mat which I feel is more accurate. I use it for most cuts, the only time I don’t use it is when I am making small pieces. I need that Invisigrip, my ruler slips all the time!

  74. My favorite is the 6 x 12. I use it constantly, for cutting, marking or for “truing up”. I also use it alongside my 6 x 24 when cutting strips to avoid moving my fabric. My next favorite is my 4 x 8. Love all the lines for precise cutting/trimming small pieces. Would love to try the Invisigrip! hanks for the chance to win.

  77. My most favorite is the 6 1/2″ square. I use it to square up blocks and make sure the diagonal really is diagonal. It works perfectly.

  79. I end up using my 6″ x 12″ ruler the most. Although I wish they would com out with a 6 1/2″ x 12″ or 6 1/2″ x 24″. I couldn’t quilt without my OmniGrid rulers!

  80. My 6×12 is always out on the cutting mat, and my 9 1/2 square is really handy. A new 6×24 would be great to replace mine with a cracked corner!

  84. I love making 4 patches from 2.5 inch strips so my 4.5 inch square OmniGrid ruler is constantly in use for squaring up blocks. I also love my 12.5 inch square OmniGrid since it can be used for squaring up many different sizes of squares and for cutting strips.

  85. One I could not do without is the 6″x24″; but for small quilts the 6″X12″ & the 4 1/2″ are my current favorites. I have many Omnigrid rulers and use the large square ones to square up blocks and quilt borders. Love the Invisi-grip, too. If I’m the lucky one, my daughter, who is just getting into sewing, will be gifted with my winnings.

  86. I have several Omnigrid rulers and use them all, but the one I use most is the 6×24. Great for cutting strips and trimming quilt edges before binding.

  91. I use my 12 1/2″ ruler the most. I use it for fussy-cutting multiple motifs from fabric yardage. With a permanent marker, I mark each corner with the size block I am cutting, complete with a center mark. I center one of the corners over each motif and rough trace it, making enough of an outline to be able to register each motif under that corner. I go on to the next motif, repeat the process of marking the corner, until the four corners have a different motif on it. Using a ballpoint pen, I trace the corner onto my fabric, turning the ruler as I go. When the required number of motifs are traced, I use the ruler to rotary cut my blocks. When done, rubbing alcohol removes the marker from the ruler.

  93. My favourite is the 6″ x 24″ ruler. It’s very versatile. I’m on my second one already though – they occasionally get knocked off the cutting table and the edges chip off.

  96. I am a new quilter and I don’t have an omnigrid ruler yet. I have been using a 6×18 ruler that slips alot. I really could use a good 6” x 24” Omnigrid ruler and one package of Omnigrid InvisiGrip. This would cut the whole length and be so much easier. Thanks for the chance to win.
    crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

  98. I only use omnigrid rulers, and the
    6×12 the most to sub cut the fabric,
    after I have cut the strips with my
    6X24 ruler, which has been used so
    much that it needs to be replaced,
    so I would be so thrilled to be the
    lucky winner. Thanks for the chance
    to win.

  110. My favourite ruler is my 15″x15″. I’ve had it for years and love how I can line it up along the bottom of the fabric to prevent strips from being ‘wavy’.

  111. My favourite Omnigrid ruler is my 3.5 x 24 inch ruler. I use is for cutting border strips. I am new to quilting and would love to add more Omnigrid rulers to my collection. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Janet

  112. Love my 6” x 24” Omnigrid ruler! It is so versatile – I use it for most of my cutting! InvisiGrip sounds great. I hate it when my ruler slides when I’m trying to cut.

  114. Funny I just did an inventory of my rulers. Guess which brand I have the most of??? Omnigrid! My favorite is probably the 6 x 12″. I take it to all my classes. My next favorite is probably the 6″ square. I love them!

  116. I have an Omnigrid 6 1/2 inch square ruler that I use all the time for squaring up blocks and for drawing blocks on graph paper.
    I would like to get a 12 1/2 inch square one too.

  117. My favorite size of ruler is the
    6 1/2″ square ruler, as I use it to square up blocks all the time. It has a diagonal line, so it is very useful for half sq. triangle blocks.

  118. My favorite Omnigrid ruler is 6×24.It was the first one I bought when I started quilting many years ago. I like using it for cutting strips from yardage.

  119. The ruler I can’t live without is the 6″x12″ ruler. I use it for just about every aspect of quilting. You didn’t ask, but I also love my folding cutting mat and ironing area. It’s so handy to have beside my machine, especially when working on smaller projects.

  120. I love my Omnigrid rulers. My favorite is the 6×24. I use it for just about everything. This is my second. I had to replace my broken one. (Don’t step on piles of fabric if a ruler might be somewhere in it.Fabric doesn’t make a cracking sound.)DH made that one into 6×12. But I love the long one.

  126. I’m not sure I can say it’s my favorite ruler, because I LOVE Omnigrid rulers, but the one I tend to use all the time is my 6″ x 6″ square to trim my blocks. For me, the Omnigrid rulers are so much easier to read.

  128. I don’t have any Omnigrid rulers 🙁 I do have a thrifted 6″x24″ that I use a lot, but it’s in pretty bad shape. I like that size for squaring up fabric and cutting those that are longer than 12″ or so.

  134. My 12.5 square has been my favorite lately. I have a 6×24 from another mfg. but can’t see the lines (black) very well. Would love to get the Omnigrid version. Thanks!

  135. My favorite ruler is the 6″x12″ which I use for cutting various size strips. It’s just the right size: big enough to do the job and small enough to be easily manageable. — soparkaveataoldotcom

  136. The only one I have at the moment is the 3″x18″ one and I use it for everything – fabric and paper cutting! Sure could use that 6×18 one!

  140. I would have to say that the 4″ square and the 1″x6″ rulers are the ones I’ve used the most (being a new quilter). I’m in the process of my second quilt using 3″ finished squares and HSTs. I sew all the blocks together for the HSTs and then use the 1×6 and small cutting mat on my lap table to cut them apart while watching TV.

  141. Does the Omnigrip rulers count? Except for cutting strips, my go-to ruler is the 6 x 12, a handy size for most of my work. Would love the love ruler, thank you very much!

  142. My favourite Omnigrid ruler is the 12×12 square, I use it for many things, but I love them all. I will have to get some of the Invisigrip, it is just what I need, Helen

  143. I have a really old and abused 6×24 omnigrid ruler that I love. Excellent for strip quilting and cutting so many things. Need to get a 4” x 14” ruler and a 3″ x 14″ ruler.\

    Great post. And I love reading all the comments, which recommendations from fellow quilters.

    SewCalGal
    http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

  144. My favorite ruler is the 6×24. I used it for almost everything when cutting out for my quilting. It is so handy. The invisagrip sounds so cool – never heard of it before.

  147. I am fairly new to quilting and don’t have any Omnigrid rulers so I would be extremely happy to win one. Thanks for a great giveaway.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

  148. I use my 6 x 24 the most. I cut everything I do into the correct width strip first, then start sizing down from there, still using the same ruler. I go to the smaller rulers when I need to do small cuts after that. Thanks for the opportunity!

  153. I love my omnigrid rulers! I have several but my favorite is 8 1/2 by 24. I use it the most and I’ve worn some of the lines off so I need to get a new one!

  158. The first ruler I ever bought was the 2.5 x 18 ruler. I still take it to retreats, it is my traveling ruler now. Then I bought the 6 x 24 and found how much easier it is to cut longer strips of fabric. Then I got into blocks and bought the 12″ and the 6″ squares. All have been greatly used and loved. I don’t know if one is my favorite, they are all precious to me and depending on what I’m doing, the one tool I must have. Thanks.

  160. My favorite is the 1×6 (at least I think it is that size). I use it for so much more than just quilting that I can’t seem to put my hands on it right now to make sure that is the right measurements!

  161. I have 5 Omnigrid rulers because of their clear markings that I can see in any light. They are the 3″sq.,6″sq.,12″x8 1/2″, 12 1/2″sq. and the I use the most is the 6″ x 24″ that I use off squaring up fabric at the beginning. 🙂 LindyS

  164. My 6×24 inch Omnigrid is my ‘go to’ ruler. It’s easy to use and to see the markings. Never used InvisiGrip but it sounds fabulous.

  175. I use for all my cutting of fabrics, I cant do without it. I have two but I can use these. You never have too many tools to work with. Love them, Hope to win . Good luck to all….

  177. Hope to win,you can never have too many tools. I have two and love them both, use them everyday. Good luck to all. Use to make my log cabin blocks about every day cutting.

  180. The ruler I use most often is the F&P 8×14. I use it for almost everything and only reach for a different ruler if its too short (longer cuts) or if I am trimming smaller squares. Love this ruler!!!!

  183. I do like the 12.5 inch square ruler and use it more than any other, it sure makes easy work of making sure those 12 inch blocks are just the right size.
    Thanks for the chance to win :0)
    and Happy Sewing

  187. I love my omnigrid rulers. I have a variety of lengths and sizes. I really like to use a ruler that fits the size of my project. It makes work easier.

  188. I don’t have the Omnigrid rulers as these were not available at the store where I purchase my supplies. I would love to try them out, though!! And the InvisiGrip sounds wonderful!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  194. My favorite Omnigrid ruler is the 6 inch square. I use it for everything from quilting to card making and scrapbooking. I especially like the 1/8 inch markings when working with small pieces. Thanks for the give away!

  195. My favorite ruler and the ruler I tell all new quilters to get is the omnigrid 6×24. I use it all the time. I cut a lot of strips! Love it and could use a new one as I chipped the edge of one corner. Thanks Sandy Y

  199. I am new to quilting so I am still building my collection of supplies. A slipping ruler is one problem I would love to solve and the Invisgrip sounds great!

  204. My favorite is the 6×24 (ta dah) it is worn and weary and I could use a new one. I use it most often for cutting strips but it is useful for a myriad of cutting needs.

  206. I find my tiny 2 1/2″ square is being used to create charm squares from the bits n pieces fabric remnants collected over the years.

  208. I have not yet bought myself a quilting ruler as I am a Newbie, but by the looks of it everybody likes a 6×24 ruler, thanks for the giveaway, maybe I will win one lol.
    smjohns63 at yahoo dot com

  214. I love my 6.5″x6.5″. It’s perfect for squaring up all my little blocks! I especially love the 1/8″ grid in the first 3″ to ensure I’ve got everything pieced perfectly.

  221. Love your post! I have a 6×24 ruler that my Mom gave me. I’m still building my collection and would love to win. Thank you for your giveaway.

    missmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com

  232. I love my 8.5 x 24 ruler for cutting strips and for helping to measure extra wide cuts in conjunction with other omnigrid rulers. Also love the 6″ square used for squaring up blocks. Actually, love all of my omnigrid rulers! I’d love to win the 6 x 24. Thank you.

  240. I use my Omnigrid 6×12 and 6×24 the most. I have other rulers, but I always go back to my Omnigird’s. They are the best to ensure an accurate cut. Love them!

  241. I love my 5″ square Omnigrid template/ruler. I am new to quilting (working on my first), but confess I’m probably going to be a quiltaholic, so need all the help I can get!

  242. I love my Omnigrid rulers, they are my favorite rulers. I love the 3 1/2 , 5 1/2 and the 6×24 rulers used them all yesterday on a project.

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