Rulers + Templates: How Many Do We REALLY Need?

That's the question: how many rulers + templates do we actually need for sewing and quilting? I've collected quite a few over the years, but if I'm being honest - only use two on a regular basis. Let's talk about the reality of these sewing tools and how much use we get out of them.

My most used rulers:
Creative Grids 8.5" x 24.5" Quilting Ruler
Artist's Loft 18 inch Clear Plastic Ruler
Westcott 18 inch Ruler (similar to the one I have)

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[SewingReport]

What rulers + templates do you feel are a necessity for sewing + quilting?

[deniseg]

All the rulers, Jenn, I need all the rulers 😅! The 8.5 x 24 is a good one (before the 6.5 x 24 was the largest available) and a 12.5 x 12.5 or 6.5 x 6.5. I have a lot or rulers & templates and it would be difficult to destash them. If the rulers/templates are in good condition, check out consignment shops (some quilt shops offer consignment). Check with local quilt guilds or community service organizations if you want to donate. Second hand stores also take sewing/quilting supplies - you'll make someones day for sure!

I think if there are certain sewing projects or quilt blocks that are your "go to" likes, then keep the rulers/templates which are used most often for those. If you have speciality rulers/templates purchased for specific projects or just seemed useful at the time, mark with tape and write a date 1 year from now - if you haven't used it by then, maybe that's the time to pass along.

[beckyb]

I have 30+ rulers, and a plethora of templates and I love each and every one of them!!
I even have dupes of a few smaller ones because I'm a messy quilter and they get lost in my pile of creativity.
My favorites are Quilters Select and Missouri Star because the rulers are, well, uncluttered is the only word that comes to mind.
When I do get something in a subscription box, or buy a ruler or tool I learn doesn't work for me I put it in my Goodwill box, we take stuff to Goodwill the first of every month to keep us decluttered.

[frannicat]

Hi Jen, I have alot of different shapes & size rulers 📏 I use the Omnigrid 3 x 18 the most, but since buying the Fons & Porter square shapes ⬛️ I've done fussy cutting, made squares for Amish Folded Star trivet & coasters. I used the petal shape for kaleidoscope blocks but should have used the equilateral triangle 🔺️ b/c it would be easier to piece the block. I find I use the really big ones the least & paid the most. Sadly my sewing sister died & we had duplicate rulers & the family gave them to me so now I'm over-run with them. I think I'll make a resolution to use each ruler in a project in 2023 to be efficient & learn a new skill!

[clombard]

Hi Jen! Love this video!! I have so many rulers/templates, different manufacturers, each with different "names". I bought what was recommended by the instructor in videos & classes. When I gathered them to get organized, I noticed that a lot of them were the same just maybe slightly different in size. No more new rulers or templates in 2023!

[tmoore]

I have heard that you should always use the same manufactures rulers on your projects. ex: If you start cutting a quilt with a Creative Grids ruler, then only use Creative Grids on that quilt. That is because if there is a difference in markings between brand your measurements won't get messed up. As you have at least two manufactures of rulers, or more, then donate/sell the non-Creative Grids rulers. I have many, many rulers (Creative Grids or Quilters Select) and it doesn't help that I also have a long arm with all it's associated rulers. But I keep all my toys. Yes, I have a problem, lol.

[Tamaraniac]

I’m sewing in an apartment, and have no dedicated sewing space, so I have two. (Three if you count the architect’s triangle I took from my dad lol) I have the creative grids 12.5” square that I love, and an old 15” long rectangle that I really need to replace. I love the 12.5” square because it can work for any smaller square size (and when would you need bigger?), is the perfect size for cutting out tshirt graphics for tshirt quilts, and as you said is good for squaring up corners. The only thing on my wishlist is a longer, newer rectangle ruler. Before I had the 12.5”, I even used the architect’s triangle for doing squares, I just had to flip it on it’s end while cutting every time. So I think you can get by with not much if you’re determined to.

[TheEliza]

My absolute favorite ruler (although I have lots of rulers and templates that I love and have no plans to get rid of!) is the creative grids basics ruler 6.5 x 12. The basics line of rulers don’t have the 1/8 markings so it’s so much easier to read.

[makingnewdreamscometrue]

For sewing I’ve always used a cloth or synthetic material tape measure to make sure patterns were on grain. But even for that you could use a strip of paper or string. A 6” x 1” transparent ruler is useful for measuring and setting a tape or magnetic guide for seam allowance. That’s all you need and a good pair of fabric shears. I’ve never used a rotary cutter to cut out garment pieces. I have one that I had to buy for an art class that I used for 1 semester and it has been stashed away in my tool box for the past 20 years. I prefer metal rulers and the C-Thru brand for pattern drafting. A curved ruler for hips, armholes, or any curved pattern piece is essential. An L-square and an 18” x 2” transparent ruler are also good to have. The transparent rulers need to be replaced after several years because the may chip or crack if dropped onto a hard surface. They can also warp if left inside a car. I buy replacement rulers at pattern room supply shops or industrial sewing machine shops. Most of these shops have online shops, too.

[sabrinabuoniconti]

Love my rulers and they are probably at least six I use all the time even 12.5×12.5. I think because you are not quilting that much you are not using them but for those that are quilting regularly they are time savers. My next ruler will actually be the 8.5×8.5.

[createcraftcostume]

I actually love the 12 x 12 ruler, but I find it easy to mark bowl cozy patterns with it. I also just prefer that it's less math. However, I've never used any of the triangle or other templates. I did not know about the Creative Grids information on Amazon though. So that's super useful. Thank you for linking an authorized vendor.

You could always host a giveaway for them if you're willing to pay the shipping.

[kfossi]

Another great video!!! So helpful as I am shopping for rulers now. 😊

[jenniferkaczor]

I completely agree that folks should buy templates/rulers as they go. Buy them for particular projects, not to build a "stash" of rulers. As you're looking at a new pattern, look at what you already have.

[missmatti]

Perfect timing! Currently unpacking and setting up my sewing room which makes me evaluate what I own. 😅
The second ruler is good if you want an inexpensive ruler for pattern cutting and then if you want you can have a French curve too (but it’s not necessary). Besides that and my rectangle omnigrid ruler (the bigger one you have) I do only have a triangle shaped ruler for crafting. Curious to try creative grid though as I like a good grip quilting ruler.

[valeriec]

I recently donated an entire set of omnigrid rulers..from 4 inch to 14 inch sq to the standard 6 to 24 inch rulers. I am a member of the American Sewing Guild. We have chapters nationally and they are broken down into chapters and neighborhood groups. I simply bring unwanted things to our meetings. If you belong to a guild or group this is a great way to recycle unwanted notions, fabric etc.

[izzrosli]

just been wanting to buy this. tq so much for the info.

[jenniferpearce]

I like the Omni-grid rulers. The neon yellow rarely blends into the fabric I'm cutting. My long ruler is narrower than yours. An 8.5x24.5 sounds better than my 6" wide one! I love my Fons & Porter 8.5x12.5 for cutting pieces from strips. Small enough to be handy and big enough for everything.

[beccssmith]

Thanks for this. I will definately stop buying more. You have confirmed I probably have plenty 😊

[julieann]

I don't quilt so I have 2 rulers, one is an Olfa 6 x 24, an O'Lipfa lip edge ruler 4 X 36 and then a few t-shirt rulers/templates. I use them to mark the center of a shirt when doing HTV

[cazkiwinz]

Errr… I have a lot of rulers and templates…. A lot a lot (over 85 at last count, I got a lot made in different custom sizes for myself by an acrylic cutter as well, haha)…. And I love them all … I don’t want to destash… I have no desire to destash… it’s all my stuff, that cost me A LOT of moulah, I’m not giving it away! 😜 I hang them on my pegboards all around my craftrooms… and it brings me joy to look at it all!