By Rita Latour
If you have followed me, you know that I really enjoy using different rulers and enjoy the ease a ruler provides for a difficult or complicated quilting block. However, our basic rulers and tape measures are essential tools in our quilting toolbox.
July 14 is National Tape Measure Day! Who knew there was such a holiday? Anyway, I thought this might be a good time to review the essential measuring devices that we use every day in our quilting.
Quilting is a craft that revolves around precise measurements. Whether piecing together intricate patterns or sewing straight seams, even a small deviation can make a design “wonky.” Tools like tape measures and rulers offer us consistent and repeatable accuracy.
Tape measures are used most often by quilters for larger dimensions, such as quilt borders, backings, and batting. When you have curved edges or irregular shapes, a tape measure is helpful because of its flexibility and adaptability.
Most quilting tape measures are made of durable fabric or flexible plastic. The markings are typically bold and easy to read, accommodating detailed measurements in dim lighting or busy workspaces. The lightweight and compact tape measure is very portable and easy to take with you when you go to class or retreat.
The “backbone” in your toolbox is your ruler. Available in various shapes and sizes, rulers are specifically designed to meet the needs of this craft.
The standard ruler is marked with grid lines indicating inches and fractions, often including diagonal lines for creating bias cuts. The straight edge ruler helps to keep cuts straight and pieces aligned. Each quilter gets comfortable with a straight edge ruler and size that works best for them. My size of choice is a 6 ½” x 13.” There are several brands available, and like anything else, personal preference dictates which you choose.
Also available are specialty rulers that offer solutions for specific block designs or patterns. This is the type of ruler that I love. Specialty rulers assist you in completing blocks or designs that can be complicated or difficult to master. Specialty rulers expand your creative possibilities and technique. I tell my students that these tools make your quilts look more intricate and labor-intensive than they really are.
To get the maximum benefits of your tools, invest in quality. High-quality rulers and tape measures will last longer and provide more reliable measurements. Keep your tools clean. Clean with a damp cloth regularly. Double check measurements and confirm before cutting. Be sure to use the same ruler for cutting the entire project. There are differences in rulers and even a thread or two difference can make a difference in assembling your pieces.
There are many websites available to give you overviews of tape measures and rulers. One I recently used was bestproductsreviews.com. Click on the 10 Best Quilting Rulers of 2025 for a synopsis of tape measures and rulers that will provide insight into the different products available. Your tape measures and rulers are the workhorses in your toolbox. The use of these tools helps you transform fabric into works of art and expand your creative horizons.
Happy Quilting!
I’m a resident of Central Illinois and welcome your comments. Please let me know if there is a quilting topic you would like to talk about. Contact me at [email protected].
