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Let's talk about rulers!

Let's talk about rulers!

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Published: 
Sep 28 2013 - 10:00

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!

Tagged: 
Dritz, Measure Twice Cut Once, national sewing month, Omnigrid, Rulers

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