Replies

1. 
   HeartFire2 | Dec 24, 2006 05:57am | #1

   interesting question.
   I have 2 rulers I wouldn't want to be caught without. One is a flexible 2" X 18" c-thru ruler

   http://www.cthruruler.com/collections/cc-cthru.php?product_id=17&collection=180&cc=1059

   and the other is a #17 French Curve. I don't know where to buy this one on the net, I got it when I was in school, but between the 2 rulers I can pretty much do anything.

   Of course, I have lots more rulers - metal yard sticks, metal and c-thru dressmakers curves, hip curves and lots of quilting (thicker plastic clear rulers)

   What is your favorite?

1. 
   Whachumean | Dec 25, 2006 06:01pm | #3

   Thanks. I already have a 2X18, so I'm set there.  A curved ruler makes sense since I actually do have curves! 

1. 
   user-51823 | Dec 26, 2006 06:54pm | #4

   i use my 18 x 24 gridded Olfa rotary mat all the time. they come larger, but i couldn't afford it at the time.

2. 
   Becky-book | Dec 25, 2006 07:08am | #2

   I, too, have many different rulers, for different jobs.  What do you want your ruler to do for you?

   I think I use my 18 x 2 inch grid squared c-thru ruler the most.(rigid)

   Next comes the curvy design ruler (I forget the name...).

   then there is that 6.5 x 13 inch quilters thing that I don't think of as a ruler but I guess it is and it is handy for more than cutting out quilt pieces!!

   B

3. 
   Teaf5 | Dec 27, 2006 05:32am | #5

   I use a gridded clear plexiglass 6" x 24 inch ruler with one-inch squares (and marked in eighths) for nearly everything; it's faster than paper pattern pieces for waistbands, neckbands, straps, or tubes, and I even wrap yarn around it to cut lengths for fringe.

   For curves, I use a vinyl measuring tape, and for very small things and seam allowances, the 5/8" by 6" sewing rule.  However, I recently read that a measuring tape turned sideways is also 5/8", so I use that a lot now.

   I have a high-tech flexible curve ruler and a french curve, but I get so distracted by all the lovely curves and loops that I never use them on sewing projects anymore!

4. 
   solosmocker | Dec 27, 2006 08:26pm | #6

   I have many but three I can't do without. #1 is a 6x24 Olfa ruler. It has the 1/8 in markings and one inch grid. Critical for me is the fact that it has marked on it 45º angles as well as others. I do a lot of piping and bias binding so that is invaluable. #2 is a bodice curve ruler and #4 is a pants curve ruler. I purchased them at a sewing show about 25 years ago. Threads recently had resources for these curved rulers in their before last issue. With these three rulers and a large and small rotary cutter I am able to zip thru any pattern cutting I do.

5. 
   sewpro | Dec 27, 2006 10:04pm | #7

   My favorite is a 1" x 12" metal ruler. I order mine from SOLO. I use it for cutting hem allowances, cuffs, marking bound buttonhole placement,etc. I bought a second one because sometimes one gets misplaced and I cannot function without it. That and my chalkoner are workshop essentials. In fact, I need to go get a second chalkoner for those times I can't find mine. Happy sewing!

6. 
   PKD | Dec 27, 2006 10:10pm | #8

   Hello,

   I also have many different types but the ones I use most is my 18 in all metal. They are hard to find without a backing but keep looking and you will find one. Look in drafting supplies at a Office Max type store. Also what I use a lot for sewing and many other things is my large T Square. The one I have is also metal. A clear one would be nice but I have not seen a large one in clear plastic.

   I also use my clear rulers a lot. The longer the better. You want to have a length that you can at least get across half width of the material that you are working with so that you can measure your grain lines accurately. Material cut off the grain will never hang correctly.

   I hope that helps.

   Happy sewing,

   PKD

7. 
   Ralphetta | Dec 27, 2006 11:39pm | #9

   I don't know if this counts, but one measuring device I use all the time is the little metal gadget that looks like one of those ninja throwing stars.  It's made by Dritz I think and called a measuring gauge.  When I am basting on trimming, marking things, or doing  hand work, I use that silly thing.  It's compact and perfect for measuring small areas.