Basic Patchwork Tools: A Guide to Essential Rulers
A cutting mat, rotary cutter, scissors, and a couple of basic rulers are the essential manual tools without which patchwork would be quite difficult.
Beginners usually have the most questions about choosing rulers, as it is unclear how they differ from standard cutting rulers and what features they offer 😕
1. Transparency. This is perhaps the most important quality of a patchwork ruler: durable, transparent acrylic with laser-cut edges allows you to see the entire fabric surface and account for not only the print but also the size of each piece.
2. Markings. Rulers can be marked with either the centimeters and millimeters we are used to, or inches—which unit of measurement should you choose? Experts recommend finding a ruler that combines both inches and centimeters. Why? You will find many interesting patchwork ideas on both local and international resources, where all measurements are provided in inches—a universal ruler will make your work much easier.
In addition, auxiliary ruler lines are very useful: with their help, you can cut square blocks, triangles, and diamonds in one motion, account for seam allowances, and create angles and curves of various degrees and diameters 👌
3. Ruler Size. This is individual and depends on what you plan to sew: quilts or miniature textile items. In any case, it is worth purchasing a couple of basic rulers measuring 60x15 and 15x15 cm for working with both large and small pieces.
I would love to hear any additions or details on this topic! 😍 Which rulers have become your absolute favorites?
@Juni, if you get deeper into patchwork, you'll find room for such "gadgets" that your hair will start to stand on end 😀 I have a friend who has special gloves for this (for quilting), a tiny iron, and a mini ironing board. I won't even mention the tools: there are tons of them. But what shocked me the most were the anti-slip stickers for the ruler – so that it doesn't shift at the most crucial moment when marking 🙃