truth #4 - yes, you might need another ruler after all

and so i return to the blog after a bit of a holiday break with truth #4 which helps to answer the question about whether or not you really need another ruler.

the short answer is maybe you do, maybe you don't.  you probably do though.  clear as mud?  good.  my work here is done.  

it seems that i have a bit of a problem when it comes to rulers because i just keep buying more and more of them.  when i get a supply list for a new class that i've registered for, of course it will require a new ruler.  in some cases, 2 or more!  i have heard people question the need for more rulers (including myself upon occasion), so i wanted to share a bit of truth with you.  i am going to split this into 2 categories - specialty rulers and "regular" rulers

specialty rulers

i have bought rulers just because they looked cool and because i might want to use that type of specialty ruler someday.  have i used most of those?  eh. a few of them.  i also have bought rulers because they were recommended to accompany a pattern that i was preparing to make.  have i used those rulers?  yes, and i can't tell you enough times how glad i am that i did so.

lots of the quilt patterns that i have in my pattern stash instruct you to either trace the template included (usually onto template plastic) with the pattern or to use a specified ruler.  i always buy the optional ruler, and here is my reasoning:  

• i suck at cutting out things with scissors.  i blame being left handed and learning to cut with right handed scissors for most of my life.  buying true (blades reversed) left handed scissors has made a world of difference, but i have to undo 30+ years of bad cutting habits.
• i suck at tracing things.  i don't have a steady enough hand to get a perfect line and then we're back to the scissor issue anyway.
• i don't keep a bunch of template plastic laying around.  it's clear (or translucent), flimsy, and a pain to store as seemingly every flat surface in my house has other stuff on it.
• i would have to rely on a ruler for use with my rotary cutter anyway so i don't ruin my poorly traced and poorly cut template that will have to be re-made shortly.

with all of the previously mentioned reasons, why not just cut out all of the other stuff and just get down to the business of cutting up my beautiful fabrics.  i'm sure we've all heard the expression that time is money, and i know that my time is better spent if i can jump right into the project.  

to provide a recent example of why i am pro-specialty rulers:  i just finished a quilt that required me to cut 210 triangles and 210 half hexagons to a specific size.  that is a pretty good amount of pieces that would need to be cut with templates (especially for a lap size quilt).  by using the recommended ruler, one made by the pattern designer for use with a number of her patterns, i know that i saved myself a lot of time, energy, money (bad templates mean that i screw up cuts which means i have to buy more fabric which costs me far more than the ruler in the end), and frustration.  so, that ruler is worth every single penny that i paid.  my absolute favorite ruler (it's more of a template than a traditional ruler) is one that helps me get a perfect join for the ends of my quilt binding.  once i figured out the secret to using it, i wouldn't want to be without mine.  speaking of which, i should buy a spare... just in case...

to provide a recent example of why i am anti-specialty rulers:  i watched a video of how to make a dresden plate quilt, so of course i needed the rulers (yes, 2 of them).  have i made one yet?  nope.  don't buy it if you aren't going to use it (or unless it is at a crazy good price).

on the garment sewing side, i love my small curve ruler.  it has been perfect for re-drafting armscyes and necklines.  i don't think i would use one of the giant size ones though.

"regular" rulers

i would categorize a ruler that either square or rectangular, isn't designed for a specific pattern, and has only standard markings (1/8", 1/4", 45 degree line, etc). i have quite a few of these little darlings in varying sizes and brands.  

why buy so many?  different brands have different qualities which may include different colored lines or a non-slip surface.  these qualities can make a ton of difference depending on the fabric (type and/or color/pattern) that you are trying to cut.  i would guess that i make the greatest use of my 6" x 24" ruler because i cut a lot of strips and it is wide enough to span the width of the fabric when folded like it came off of the bolt.  the problem with the ruler is that it tends to be a little unwieldy, especially when i am cutting something that is less than half of that length.  in those times, i turn to my trusty 6" x 12" or 4" x 14" rulers.  even my 1" x 6" is invaluable.  

i do admit that i don't use my square rulers with the same frequency as their rectangular friends, but they do have their place.  it has been a huge time saver to pull out my 6.5" square ruler when i need to trim a block down to that size.  no real measuring required.  i just center the ruler on my fabric and cut around all 4 edges.  no shifting the ruler around and having to start measuring each side from the very beginning each time.  do you still have to pay attention?  yes, you want to make sure the ruler hasn't shifted but not having to fuss about so much makes it a good buy in my mind.

so, that's that.  do you want to buy rulers just for the sake of buying them?  probably not.  is it really worth it to buy a ruler for a certain project?  for me, absolutely.  can you live without them?  yes, you can certainly use templates and/or make do with your regular rulers.  buy them or don't.  it's up to you, but now you can say that you know the truth about all of those rulers.