If you are new to quilting, I’m sure you have felt overwhelmed by the many options available to you in quilting rulers. There are many brands, many sizes, and some sellers will make you feel like you must have them all! If there is one thing for you to remember about quilting rulers, it’s this:

Quilting rulers are an investment.

Since that is the case, I am here to tell you which sizes I think are worth getting as a new quilter and why. I have lots of rulers that are taking up my sewing space, and to be honest, there are only three different sizes that I seem to grab the most. So, let’s get to it!

6.5″ x 24.5″ Quilting Ruler

Let’s say you can only pick one to “rule” them all. Starting up quilting as a hobby can be expensive and maybe you just want to buy one to start. Warning: if you like quilting, it gets even more expensive. Then the 6.5″ x 24.5″ is the ruler you want.

You can strip cut and subcut most of the common sizes with this ruler. It’s perfect for the beginner and essential for any experienced quilter.

6.5″ x 6.5″ Quilting Ruler

Decided you like quilting? Time to buy another one! The 6.5″ x 6.5″ is perfect for when you need to subcut, square up half square triangles, draw lines on fabric, the list goes on!

It’s much smaller, which makes it easier to move around, and doesn’t take up too much space to store. I find many common subcut measurements are less than 6.5 inches, making this ruler super useful.

6.5″ x 12.5″ Quilting Ruler

Finally, if I were to recommend one more ruler, the 6.5″ x 12.5″ would be it! This ruler is perfect for the “in between” measurements. Like when you need to cut out the 2.5″ x 10.5″ piece of fabric, but don’t want to haul that huge ruler I recommended earlier around to do it. It’s a nice middle ground ruler that I continue to grab over and over again.

How do you know which brand is right for you?

Choose the one you find easiest to read. Personally, I really love Creative Grids rulers. My brain understands it, my eyes don’t feel strained trying to read it, and I also really like that their rulers end on the half inch. You may need to try out a few to see what works best for you!

If you are in the market for a new quilting ruler, I hope this post was helpful. Quilting rulers last a really long time, so don’t be afraid to put a little money into them when it’s time to splurge. Let me know which quilting rulers you find helpful in the comments below!

– Leslee