How to Make a Quilter's Wedge Ruler

Things You'll Need

Acrylic sheet the length that you want your ruler to be
Metal ruler
Permanent marker
Cutting mat
Craft knife
Piece of fabric
Coarse sandpaper

Many quilt designs use a wedge shape.

There are many tools useful for a quilter to have in their sewing kit. Topping the list are always a cutting mat, rotary cutter and a clear quilter's ruler. If the quilt being made is made up of different angles, such as a Dresdan Plate or fan pattern, a quilter's wedge ruler is also extremely helpful.

Step 1

Determine the widest and smallest measurements for your ruler. You're creating a ruler that you can use for different quilt designs, not a template for a specific quilt.

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Step 2

Find the center of the acrylic sheet and draw a line from the top to the bottom.

Step 3

Use that center point as a guide to measure and mark the narrow edge of the ruler on one end of the acrylic sheet and the widest edge of the wedge ruler on the other.

Step 4

Draw two angled lines connecting the top wide edge to the bottom narrow edge. Use your ruler to make a straight line.

Step 5

Align the ruler with one angle of your drawn wedge and use the craft knife to score the acrylic sheet. You won't be able to cut completely through the sheet, but press down and you should be able to make a decent cut. Repeat on the other edge.

Step 6

Flip the acrylic sheet over and score the other side of the sheet on those same angles.

Step 7

Put one side of the acrylic sheet inside a fold of fabric to protect yourself when snapping off part of the acrylic sheet.

Step 8

Put pressure on the acrylic sheet to snap off the extra acrylic from one side of the ruler. If it doesn't snap easily, score it again, then snap it off.

Step 9

Turn the acrylic sheet so that the opposite side is inside the fabric fold and snap off the other side. You now have a wedge shaped ruler with very rough edges.

Step 10

Smooth the snapped edges of the ruler with the sandpaper until you're happy with your work.

Step 11

Draw the measuring lines on your new ruler using a standard ruler and a permanent marker. Be sure that the markings are dry before using your new wedge ruler.

Tip

Ask at the hardware store if they will cut the acrylic sheet to your measurements.Then all you'll need to do is sand the rough edges and add the measuring lines.

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