How to Read Measurements on a Quilt Ruler

Quilt rulers are used mostly for rotary cutting. Made of thick plastic, the rulers generally have measurements marked along their length and width. Practice helps you become accustomed to using the rulers.

Things You'll Need

• 6-by-24-inch rotary ruler

Instructions

1. Place the ruler on a table in front of you. Find the numbers marked on the surface of the ruler. Usually, measurements will be marked along the length and width of the ruler.

2. Identify the measurements on your ruler. Inch marks will likely be denoted by solid lines down the length and width of the ruler. Fractions may appear as shorter lines that decrease in length as they decrease in numerical value. Expect to find fractional increments of 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch. Some manufacturers instead create grids over the surface of the ruler.

3. Use the markings to line up fabric for cutting. Most quilt rulers have numbers placed so they can be read from the left-hand edge or the right-hand edge, to accommodate left-handed or right-handed cutting. To make a 2 5/8-inch cut, for example, find the 2-inch mark and then move to the 5/8-inch mark after the 2, and line up the edge of your fabric at that spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not drop the rulers as the plastic can break.

References

• Omnigrid rulers