Quilting Tool: Quilting Ruler with Non-Slip Backing

Crooked cutting means crooked seams, and your finished quilt can only look as good as your cutting allows. You can make sure you cut quilt fabric evenly by using a quilting ruler with a non-slip backing. The backing helps the ruler stay put, so it won't slide if you jiggle your hand a bit while cutting.

Photo credit: jjulian812 from morguefile.com

Details About Quilting Rulers

Quilting rulers do not look like the foot-long rulers you probably used in school. They are kind of like a hand-held grid mat, marked or gauged with different shapes and varied measurements.

While you can get metal or wood versions of this handy tool, if you work with a lot of color variations, look for a clear acrylic ruler with light markings on one side and dark markings on the other. This way, you only need to purchase one ruler.

If you do not enjoy math calculations, look for a ruler pre-marked with a 1/4" seam allowance.

If you end up with a ruler that does not have non-skid backing, which will be the case if you get a double-sided ruler, you can pick up non-skid adhesive discs or pads to stick on your quilting ruler as needed.

While not taking the very top spot of importance, a good quilting ruler will prove to be one of your most valuable tools as a quilter, and will serve you well through making many beautiful quilts.

Convenient & Cool Sewing Gizmos: Mini Iron for Quilting and Tailoring

One of the most important lessons you pick up when learning to sew is that it's beneficial to follow each step. Ironing is an easy step to skip, but skipping it will show in your finished garment or any kind of sewn project.

Mini irons offer the convenience of a an easy-to-grab iron while avoiding the bulk and the occasional tediousness of a traditional iron.

Clover Mini Iron for Quilting and Tailoring

Mini Iron

A mini iron is simply a tiny version of a traditional iron. They are the perfect size for pressing a seam on a garment or when quilting.

They also slip nicely into delicate corners and are perfect for working around trims.

As far as disadvantages, well, they're small, so while one can be used to press a large item, the size makes them less than ideal for pressing entire garments.