I should, but I don't. I use my 24" for width-to-width strips, then smallers ones as I do various parts.

I also know (but haven't done anything about it yet) that my 24" ruler needs to be replaces. There's a number of inches at the top that are not perfectly straight!

I do use the same ruler for each part of the quilt. One ruler to make blocks and usually the same one to trim them to size. That us usually the 12.5 inch square. Then another for borders, usually the 6 x 24 inch one. I did a test and used different rulers and compared the cuts. Even if they were made by the same manufacturer, there were some differences in the measurements. Doesn't seem like much but small bits add up.

beverly

I use a larger ruler when cutting strips and large pieces but change to a 6" square ruler when cutting smaller pieces or trimming off uneven edges or rabbit ears.

As the rulers are made by the same company, I never gave it a second thought as to the accuracy. Must say I do not usually have a problem with things not matching up from my habit of using the two different rulers.

OMG I have a few rulers and use whichever one I grab first! I'll have to be more mindful of this in the future and see if it makes a difference.

Kate

I noticed when I first got my rotary cutter that things I measured by the grid on the matte were not always the same as when I measured them on a ruler. I think it was mentioned on a thread here too, so I measured it and did find enough of a difference it 'matters'.

I used to work in manufacturing, and in reputable companies, there is quality control........and comparing the markings on a ruler for length isn't something complicated, and assume most companies do it. A caveat, however, is that many supposedly American firms are shipping in their notions from other countries, who are not noted for being particularly quality oriented on exports.

Case in point was a darling set of ceramic measuring cups I bought to match my kitchen decor some years back. I had a long spell of really poor cooking, and I am a good cook. I figured it was 'me' until I grabbed my set of good old American cups one day and cranked out a bunch of perfect baked goods. So, I got curious and compared the two. Oh My Gosh! The imported set wasn't even vaguely close to being accurate.

So, yes, I dug out all my rulers and templates and measured them to one reference. They are all accurate.

I've always used the same ruler or template all the way thru AND I try hard to use the same machine all the way thru too.

I have 2 different size rulers that I use consistently. They are the same brand and the lines match up.....I check! I never use the mat to measure except for a 'ball park' figure. If I want to use a line on the mat, I measure with the ruler first (cutting area cluttered....that's a good one). @:)

SharonG/FL

I have to say that I'm not too fussy about using the same ruler or even the same brand of ruler throughout the quilt. I really haven't found the small differences between the rulers to be significant enough to affect my piecing.

All of my rulers are Omnigrid and I have not found any differences in the measurements.I have heard not to use different brands together for that reason.
Linda

I generally use the same brand on a project, not always the same ruler because of the size. I don't necessary always us the same brand to sq. up my blocks. I have checked different rules aganist each other and some are different. I seldom use the markings on the mat for anything but sq.up fabric. I have 2 favored brands, Omnigrid and Quilters rule. Jayne

I have just compared the markings on my rulers - I don't have that many rulers (yet). The hash marks / grids did not match up on the first 2 I compared- oh no! Both Onmigrid - 6 x 24 & 6 x 12.

After comparing all of them to each other - the Omnigrid 6 X 12 is the villain.
All the other rulers' markings line up exactly, no matter the brand, except the 6 x 12 ruler. It is off by the width of a line. Of course, that is the one I probably use the most. It was very enlightening. Does it make a big difference? Probably not, but I move my needle one position to the right to achieve 1/4" seam allowance, and that line marking is off more than a needle position.

I've not had any problem with using different rulers on the same quilt.

I use a 4X24 for strips & bigger pcs, a 6X12 for trimming & smaller pcs. We had this conversation at my shop a few yrs ago & it was amazing how many different scenarios there were-about one for every person contributing! I always check my rulers & if I buy a new one that doesn't match up w/the others, it gets returned. I sent a letter to the mfg the last time I returned a ruler re:their (lack of) quality control. I never got a response from them (gee, wonder why?!) I tend to use my mat to measure also, a double check w/the ruler at the same time sort of like a combo effort. But I also match the accuracy w/my rulers 1st. Most of my measuring tools are Omnigrid & I like the yellow markings best, apply sandpaper dots to prevent slipping & am good to go.
Carol, I'm with you - I always try to use the same machine for the whole project - another way to stay accurate.

IMPORTANT part I forgot! -------Since slicing off a lg part of my finger w/a brand new blade on my rotary cutter, I now have the ruler guards on all my rulers (except the little fussy cut rulers from QID) Seriously, that son-of-a-gun just 'jumped the track' - you know,went right up over the edge of the ruler & .... Good part, it happened so fast I didn't feel it happen---bad part, I permanently lost feeling in that secton of my finger due to severing nerve endings. The new 'shape' is not super noticable, except by the manicurists! lol!
So, do your digits a favor & get those ruler guards! They come in a set of 3, all different lengths for different rulers. A bargain at $13.95 !!