I've purchased two rulers, I guess they are special; one is the easy angle and the other is the tri-rec. I use the easy angle for HST all the time, it's the only way I make HST. I purchased the tri-rec for a project several years ago, but find myself using it pretty regularly. They are the only ones I have that I would consider speciality, the balance are standard.

What kind of ruler did the show recommend?

Oh I don't even remember the name of it, someone on the Fons & Porter show this past week. I really liked the quilt block but as soon as the ruler was brought out I stopped watching. I will try to work it out on my own but really wish they could have done it the old fashioned way instead. It was a diamond shape inside a rectangle, used as sashing on all four sides of a plain block.

The only one I've ever bought for a project is a Creative Grids Log Cabin tool. I still haven't made that log cabin quilt. The block lotto last year taught me I might want to wait on that one.

I buy specialty quilting items when I find them at estate sales. I've acquired things I'm still not sure what they are supposed to do, but they are usually really inexpensive that way. Often, on the last day of a sale, they will take 50 cents for a ruler, or a couple of dollars for a stack of them.

bkay

When I started quilting, I bought a 6"x24" ruler, a 1"x6" ruler, a variety of square rulers from 2.5" to 12.5" and an Easy Angle ruler. I use them all the time, although I could get along with only the 12.5" square and the 6.5" square as far as the squares go. To make a round Christmas Tree skirt, I did buy a 9 degree wedge ruler. My friend who gave me all the fabric also gave me six to eight rulers, some of which I've used. Every once in a while, I'll see a pattern that calls for a special ruler and I look at the rulers she gave me. Several times I have found that I have just the one I need. Funny how that works out.

I have bought a few to do a project. I love buying fun tools and threads at quilt shows. Love geometric tools. Some come in really handy and some sit in the drawer. Sometimes I'll take out a tool and create something using it just for fun. I have tools and threads for every kind of needlework. I love it all.

Years ago I bought a Marti Mitchell log cabin ruler, which I’ve practically worn out; it makes those blocks so much easier.

I’ve got a few others that are also good: grandmothers fan, scrap saver, and a pineapple one I bought for a class this year.

But they’re so expensive, and most of them look like you’d need a PhD to use them correctly. Even the two-sided rulers confuse me, so I mostly stick to my Betty Gall ridged ones.

I haven't bought anything for a specific project or block but I do have too many wedge rulers - 60 deg, 30 deg, 15 deg, and a 22.5 deg Dresden wedge that fits into a 10" square. I've used them all extensively for various projects. I recently got as 9 deg wedge ruler by Marilyn Doheny. The packaging came with over 20 design ideas. I'm totally addicted to triangles and wedges. To get the best results, heavily starch your fabric.

When I started quilting I got some circle rulers and 6.5" and 12,5" square rulers that I never use.

In the category of useful and convenient but not essential are the binding tool ruler and the June Tailor Shape cut.

The binding tool helps you make the perfect cut to join two ends of your binding. The are time-saving and work well but I need to watch Jenny Doan's video before every use. Otherwise I make the wrong cuts.

The shape cut ruler allows you to layout fabric and make several cuts at one shot. The cuts have to a multiple of 0.5".

Thanks for the log cabin ruler recommendation. I will look that up.

Vasu

I have a few, but really, unless they're curved, they can be figured out. But, I'll admit, it's easier with the specialty ruler. :-) I do use the Easy Angle like Valarie and use it for HSTs. I have 2 straight rulers that I use regularly. 3 1/2" X 9 1/2" and 6 1/2" X 13"

I have the Easy Angle and Companion Angle plus the Tri Recs, and I need to use them more. I have a square in a square ruler that I’ve used once ( in a class ). I usually don’t get specialty ones like Twister because I can’t imagine wanting to make the pattern more than once or twice.

Donna

I bought a 120deg triangle for this quilt - Dunster's Diamond Log Cabin Star. When I make log cabins I trim as I go around to keep them all the same size. It was well worth it for me

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Interesting topic! Rita, I typically turn off the tutorials when they bring out 'needed' extras, because I feel like they are putting in a plug for their sponsors. I just want to learn how to make the block, thankyouverymuch! :)

I only have 2 rulers: the 18" x 3" acrylic which came with my olfa mat & rotary cutter, and a 12" quilter's acrylic square block I bought at the thrift store for $1. Love and use both of them almost every time I piece a quilt top. I've looked several times at purchasing that pineapple block ruler and a dresden wedge ruler, but haven't been able to justify the expense. I suppose until i get serious about actually making a pineapple block or dresden plate quilt, I really don't need the rulers hanging around taking up space. Happy Quilting, y'all!