What is a patchwork ruler and how to use it?

Translated from English, “patchwork” means “products from flaps”. It is a mistake to think that such canvases are sewn from randomly cut pieces of fabric. Patchwork is a long-standing, well-organized and multi-skilled art. To make the product look neat and harmonious, the fabrics are cut in a certain way, in compliance with a specific technique. To help the craftswomen, special lines were invented, which became one of the basic tools of patchwork skill.

Rulers for patchwork are diverse. They are made of non-slip and necessarily transparent material, which makes it possible to see the fabric, take into account the pattern and small details. Products have a moderate thickness (up to 3 mm), are durable and are not damaged by a roller (cinnamon) knife.

The edges of the products are laser-treated, which allows you to make precise cut lines. Models come in different shapes, each marked with convenient layouts, for example, blocks of rectangles, various types of angles, allowances. Using the tool you can produce curly cutting flaps. Rulers save time for the craftswoman, they give the opportunity to sew without patterns and patterns, without applying a pattern to the fabric.

Craftswomen, seriously passionate about their work, have a whole set of rulers, designed for cutting uneven figures and working with different fabrics. In needlework stores, special stands are offered to them, allowing you to conveniently store the entire tool in one place.

There are quite a lot of patchwork techniques using curly cut parts. To get them, different types of rulers are used. A variety of such a tool is carried out using varieties of materials, as well as in a wide selection of sizes and shapes.

As already noted, dimensions can be supplied in centimeters and inches. The coincidence of the markings on the ruler with the working mat is a prerequisite. In inches, most often you can find tools of three basic parameters.

• 6x24 - Using this model, it is easy and quick to cut fabrics into strips, since it is tightly held along the entire length. The knife produces clear lines without slipping from the edge of the ruler.
• 6.5x6.5 - an equilateral tool has an additional marking square in the middle of the ruler. The model is convenient to use when cutting the fabric diagonally, as well as to create square and triangular flaps.
• 12.5x12.5 - large ruler, well monitors the evenness of angles, is used to cut squares and rectangles. A tool of this size is convenient for creating blocks from which voluminous canvases are formed: blankets, panels, carpets.

Some types of rulers specialize in working with parts of a certain shape:

• square;
• round;
• wedge-shaped;
• triangular;
• polygonal;
• scallop;
• non-standard.

It is not difficult to use the patchwork ruler if you purchase a durable and high-quality product. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following points.

1. Of the many types of materials, it is better to prefer acrylic, it meets all the characteristics necessary for working with the line.
2. The thickness of the product should be 3 mm: if the model is thinner, strong adhesion to the fabric will not be achieved, and if it is thicker, the tool will be inconvenient to use.
3. Attention should be paid to the paint used for marking. Even a hint of exfoliation indicates a lack of resistance, such a tool will not last long.
4. An important condition for the cinnamon process is that the tool has an anti-slip coating.
5. When choosing, it is important to consider the compatibility of the ruler with the rug. For example, if the mat parameters are 45x60 cm, then the ruler should be at least 35–45 cm, otherwise problems will arise during use.
6. The first tool is better to choose a large one, with a sufficient width, for example, 15x45 cm - it is convenient for them to check the angles on fabrics and details. Subsequently, the craftswomen are equipped with smaller models.
7. For those who care about product quality, we suggest paying attention to the tools of well-known brands, such as Fiskars, Omnigrid, Creative Grids.

Having acquired a successful line, you can get to work. There are no specific rules and standards for using the tool, each one adapts it to their specific needs. With the help of a ruler, you can cut and trim any part, make a pattern of a slanting inlay. To do this, the fabric is pressed firmly by the tool and cut with a knife along its edge. For strong fixation, special holders for the ruler are purchased, but you can do without them.

In the process of cutting, the tool is installed on the simulated part, then the unnecessary cut from under the knife will go to the side. If the knife accidentally slips during operation, it is the trim that is damaged, and not the part itself. Work with the cut should be leisurely, carefully, otherwise the curly flaps cut with an error will not coincide when stitching.

See how to work with the basic rulers for the Aurora patchwork in the next video.