Quilting with Rulers Podcast – Episode 4
So, you’re curious about ruler quilting. Maybe you’ve seen those dreamy straight lines, graceful curves, and perfectly spaced echoes and thought,
“Can I really do that on my home machine?”
🎉 The answer: YES, absolutely!
In fact, if you can steer a shopping cart, you can probably steer a quilting ruler. Just with less risk of crashing into a cereal display. 😂
Whether you’re a free-motion newbie or have tried quilting with your feed dogs up, ruler quilting is like adding a GPS to your free motion adventures: more guidance, fewer “oops” moments.
Let’s break down what you actually need to get started — no fluff, no overwhelming shopping list. Just the must-haves that’ll get you quilting with rulers today.
Supplies You’ll Love (with links!)
Ruler Foot for Your Machine
Like Cinderella’s slipper, the right fit matters.
🧵 Check with your machine’s manufacturer to make sure you get a compatible ruler foot — or you’ll end up with a foot that’s all dressed up and nowhere to stitch! Find yours at 👉 Sewing Parts Online
💪 My Juki TL18 – A True Workhorse
I use this beast of a machine for all my ruler work. It’s fast, strong, and dependable — kind of like a golden retriever that sews.
👉 View on Sewing Parts Online
Creative Grids Rulers – Especially Angela Walters’ Collection
Angela’s rulers are like the stand-up comedians of the quilting world — they always deliver the good lines.
👉 View on Fat Quarter Shop
Amanda Murphy and Silly Moon Rulers
Beginner-friendly, elegant, and as easy to love as a fresh jelly roll!
👉 Amanda Murphy Rulers
👉 Silly Moon Quilting Co. Rulers
Meander Ruler – A Personal Favorite
If quilting lines were dance moves, this one’s the cha-cha — smooth, rhythmic, and a little flirty.
👉 Grab it here on Amazon
🛑 Grippy Spray – Don’t Slip Up
Rulers should glide, not slide! Spray a little Grippy on the back and say goodbye to ruler drift.
👉 Get Grippy Spray on Amazon
🧤 Slip Mat or Quilting Gloves
Slippery quilts are only fun at theme parks. Keep things steady with these:
👉 Shop quilting gloves on Amazon
👉 Try a Slip Mat on Sewing Parts Online
✨ Starter Designs to Try First
Let’s be honest — when you first start quilting with rulers, it can feel like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time. But don’t worry — these beginner-friendly designs are like training wheels for your inner quilting rockstar.
- ✅ Straight Lines and Grids – Classic and confidence-building.
- ✅ Curved Arcs – Simple swoops that add elegance in seconds.
- ✅ Stitch-in-the-Ditch – With a ruler? Totally doable!
- ✅ Echo Designs – Like an encore for your stitching. Bravo! 👏
✂️ Dad Joke Break:
Why did the quilt go to school?
Because it wanted to make the grade! 😆
💡 Pro Tip: Download the Free Checklist
Want a simple one-pager you can keep by your machine to remind you what to grab before you quilt?
🧷
🎓 Want to Learn the Whole Process Step-by-Step?
If you’re nodding along, saying, “This sounds great, but I still feel nervous,” I’ve got you.
I teach beginner ruler quilting inside my full video course Quilting with Rulers Academy.
You’ll go from “what’s a ruler foot?” to confidently quilting mini quilts, blocks, and even full tops — all from your domestic machine.
👉 Click here to enroll or join the waitlist
📢 Final Word (And One More Dad Joke)
Quilting with rulers doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, a little practice, and a sprinkle of fun (and bad jokes), you’ll be stitching like a pro in no time.
Why did the quilter break up with the seam ripper?
Because it kept bringing up old stitches. 😅
Now get stitching, friend — and remember, the only thing better than straight lines… is finishing the quilt!
