For quilters, rulers are an essential tool that you simply cannot go without.
But if you’re just starting out or are looking to expand your ruler arsenal, it can be hard to know where to start.
There are so many different makes, models, shapes, and sizes! But without a doubt, square rulers are a must-have for any quilting project.
So, for some help choosing which quilting square ruler is best for you, keep reading!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Creative Grids Quilt Ruler
Budget Option
EZ Quilting Triangle Ruler
Best Quilting Square Ruler Set
Arteza Quilting Rulers
Best Overall Quilting Square Ruler
Creative Grids Quilt Ruler
Taking the top spot on our list of best quilting square rulers is the Creative Grids Quilt Ruler. The Creative Grids ruler is the perfect standard size for measuring and cutting most quilting squares, sized at 6.5 by 24.5 inches (including the half-inch seam allowance).
The grid itself is made up of 1 square-inch segments marked in eighth and quarter-inch increments to ensure accurate measurements no matter the size.
It also displays 30, 45, and 60-degree angles, making it well suited for all kinds of quilting square projects. It’s versatile but still small and portable enough to travel.
Made of durable acrylic, the ruler is built to last. It features easy-to-read, black numbers and grid markers that stand out against most fabrics.
Creative Grids rulers are all equipped with non-slip gripping dots that keep your ruler and fabric firm in place while you measure and cut.
However, the gripping technology can be a hindrance if you’re cutting and measuring multiple points across a single piece of fabric. Rather than sliding your ruler across the material, you will need to readjust it manually.
Overall, the Creative Grids Quilt Ruler is the top pick for the best quilting square rulers.
Pros
- Stable, non-slip material
- Clear and accurate measurements and markings
- Versatile and portable
Cons
- Difficult to slide and maneuver across fabrics
- Expensive
Budget Option Quilting Square Ruler
EZ Quilting Triangle Ruler
Despite being such a simple, necessary tool, quilting square rulers can get up there in price.
So, if you want to keep costs low but still invest in a solid quilting square ruler, the EZ Quilting Triangle Ruler is the way to go.
Though it’s a triangle shape, the EZ Quilting ruler is a perfect right angle, which is exactly what you need to cut and measure quilt squares accurately.
This ruler can help to measure pieces anywhere from half an inch to 10 inches with a built-in quarter-inch seam allowance.
The markings are clear and easy to read against the acrylic material of the ruler, ensuring there’s no confusion or mismarking when cutting your squares.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use and read
- Versatile and multi-use
Cons
- Flimsy material
- Slips on fabric
Best Quilting Square Ruler Set
Arteza Quilting Rulers
For some quilters and crafters, one ruler just isn’t enough.
If you like to have lots of options, then a quilting square ruler set, like the Arteza Quilting Rulers, is the pick for you.
The set comes with four ruler sizes, 4.5, 6, 9.5, and 12.5 inches, to meet all your quilting needs, no matter the size.
That way, you’ll have small rulers for on-the-go projects and bigger sizes for when you’re working with large pieces of material.
Regardless of the size, each ruler measures in eight-inch increments with a half seam allowance on each side, ensuring accurate measurements every time.
Though the set comes with adhesive gripping stick-ons, they hold up pretty well without them.
Despite the neon green and black markings, the measurements are sometimes hard to discern against certain colors and textures.
Pros
- Lots of size options
- Made of thick, sturdy acrylic
- Doesn’t slip on fabric
Cons
- Difficult to read
Quilting Square Ruler Buyer’s Guide
Size
Though the size of your quilt squares will differ by pattern and preference, most quilt squares range between 2.5 square inches and 10 square inches.
So, you’ll probably want a ruler with a side that is at least 10 inches for easiest use.
Typically, quilting square rulers will have a grid on them, too. If the grid is too granular, it will be hard to read. If it’s too large, it won’t be accurate.
A grid with increments an eighth of an inch apart is a happy medium.
Durability
Most quilting rulers are made of clear acrylic. But not all acrylic is made equal!
Rulers aren’t very expensive, but if you’re an avid crafter, it’s worth investing a bit more money in a thicker, more durable acrylic ruler than having to replace a flimsy one from time to time.
Adaptability
Why have a tool that only serves one purpose when you could have a more versatile one that you can use for all types of projects?
Most quilting square rulers will have a variety of markings, angles, and measurements that can be utilized in all types of different crafting projects.
It’s worth investing in these more adaptable ruler styles than collecting a ton of simple tools that are hard to keep track of.
Quilting Square Ruler FAQs
Why do I need a quilting square ruler?
Quilting requires pieces of precisely, accurately cut fabric that fit together like a puzzle.
Mis-measured or eyeballed quilt squares won’t work, so it’s crucial to measure your fabric well!
Quilting square rulers is an essential part of this process, especially for beginners.
How do quilting rulers stay in place?
Some quilting rules come with slip-free edges or grip dots, which are great and easy to use.
But if you have a slippery quilting ruler that you need to stay in place, there are a few different solutions.
For a more permanent fix, you can add some grip by applying some rubber cement, grip stickers, or adhesive sandpaper to the corners of your ruler.
Any of these options should add some friction to your ruler and make it stay put when cutting and measuring your quilt squares.
For a simpler trick that isn’t necessarily meant to last, double-sided tape should do the trick!
Wrapping up the Guide to the Best Quilting Square Ruler
For a go-to quilting square ruler pick, you can’t go wrong with the Creative Grids Quilt Ruler.
But there are some other great, high-quality options out there to meet whatever quilting needs you may have!If you want to learn more about all the necessary tools you need to get started, check out our guide to Quilting Supplies for Beginners.
Leah is a writer for That Sweet Tea Life and is passionate about learning and trying new things.
She has a master’s degree in English and loves to write about and share her colorful & crafty DIY experiences!
Leah can be reached at [email protected]