What Is the Quilters Select Non-Slip Ruler 18" x 18"?
The Quilters Select Non-Slip Ruler 18" x 18" is a large square ruler for marking, measuring, and cutting fabric accurately. Its 18-inch square shape covers larger pieces and blocks in one placement, which is especially helpful for squaring up.
It features easy-to-read lines for marking and measuring fabric, as well as multiple angles. A unique non-slip coating makes for more accurate cutting by helping the ruler stay where you place it. The one-inch lines carry two sets of corresponding numbers around the perimeter that can be read left to right and right to left — so you never have to lose your place or count backwards. As the product notes, that makes squaring blocks easier than ever. It is available in multiple sizes.
Why Quilters and Sewists Use It
Accuracy at the cutting table shapes everything that follows. If a block is slightly out of square or a piece is cut a fraction off, seams are harder to match and a finished top may not lie flat. A large square ruler lets you check and correct that early, before small errors build up.
Quilters reach for an 18-inch square when a smaller ruler cannot cover the work in one placement. Instead of moving the ruler and realigning halfway through, you can lay it over the full area, read the markings from either direction, and make one confident cut. Sewists use the same benefits for larger pattern pieces and for trimming work to size.
How to Use It, Step by Step
- Start flat. Press out wrinkles and lay your fabric or block flat on your cutting mat. A ruler cannot correct a fold underneath it.
- Place the ruler. Set the ruler so it fully covers the area you want to measure, mark, or square, and let the non-slip coating settle onto the fabric.
- Align the one-inch lines. Line up the one-inch lines and perimeter numbers with the edge of your fabric or block. Because the numbers read both ways, work from whichever side is most comfortable.
- Check the angles. Use the multiple angle markings when a pattern calls for angled cuts, or to check that corners are meeting at the intended angle.
- Hold and cut. Spread your hand flat across the ruler, fingers well away from the cutting edge, and run your rotary cutter smoothly along the edge.
- Measure again. Check the first cut piece in more than one place before cutting a whole set. Catching an error early saves re-cutting later.
Practical Tips
Read the numbers that face you. The dual-number perimeter means you do not have to flip the ruler or do mental math — use the set that is upright from your position.
Square in stages. Align, trim one side, then turn the block and align again from that fresh, straight edge. Trimming a little at a time keeps you from cutting away more than you need.
Use even pressure across the ruler, not just in one corner, so the non-slip coating can grip across the whole surface.
Care and Storage
Store the ruler flat or hanging where its edges are protected. Wipe it with a soft cloth to remove lint and dust so the lines stay easy to read. Keep it out of prolonged heat and direct sunlight, and check the edges before a big session — a nicked edge can steer a blade off line.
Project Ideas
Use this ruler to square up large quilt blocks before joining them into rows, trim a finished top so its edges are straight and corners are square, and measure and cut larger fabric pieces for quilts and sewing projects. It is also handy for checking block size as you go, so every block in a set finishes the same.
Shop the Quilters Select Non-Slip Ruler 18" x 18" at Linda's Electric Quilters.
