When 6 Inches Isn't Wide Enough
The 6 x 24 inch ruler covers the majority of quilting cut tasks. But there are specific applications where 8.5 inches of width makes a meaningful difference: cutting 8-inch and 8.5-inch strips and blocks in a single placement, squaring large half-square triangles without repositioning, cutting wide sashing and borders in the 7 to 8.5-inch range, and any application where the 6-inch ruler requires two placements where one would do. The Quilters Select 8.5 x 24 inch Non-Slip Ruler adds this wider cutting range while maintaining the same precise markings and non-slip coating that makes the Quilters Select line the professional standard in precision cutting rulers.
The 8.5-Inch Width Advantage
8.5 inches is not just 2.5 inches wider than the standard 6-inch ruler -- it represents access to an entire class of quilt blocks and cutting applications that the 6-inch ruler handles only awkwardly. Common quilt blocks in the 8 to 8.5-inch range are cut more efficiently from a single ruler placement. HST preparation cuts at 9 and 9.5 inches (for 8 and 8.5-inch finished HSTs) fit within the ruler width. Wide borders and sashing in the 7 to 8-inch range cut cleanly in a single pass. The 8.5-inch ruler is not a specialty item -- it is the natural complement to the 6-inch ruler for a complete cutting kit.
Top 10 Uses
- 8 and 8.5-Inch Block Cutting -- Cut blocks in the 8 to 8.5-inch range in a single ruler placement.
- HST Preparation at Large Sizes -- Cut HST squares at 9 and 9.5 inches for large finished half-square triangles.
- Wide Sashing Cutting -- Sashing in the 7 to 8-inch range cut cleanly without repositioning.
- Wide Border Strips -- Borders wider than 6 inches cut in a single pass.
- Flying Geese Unit Cutting -- Large flying geese units and their background rectangles often exceed 6 inches.
- Large Background Square Cutting -- Background squares for applique blocks in the 8 to 8.5-inch range.
- Half-Rectangle Triangle Preparation -- Wider ruler width accommodates HRT preparation cuts for many popular patterns.
- Squaring Large Blocks -- Square up blocks that exceed 6 inches using the wider ruler's markings.
- Cutting Wide Fabric Panels -- Reference the 8.5-inch width when cutting measured sections from panel fabric.
- Complete Cutting Kit Upgrade -- Pair the 6 x 24 and 8.5 x 24 for coverage of virtually any straight-line cutting need in quilting.
Quilters Select Ruler Quality
The same precision markings, non-slip coating, and acrylic quality as the 6 x 24 and 36 x 60 cutting mat -- Quilters Select produces consistently clear, durable, accurate rulers that professional quilters rely on for production cutting accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the non-slip surface work as well on wider rulers?
Yes -- the coating covers the full underside surface of the 8.5-inch width, providing consistent grip across the complete cutting edge.
Is this ruler appropriate for domestic cutting station use?
Yes -- designed for standard cutting mat use with a standard rotary cutter at any cutting station size.
Shop Quilters Select 8.5 x 24 Inch Non-Slip Ruler
The wider ruler that opens up larger blocks and cuts. The professional addition to the standard cutting kit.
