Quilters Select vs Westalee Design Rulers — Which Is Better for Longarm?

Quilters Select Acrylic Ruler vs Westalee Design Ruler — Which Is Better for Longarm?

For longarm ruler work, the ruler brand matters more than most quilters realize. Both Quilters Select and Westalee Design make rulers specifically for longarm use — but they take different approaches. Here’s the comparison.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Comparison
Quilters Select Ruler

Quilters Select Rulers

From $15.99
Smooth non-slip coating • High-contrast markings • 3mm thick • Longarm compatible • Made in USA • Wide range of shapes

Shop Quilters Select
Westalee Design Ruler

Westalee Design Rulers

From $24.99
Purpose-built for longarm ruler work • Thick (1/4"+) • Color-coded height guides • Curved shapes standard • Specialty foot required

Shop Westalee

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature Quilters Select Westalee Design
Primary design Rotary cutting + longarm QS Longarm ruler work only Westalee
Thickness 3mm standard acrylic Thicker — 1/4"+ for deep hopping foot Westalee
Curved shapes Limited curved options Extensive curved shape library Westalee
Rotary cutting Excellent QS Not designed for rotary cutting
Anti-slip Smooth coating — doesn’t snag quilt QS Smooth — designed for machine sliding
Price Lower QS Higher per piece
Best for Dual-use cutting and longarm Dedicated longarm ruler quilting Westalee
▶ Our VerdictQuilters Select is the better all-purpose ruler — it works for both rotary cutting and longarm ruler work at a lower price. Westalee is the specialist tool: its thicker profile, curved shape library, and dedicated longarm design make it the choice for quilters who do serious ruler work as a core technique. If you’re just starting ruler quilting, begin with Quilters Select.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Quilters Select if you…

  • Want one ruler set for both cutting and longarm use
  • Are starting ruler quilting and want lower entry cost
  • Do mostly straight-line and gentle curve ruler work
  • Already own other Quilters Select tools

Choose Westalee if you…

  • Do serious ruler work as a primary longarm technique
  • Need the full curved shape library for arcs and circles
  • Have a longarm with a compatible ruler foot
  • Want rulers designed specifically for machine quilting depth

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all longarm machines work with rulers?

Most modern longarms support ruler work with the appropriate ruler foot attachment. The ruler foot holds the ruler at a fixed height above the quilt surface, allowing the ruler edge to guide the needle path. Check your machine manufacturer for compatible ruler foot options before buying rulers.

Can I use standard quilting rulers for longarm ruler work?

Standard 3mm acrylic rulers work for basic ruler quilting, but the thin edge can slip under some hopping feet. Rulers designed specifically for longarm use (like Westalee) are thicker to provide better contact with the hopping foot guide.

What shapes of rulers do I need to start ruler quilting?

Start with a straight ruler (6"×24"), a square, and one circle or arc template. These three shapes cover the most common ruler quilting designs — straight lines, borders, and basic curved fills.

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Expert longarm advice • Trusted since 1999

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