The Stripology Ruler – a Queen of Gadgets
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Why do I think the Stripology Ruler is a queen of gadgets? If you have followed this blog for a while, you have seen me use this ruler many times. I think it is the fastest and most accurate way of cutting strips.
Here is why
If you are new to piecing, one of the most important things you need to do is to figure out how to cut along the straight of grain. Cutting along the straight of grain means that you are cutting parallel to the selvedge (sometimes spelled selvage.) It is the most stable of all cuts because there is very little give to it. Many quilt pattern designers will specify that you cut the outer border along the selvedge because the final quilt will lay flatter and hang straighter.
Crossgrain cuts that are made from selvedge to selvedge are also considered straight of grain but they have a little more give to them. A crossgrain border is a more economical use of fabric, especially in a very long quilt. You will have seams in a long border, and you do have to pin carefully so that the border doesn’t stretch, but it’s really not a big deal.
Bias cuts are made on a 45 degree angle. Piecing with bias cuts can be tricky. Spray starch and sharp pins will become your best friends if you use a lot of bias cuts.
If you don’t see the selvedge on a piece of fabric, you can always rip it one or two inches away from the edge. It will always rip along the straight of grain. Now just press that messy edge and begin cutting another inch or sew away from that edge to avoid damaged threads.
How to Use a Stripology Ruler to Cut Strips and Squares
In the picture below, I am using a Stripology ruler to make my cuts. Always lay one of the black or white lines on the ruler along the straight of grain. Make a “0” (zero) line cut to straighten the edge of the fabric, then cut to the size that you want your strip. If you are cutting square blocks, you can just turn the ruler and place the “0” line along the edge you just cut. You know it is straight.
The secret to any strip cutting ruler like a Stripology is to line up a horizontal line on the ruler with the straight of grain. If your selvage edges line up, your fold should be along the straight of grain. Use the zero line to cut off the selvage. All your future cuts should be straight.
Once you have cut a straight-of-grain line on your strip cutting ruler, you can turn the ruler sideways and use the same slots to cut perfect squares. I am using the Quilters Cut ‘n Press III in the picture because of its size. That’s a cutting mat on one side with a pressing mat on the other. It is VERY handy, especially in small spaces.
Keeping it on the straight of grain
The picture below is from The Summer Storm Mystery. I am using a Stripology ruler to make my cuts. Always lay one of the black or white lines on the ruler along the straight of grain. In the picture below, I have laid a white line along the center seam line.
Make a “0” (zero) line cut to straighten the edge of the fabric, then cut to the size that you want your strip. If you are cutting square blocks, you can just turn the ruler and place the “0” line along the edge you just cut, just as I did above.
The Stripology Ruler
The Stripology ruler comes in several sizes, but I like the largest one the best. You can use the fabric as it comes off the bolt to cut more strips with it. Plus it now comes with a square printed on it, so you can use it to square up blocks. The video below was created by the Fat Quarter Shop.
There ARE other strip cut rulers. The video below is mine (dated 12/2007! ) in which I was showing the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler. This is a less expensive ruler without so many printed lines. I still reach for this one when the fabric is busy and I don’t want to be distracted.
Here is a pattern that uses strips
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I must say that I have been really surprised by the first day of posts on this hop. Everyone has given such unique favorite tools. I was expecting the standard ones but you all have really done well, especially for me. I have seen this ruler but never really noticed a blogger raving about how valuable it is to their quilting process. Thank you. I might have to look into that.
That is one f my favorite gadgets too! I started with the June Tailor brand and I have that one in 2 sizes, but both cracked in the corners. I got the Creative Grids one a couple of years ago and it’s great and the numbers haven’t faded like JT does and I love those gripper dots on the CG one too.
Interesting ruler. I have never used one and will have to search one out to try.
What a cool ruler! Thanks for all the detailed information.
I have yet to buy a stripology ruler, but I have looked at them several times. Once I finally make the decision to get one, this will be a very handy post. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the tutorial on how to use this ruler. It was very informative.
Maybe someone in your guild will have one you can borrow. Or look at the guild sale table the next time you go to a show.
Well, I do a LOT of tutorials and I make a LOT of samples. So anything that saves me time and energy is a big plus in my world.
I have one of these but rarely use it since I discovered AccuQuilt strip dies!! It was very handy when I did use it, though.
These are right up there on my list of gadgets. I’ve been using mine for years with no issues and much success.
I don’t have the Stripology ruler – but I do have the June Taylor one. They work the same and are fantastic!! I found that my piecing was more accurate once I started using the ruler!
Your tutorials are always easy to understand and helpful. Thanks for the clues. =)
I love this ruler too! It sure makes cutting quick!
Great gadget! I have this ruler, too. It has come in very handy on more than 1 occasion. Thank you so much for the tutorials.
I just got one of these for myself and they are great!! I don’t know that I have fully appreciated it but for cutting bias tape, there’s no other way to get results easily and accurately. I must try some strip cutting next time I’m in the mood for a string block design. Thanks for the reminder that this one was a great purchase. I’ll check out your quilt design when I get the change. I certainly need to apply this ruler more often.
I so loved my Stipology ruler until the 3m hooks that holds anything broke free from the wall.
I, too, love my stripology ruler. I know I don’t utilize it like you do. You have inspired me to get it out more often.
Yes! Until recently, my Strip Cutter was the tool that I had to have if stranded on a desert island (well, along with a rotary cutter, a sewing machine and some stash)! I started with a June Tailor Shape-Cut ruler and fell in madly in quilty love when I saw how easy it was to cut 100 1-1/2″ squares for a pieced picture quilt. After many happy years of use, I snapped off the end of it so then upgraded to the Stripology ruler. I really had fun using it for a couple of Gudrun’s QALs during the pandemic. I’m really into die cutting now but the Stripology ruler keeps me from being tempted to buy strip dies!
I have both the Stripology Ruler and June Taylor. I have not used my Stripology ruler yet as I cut left handed. I like how thick, sturdy the Stripology ruler is.
I have the stripology ruler as well. Just the square one. I used it for a Lucy pattern. It made such a great quilt. I like it to keep my blade straight and feel it is more accurate for multiple cuts than measuring each one and moving the ruler. I just need to use it more, but it doesn’t have all the measurements I use.
A ruler that I will definitely look at getting for sure. Seems so handy.
I have a stripology ruler that I use often. It is so nice when I just want to cut a few strips at a time.