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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