How to Stop Quilt Ruler from Slipping

How many of you have experienced the quilt ruler slip and slide while you’re running the rotary cutter along the ruler’s edge?  I certainly have.  It results in inaccurate cuts meaning a wasted fabric and is super frustrating.

We all know to accurate cut fabric with a rotary cutter, the ruler must be held securely, so it doesn’t slip, but sometimes this is easier said than done! 

Stores have many types of ruler grips on the market - adhesive plastic dot grips, sandpaper dots, ruler handles and even non-slip coating spray.  Some work better than others but I've tried many and have been disappointed with them for one reason or another.

I tried the clear plastic dots and sandpaper dots and didn't find them helpful.  The clear plastic dots annoyed me because they elevated the ruler slightly above the fabric and many dots had to be applied to the ruler. The sandpaper dots annoyed me because you couldn't see through them.

Then, a quilting friend told me about an unconventional product that prevents rulers from slipping and I decided to share this simple, incredible hack with all you quilters.

Keep reading this post or watch our video to see the product.

Another non-slip straight-edge cutting tool that solves a quilter's annoying problem of the ruler slipping and sliding is the Quilter's Slidelock.  To learn about this product visit our Quilter's Slidelock Demonstration page. 

Our Quilting Tips and Tricks page is full of wonderful ideas to make your quilting easier and more precise. Check them out!

No-Slip Quilting Ruler Tip

Here is a cheap and easy method to prevent quilt rulers from slipping and sliding on the fabric. Are you ready?

WHAT IS THE PRODUCT?

It’s a clear flexible 1” medical bandage tape called Nexcare by 3M. Here's what the package looks like. It’s the clear one with ridges and it’s sold in the bandage aisle of stores.  There are also generic brands of this type of medical tape.  CVS has one.  Be sure to purchase the clear tape.

The tape is affixed to the back of rulers providing a long-lasting grippy surface.   If you look at the next picture, the tape is applied to my 6 1/2″ x 12″ ruler.

For this ruler, three strips were applied to the top, middle and bottom of the ruler.  

Advantages of using the medical tape on quilt rulers

• It’s clear and see-through so you can read the numbers and lines
• It's easy to apply
• Its waffle-y texture grips the fabric
• It can be applied to any size ruler
• It’s reasonable prices
• It sticks well but can be removed if necessary

how to apply it to a ruler?

To apply it to a ruler, simply turn over the acrylic quilt ruler.  Unroll the length of tape you need, cut it with scissors or rotary cutter and affix it to the back of the ruler by pressing it firmly with your fingers. 

It’s clear and see-through so you can read the numbers and lines on the ruler easily.  The waffle-y texture of the tape helps grip the fabric and prevent sliding. 

If you hang your rulers (like I do), be sure to not cover up the hole for hanging.

I use 3 strips for large rulers and 2 strips for smaller rulers. 

I like using this tape because it can be cut to whatever length is needed and applied anywhere needed. 

Here I applied it to a triangle square up ruler.  If you look close here you can see squares of tape on the backside of the ruler.

So easy peasy.  I give this product a thumbs up!

Does anyone else use this medical tape?  If you don't, try it and let me know how it works for you.

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Happy Quilting,
Annette

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