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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! 

No Slip Quilt Ruler Tip - fb

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!



Watch our video tutorial below or click the link if you prefer to watch How to Stop Quilt Ruler from Slipping in Youtube.


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

No-Slip Quilting Ruler Tip

Here is a cheap and easy method to prevent quilt rulers from slipping and sliding on the fabric. Keep Ruler From Slipping RulerAre 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. Keep Ruler From Slipping Tape 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.

Non slip quilting ruler - Keep Ruler From Slipping Ruler On FabricFor 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?

Prevent Ruler From Slipping Show Tape

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. 

Quilting ruler tip - Keep Ruler From Slipping Tape Rulers 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. 

Keep Ruler From Slipping 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.

Keep Ruler From Slipping Triangle on Fabric

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


QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.

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Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape

Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape #ad

This flexible tape is 1" wide. Two tapes to a package. It's incredibly reasonable in price for using on quilt rulers to stop the ruler from slipping. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Olfa Rotary Cutter

Olfa Rotary Cutter #ad

Cuts through 6 layers at once. Dual-action safety lock. Ergonomic handle for comfortable cutting; blade moves to opposite side for left-handed use. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Sewing Scissors

Sewing Scissors #ad

A huge selection of sewing scissors are available at Amazon.com. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com






Quilt Ruler No-Slip tip - pin


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