The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Patchwork & Quilting ... Welcome to the Darkside => Topic started by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 15:10:34 PM

Title: Grid square
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 15:10:34 PM
https://www.creativegrids.com/acatalog/Stripology-Squared-CGRGE2.html

Hi all. I've been wanting a BIG square for ages now and I wondered had anyone any experience of the above.
They are used for strip cutting but can also be used for "squaring up" (not in a fisty cuffs way for any passing non dark siders).
Is it a case of killing two birds with one stone or falling between two stools and being useless at both jobs?
Your thoughts welcome.
Thank you. Wrenkins. 
ps I love it here. I've already picked up tips on things I didn't know had tips!

Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: maliw on May 31, 2017, 15:39:56 PM
Sorry can't really help you with this, I have a 6"x24" ruler and several sizes of squares that I use but I've had these for a few years and as P&Q is developing there are new and possibly easier/more accurate ways of doing things.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Ploshkin on May 31, 2017, 15:44:36 PM
The 2 I find I use the most are the 6" x 24" for cutting strips and a 12" square for squaring up.  I also have a little 6" x 1" which is handy for all sorts of stuff.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 16:28:42 PM
Thanks peeps.
I have the 6x24 and think I need a wee one too but this just looked sooooo handy. 8)  -<
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Lantana on May 31, 2017, 17:06:33 PM
Thanks peeps.
I have the 6x24 and think I need a wee one too but this just looked sooooo handy. 8)  -<

Yes it does look useful doesn't it?  My advice about buying rulers and other handy bits and bobs is this :-

Enjoy having a good look through all the various catalogues and be aware of what is out there but DON'T actually buy any of them until you are doing something where it becomes apparent that the item really really would be ever so handy!

I hasten to add, and in the interests of honesty, this is not advice I have always taken myself  :| , which is how I know it is good advice.  0_0 And why I am going to put the above ruler on my wish list.

Plosh is right the 6" x 1" comes in very handy next to the sewing maching for checking those 1/4" seams and other small trimming jobs.

L :vintage:
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Lowena on May 31, 2017, 18:35:51 PM
I don't have that one but I do have a ruler with slits in it. I find it useful. I hate squaring up, as, no matter how many times I'm told, I still can't get my head round how to do it efficiently. However I wouldn't spend that much on a ruler, especially as you don't know how useful it will be . I don't use my 24" x 6" ruler much  :|
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 18:38:31 PM
I didn't know there was a 6x1. (rats! Another one for the list).
I'm using a freebie wedge shape that I got with a magazine but being wedge shaped it brings it's own challenges!  :S There's a lot of winking and squinting going on to visualise a straight line!
I like the sound of that wee dinkie one.
I can feel my mojo stirring...it's been gone so long I thought it had died. You lot are inspirational!
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 18:40:03 PM
It is a shocking price Lowena. Lotta fat quarters right there.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Efemera on May 31, 2017, 18:58:13 PM
I use my 24x6 for cutting neckbands for knit tops... nice and accurate.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Deafoldbat on May 31, 2017, 19:08:23 PM
How much??? :o

Have a look here https://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/acatalog/Square-Patchwork-Rulers-p1.html

The Creative Grids one looks like a gimmick. Squaring up doesn't need a special square ruler, just an ordinary square ruler (of a suitable size) and some common sense.

I have a the Omnigrid, 6½", 9½" and 15½" squares and they do more or less all I've needed in the last 20 Years
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 19:59:58 PM
I know I know. Sensible head on.
I had been looking at 12.5 but then I found these by accident.
I have this horrible feeling that if I buy one square, I'll suddenly need all the other sizes but as you say I've managed perfectly well so far.
12.5 it is...and 6x1 or 6.5x1.5 or 18x2.5................Now do you see why I can't choose fabrics for the mystery quilt.  :(
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: StitchinTime on May 31, 2017, 20:26:08 PM
Have you thought about a standard square ruler and a rotating cutting mat instead of the fancy square ruler? I find squaring up blocks much quicker and easier with a rotating mat.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: maliw on May 31, 2017, 20:57:43 PM
I've thought about a rotating cutting mat but haven't succumbed yet - yet  ;)
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: wrenkins on May 31, 2017, 22:05:56 PM
Me too Maliw. At the moment I'm doing laps of the table.  :\
It's like a capsule wardrobe for quilty things. It's all very well in theory and then you go shopping... :loveit:
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Sewingsue on May 31, 2017, 22:26:14 PM
I like Creative Grids rulers for all sorts of measuring, but I wouldn't spend that much on a fancy one.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Lilian on May 31, 2017, 23:58:10 PM
I've thought about a rotating cutting mat but haven't succumbed yet - yet  ;)

I have watched demos on the rotating cutting mats.  I think using a smaller mat can be just as easily rotated.  I'm only a beginner at P&Q so haven't seen any benefit for using one.  :)
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Pearl on June 01, 2017, 06:05:20 AM
I have watched demos on the rotating cutting mats.  I think using a smaller mat can be just as easily rotated.  I'm only a beginner at P&Q so haven't seen any benefit for using one.  :)
A couple of ladies on my course use one and it certainly seems to make cutting small fiddly bits easier.
I bought one at Malvern a couple of weeks ago but I haven't used it yet.  I'll report back.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: supergran on June 01, 2017, 18:46:56 PM
I've always fancied a rotating one but have been put off by the price of them. I just use a small ordinary mat and rotate it as and when necessary. It works as long as you are careful not to dislodge the pieces you've just cut.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: rubywishes on June 01, 2017, 21:15:28 PM
Yep, use a small mat to swivel around...easy peasy. The Creative Grids with the slots sure look like they are a nifty thing but they cost a fair bit and I can make do with my ordinary squares and rulers.
Title: Re: Grid square
Post by: Iminei on June 05, 2017, 14:15:08 PM
I've thought about a rotating cutting mat but haven't succumbed yet

I succumbed last year at the FOQ but I really haven't used it.
I just rotate the cutting mat or walk round the table!

If anyone would like my mat for a tenner plus P&P please let me know....

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MYFOzdcDjgquFGIQe0eCCvWwKUmutnCaVaQZs_thQZpkyJDDBclWo8SjP7CYX1ypyMQLy9gB8psf0QWuIvUx09WnFxrXFwsynJeY-V72StiQv0AF6I0C62Xp-4amHSaBUt1WiA5BmcghwN2yZLgAmHV23VtZM7kcnYPNhpnLbOXKBFdkLTrVqDblod0VBfb5SJtm6QU5pV4ssNY_VM2h2xCsB9YMKlBpbukrL4-CjZ3RCX62fxWPz5sTuyRsdLeFdwexcKrfqWUZk73mOXd6uM0vZrRu8Hwe6ujmFLBvyKMRwOuFFt5VitouuyNdjw3-BQTDzfk5plkmP-5TTyRh5EQ9kDwHVZLoeFQOQxRv7zIbjPzE9_VIg5lDkqXWdNVk-FbwJnzTWnG85DaOmbFRHYfDSgdRv6Duuh4aPqEG4KXypaKJshAFmh_G4j4a7w091tzWP3a6TnBbmC_h4iisQdXwG5QbcE2qJBzuwZATdfVaUn8YIekSChWyTUILU4zEiPRVx4OfatKsOlDAPREdlpF5pBp7USfVcwYzNTZMLKwbDqecS4mqwZ4BfHgjG1Ew0gw_dqeII1iyBORo9_yJXW37e11I7FbEf1IKyDoaHBiDluIE98kDb-wq6laD1A2IbYpHxt5DytLHH7BGo4Eixg3I54cWgX1pGZfo=w710-h705-no)

UPDATE

Just to let you know Girls, The mat has been bagsied ..... Reaction speed of a cheetah that Gal!!!!