Templates

by Lin
(San Diego)

I have a Better Homes and Gardens 501 Quilt Blocks book with lots of blocks I would like to try. However, the template pieces are tiny and do not include the seam allowance.

The book suggests using a red rule which is exactly 1/4 inch thick, and you use it to add seam allowances around the seam lines on the fabric.

It is about 1 inch high, so it lifts your fingers up, keeping them out of the way as your trace. The only source in the book is apparently out of business, I have made calls locally but no one seems to know what I am talking about. Help!

ANSWER

I scoured the internet for the "Red Rule." Unfortunately, I didn't find it either. But, I did find a ruler that's comparative to the one you described. It's red and you can mark seam allowances with it. Maybe it's the "red rule" they were talking about? It's called the T-Square.

I also found the Quarter Guide and it's made for marking templates. It's not as thick as the one you mentioned, but it looks easy to use.

Many quilters enjoy using an Add a Quarter Ruler. You can easily mark your templates with it. The ruler comes in both 6" and 12" lengths.

You might also like the Fons and Porter 1/4" Seam Maker.

A regular quilting ruler would also work. For example, you can buy a 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square ruler. It displays 1/4" lines in both directions (horizontally and vertically). Position the first 1/4" line against the edge of your template, and you're in business!

I hope one of these tools works for you. Happy quilting!