Getting started with Guidelines

1) Make sure you have all the Attachments

Guidelines comes shrink-wrapped with the following attachments.

• One (1) Fabric Guide locked on the Guidelines Ruler.
• Two (2) Angle Line Markers inserted into the small holes on the angle lines on the Ruler.

2) Let’s See How Everything Works

a) Two Built-in Features:

1) The 3D Grid

Simply place the Ruler over various light and dark surfaces.
You'll see the lines no matter the color or pattern of your fabric.

2) Non-Slip Strips

To test the Non-Slip Strips, place the Ruler on a cutting mat and hold it in place with an open, outstretched hand. You’ll feel the clear vinyl strips grip the cutting mat holding the Ruler solidly in place.

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b) Guidelines' Standard Attachments:

1) Fabric Guide:

The Fabric Guide can be aligned with any measurement line on the Ruler in 1/8” increments.

The Fabric Guide has Raised Teeth that fit between
the measurement lines of the 3D Grid on both ends of
the Ruler ensuring accurate alignment.

 

How To Remove the Guide from the Ruler:

Push on its Snap-on End on top of the Ruler. Then, slide off the other end.

How To Attach the Guide to the Ruler:

Step 1: Align the Front Edge of the Fabric Guide to the measurement line you need on the bottom edge of the Ruler. Then push on the Slide-on End.

Step 2: Align the Front Edge of the Fabric Guide to the same measurement line on the top edge of the Ruler. Then press on the Snap-on End.

 

The back of the Fabric Guide is smooth while its front edge has notches that make it easier to see where the fabric meets the Guide.

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2) Angle Line Markers

Guidelines' Angle Line Markers are used to highlight any of the individual angle lines on the bottom of the Ruler. It’s a pretty simple idea, but we are always amazed at how many quilters have a ruler with angle lines, yet still buy 2 or 3 special angle rulers.

We say, highlight the line you need with these Angle Line Markers, and it’s just like having a special ruler just for angels. Let’s use them to make some equilateral triangles.

They are held in by friction and can be removed by sliding your fingernail underneath
the edge of the marker.

 

Example of making equilateral triangles:

Equilateral triangles are made using the 60 degree angle lines on Guidelines. You’ll be using both 60 degree lines to make them. You can choose to put both Angle Line Markers on one line or one on each line. Either way you’ll be able to clearly see which lines you should be using. We recommend in this case, however using each Angle Line Marker on each line, so you don't have to switch the Markers from one line to the other every time.

First, cut a strip. With each Angle Line Marker placed on each 60 degree angle line, line one of the angle lines up to the edge of the fabric. Hold it in place, and cut along the edge of the Ruler. You’ve now created one 60 degree angle and a triangle as shown on the image on top. You don't need this triangle.

Let's create the other side next. Simply turn Guidelines, so that you can line the other 60 degree line up to the edge of the fabric, creating a complimentary 60 degree angle. Line it up, so the edge of the Ruler you’ll be cutting on crosses the tip of the angle that you just cut. Then, hold it in place and cut again. The piece that you just cut off will be an equilateral triangle. You can continue rotating from one angle line to the other to make as many equilateral triangles as you need.

Diamonds, Equilateral Triangles, Parallelograms, Trapezoids and other common quilt pieces can be made using the three angle lines on Guidelines: 30, 45 and 60 degree lines. With its Fabric Guides and Angle Line Markers, Guidelines makes it easy to make them all.

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