Rulers & Measuring Tools

The Basic Go-To Rulers

Whether you are working on a simple project or one that is complex, you will most likely need a ruler or two. Different rulers serve different functions and knowing which ruler to use when can be the difference between success and failure.

Take a look at some of the go-to rulers we offer and what they can be used for:

• For straight lines, the simple wood ruler is the most basic of measuring tools. From the usual 12” to one as long as 48”, GoldStar Tool’s wooden ruler is the one you’ll reach for the most. 
• The measuring tape is another basic essential for anyone who sews. The equivalent of a carpenter’s metal tape measure, it’s useful for measuring where a wood ruler may not work, such as draped fabric. 
• Adhesive-backed tape measures are perfect for cutting and worktables, or anywhere you need measurements. 
• Our popular Mini Measuring Gaugeis smaller than a credit card and keeps a quick measure tool in your pocket. This is perfect for when you are on the go or away from the shop and wish you had something to measure with.
• The metal Triangle Rulers have measurements along the edge and also hole measurements in the body. They come in a wide range of sizes and are made of heavy-duty aluminum. 

Advanced Sewing Rulers

Sometimes a project may require a ruler that has a bit more functionality, and if you are an avid sewer, you should have some of the following rulers on hand. In fact, it is not uncommon for sewers to have a multitude of different rulers available to them. After all, accurate measuring means accurate cutting. Your ability to correctly measure will determine the outcome of your project, making it a vital part of the sewing process.

Here are some of the more advanced rulers that we offer:

• Wescott’s Graph Beveled Rulers are clear and offer a metal edge for using rotary cutters and knives. The metal edge on this ruler helps to prevent accidental nicking when you are working with a razor or a knife.
• We also offer several C-Thru rulers, used by both industry and design professionals, and are perfect for quilting. These transparent rulers are used in sewing and crafting projects, both big and small.
• Some projects may require you to find the center of a fabric, object, or project and the Fairgate Center Finding Ruler makes this task easier than ever by eliminating the need for dividers and difficult calculating.
• Need to measure around a curve, but the tape measure isn’t working? Try our Flexible Ruler, which can measure around necklines or other curved areas accurately. The raised edge helps you draw a straight and accurate line where needed.
• The Fairgate Vertical Rule shows numbers vertically and is useful for measuring hems, the height of a vertical fabric, or even liquid.
• Another alternative to measuring hems with ease is the Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge Ruler—just fold up your fabric to the width you want, press, and it’s done. A longtime favorite of home sewers, this metal ruler can also help you with shaping curves in pockets and other projects.
• If you are using a rotary cutter, or other craft knives, your project could use the Westpress Multifunction Ruler. This tool offers both a straight line and a curve so you can get clean cuts, even on multiple layers.

Drafting Tools

Patternmaking is all about taking your vision for a new design and bringing it to life. After you’ve created a sketch, it’s time to turn it into the means for a finished product. Whether you’re creating garments, bags, luggage, or other unique textile designs, you’ll need more specific rulers and tools beyond the straight edge that let you transfer your design into workable patterns.

We carry a wide range of drafting tools to help you draw, measure, place, and cut, including:

• Curved rulers, for armhole, hip, sleeve, and other uses
• Vary form curve rules, similar to the French curve rulers
• Shape templates in circle, square, oval, and other shapes
• T-squares for straight lines and 90-degree angles
• Pattern scale grading rulers
• A Fashion Designer’s Kit, which includes a curve, L-square, a hip curve, a straight ruler and instruction booklet, in either inches or metric

Couple these with our collection of pattern papers, including our dotted paper, and you’ll be drafting your patterns with ease.

Rulers Just for Quilters

As any quilter will tell you, repetitive cutting requires precise measurement. If you are a quilter, there are some rulers you just can’t go without if you want to produce a quality project. Choosing the right rulers will not only help you cut more accurate pieces of fabric, but it will also save you hours of work time. This can be important for quilters who have to spend hours cutting precise little squares of fabric.

Whether you cut squares, triangles, rectangles or more complicated pieces, Quilting Patchwork Craft Rulers will help you get the job done. These rulers are available in multiple sizes so you can get the perfect measurement every time.

You can also choose the Quilting Ruler & Guide, which is printed with the same markings in metrics so that you can get multiple measurements out just one tool. This ruler helps you accurately mark your pieces, cut angles in 30, 45, and 60 degrees, and measure without having to move the ruler.

Ruler Safety When Cutting

It’s easy to get carried away in your project and start cutting without thinking. Safety should always be your top priority, whether you are working on quilt pieces or ballgowns. It’s important to keep your rulers in place, especially when using rotary cutters and handheld rotary shears. But holding a ruler or straight edge in place with your other hand also brings an increased risk of injury by hand cuts and injuries.

Don’t risk it—ensure your safety as well as your employees with suction cup holders that allow you to hold rulers in place but keep hands out of the way. We carry both the double-cup handle for longer rulers and the heavy-duty suction cup that fits rulers and templates at least 2 ¼” wide. 

Shop GoldStar Tool for Your Rulers and Patternmaking Needs

As a provider of tools to the fashion industry, we carry a large collection of multiple types of rulers and other tools to make measuring, drafting, and designing easier.

Need something that you can’t find on our website? Call us today at 1-800-868-4419. We’re ready to help you find whatever you need to complete your next project.