EPISODE 87 ~ TRYING to get used to my quilting rulers!! 

Hello again Jean. I love it that you are not fake. You show what it's like at the beginning of how to use something new. It's what helps me to not give up. Other people just demonstrate after they have mastered using a new tool. I'm sure with your determination you will be fine. Now.. I want to go buy rulers. Have a great weekend.

You are a brave quilter! Ilove watching the progress as you troubleshoot and find solutions. 👏

Love to see someone else had troubles with these popular rulers

I love your vidoes.. you are so down to earth and honest..

I’m new at free motion quilting and got some hoops for Christmas. I had a lot of difficulty. I said everything that you said on this video! Misery loves company! Thanks for sharing.

Jean you are so much fun, I have been wondering how easy those rulers really are Thank You

I love your video. I am getting ready to do a queen size and could not figure out where to start. I have the rulers. You are so down to earth, and understand.

Oh Jean you are so funny. I love these videos. You tell it as it is, warts & all. I am certain you will master these pesky rulers and we will all have fun watching you while you do. Xx

When I first started with rulers the process was different and it takes awhile to get use to it. Persevere, I think you will be happy when you have played with it. It does take time, unfortunately. After quilting 3 scrap quilts I have been able to quilt well with rulers. When I first started I too had the very same problems as you are having. I did have to alter the tension, which was very weird but now I can use my good thread as well. I too had to hunch my shoulders to get the ruler and the fabric to move together. So I added another slider to the base of my machine and that helped move the fabric and rulers more freely. The one thing I did realise was that when you are moving a large quilt around the base of the machine while sewing with a ruler I had to make sure that the quilt was really loose around the needle and had to move my hands often to make the ruler and quilt flow . It is true what the experts all say, practice, practice, practice until you understand how all the elements of quilting with a ruler work. Good luck with it, I do believe that you will master it.

Amy Johnson is the one I like watching cos she goes slow and explains all the time, you have got to goes slowly with the rulers that what I found, and you have to move back from your line about the quarter if you started with that cos it stitches a quarter inch away from where you started

It is 4 a.m. and I cannot get to sleep! Turned on my computer and there you were! You had me laughing. I can afford to do that since it is you rather than me who is struggling ... keep at it and you will have that quilt done in no time at all. lol

You make me laugh Jean, I Love it. I was intimidated by the rulers at first, but I practiced a lot and it’s actually quite nice. I use connecting thread 50 wt, but I’m using a Brother machine. I had to learn to stop more when doing the ruler, where as with free motion you have a bigger open area to work without so much stopping. Hope that made sense 😑 for instance on your ruler, sew over the boob, stop in the crease, reposition hands, then sew over last boob. Don’t give up, you can do it!

Hi there. I watched your 3 clamshell videos and have a couple thoughts to help I hope. First off I have never done any ruler work myself so take all I say with several grains of salt. Now that you have a base of clamshells try starting from the middle and work your way to the edge for several rows. Turn the quilt upside down and the ruler and again work from the center to the edge. Doing this you are pulling the quilt out from the right side instead of trying to stuff fabric into the hole on the right and hold it there while stuffing 2 more clams in the space while sewing. It seems to me it might be easier to pull fabric out of the space with your weakened wrist rather than shoving more fabric in. It's also a more natural direction. Like reading left to right, sewing left to right flows so there is one less thing for your body to think about while learning a new skill. For next time to get balance try marking the first row from the center out so you have the same partial clam at each end. Or reverse that and work the clams toward the center and fake the center 1 to 3 clams to get a balance. No one will be able to tell that the center clams are a little wider or skinnier. You might need to mark a couple rows as the middle clamshells are a little different in the even rows vs. the odd rows. I might also pre-mark some lines across the quilt to help keep to rows of clamshells from dipping. I don't know about you but I can't keep my writing from dipping off the end of my paper without lines and my sewing is even worse if I don't have some kind of marks to help me. I hope something here helps. If not you know where the circular files are. Good luck and remember nothing is perfect the first time but does get better with time and a little patience.

You crack me up talking about the ladies that use the rulers and make it look so easy. And I'm watching you with your shoulders up to your ears! That is me using rulers too! lol. But if I'm honest, I'm like that doing FMQ too. . . I need more practice. Thank you for sharing this.

Thanks Jean, I was watching sewing quarter this morning as they were selling them again, Angie makes it look so easy, I suppose practice helps. xxx

Lol I’m having the same kinda night. Had so much ironing on new quilt I had to stop. My wrist and shoulder hurts! Tomorrow is another day. You are so cute!

Hi, I dont have a Juki, I have a Brother, but I was told that they set the thread tensions using polyester at the factory. I couldnt get on with cotton thread atall, and thought it was me being useless at free motion, so I changed to polyester thread and it worked perfectly. I think Leah Day said something similar too. Love your channel by the way lol

Hi Jean, I know what you mean these rulers can be frustrating. But keep at, it will get better. I preferred free motion also. I only use the rulers when I do smaller quilts. LOL

Hey Jean . I always say if its not broke don't fix it . You do what you do best . I don't think I'm going to add anything else to my plate . No rulers for me . Your FMQ is Gorgeous ! Too much stress for me . Keep up your beautiful work as you do .

I just love you! We would just be great quilting buddies because I’m just the way you are I don’t measure I just pray quilts come out . I just love your tutorials. I’m so happy to find you on RU-vid and I really enjoy them thank you

You do make me laugh, yes a cup pay makes things better.

Hi Jean! You probably have this figured out already (since this video was made 11 months ago), but if not, here's my input from working with ruler feet. The Westalee stationery ruler foot doesn't have a spring like the Juki ruler foot. You have to adjust the height of the foot (you'll notice that it can slide up and down on the screw) do it hovers just above the quilt sandwich. If it is set too high, it kind of makes a soft popping sound as you quilt and it also causes the thread to shred or skip. Because of that, I prefer to use my Janome non-hopping FMQ foot with the adjustable spring in it when ruler foot quilting on my Janome, and the Juki non-hopping ruler foot with the spring in it for quilting on my new Juki - over the stationery ruler feet that have to be adjusted with the screw. Hope this makes sense. :-)

You made me laugh! I, like you, want to learn ruler work. Your thoughts are my thoughts. It looks so easy! But it is not! If we practice and practise and practice one day we will be as good as Angela, Leah and all the others that do ruler work.( hope so)

You are hilarious!

I'm dieing!!!!lollollol I had the same thing f happen to me!!! And I'm a good free motion quilter too It's the thread and your not used to it yet You are so fun!!!! Don't worry...I'm not either!!! I love to free motion !!!!

Oh Jean! I feel your pain! Dear you! I know you realize how large your quilt is, and that sticking with you ruler work will be quite the commitment! Oh dear, I hope you reach the right decision for you. Please enjoy your tea, and know that you are a joy to watch. Thanks for your videos.

I didn't expect we'd get a review of those rulers so soon. But happy to see it. I love your determination, and sense of humor with the frustration. Makes it fun to watch and learn. Good to know how those work and anxious to see the other ruler designs you have. Love your quilt too, it is going to be so beautiful with the clam shell quilting design. Hang in there we are rooting for you.

Great video! Please continue to film your foray into the world of "Quilting With Rulers". I am in the exact same place; staring at my ruler foot and my first quilting ruler (sort of like the clamshell, but with squared off corners) - trying to convince myself to give it a go. I am loving your journey, because it is Real Life! I think for myself (and probably a lot of your followers), we are saying "if Jean can do it and make it work, then I'm going to gather my courage and jump in!"

Two things I discovered...first, try lowering your foot. I had problems until I did that. The other thing was I couldn't use the Connecting Threads Essential cotton either (and I have tons of it). The only thread that works for me is Aurifil 50 wt. cotton. Pricey but looks great. I buy it when Craftsy has their 50% off sales.

I don’t think I could deal with rulers , I would rather trace them, might be easier, I sure you will do great. Good luck Jean🌻

I am so glad you posted this video. I too was excited to do ruler work and invested in the Westalee ruler foot (special foot bc I have a Brother PQ1500SL, very similar to your Juki) and have the same frustrations that you are having in this video. I took it to the dealer (who also teaches the ruler class) and he worked on it but got it back home and again- skipping stitches. Took it to my mom's dealer and he worked on it and same deal- got home skipping stitches again. The only thing I didn't try.... cheap thread. I guess I'll try that next. Got so frustrated I put it up to go back to later.

Hey, Jean. Would it be possible to take a still picture of your clam shell quilting so we can see? I am hesitant to buy rulers. Love your honesty while you tape your episodes - very refreshing

Jean, you had me laughing out loud. I noticed you were relaxing on the last clam shell you made, no pulling or tugging. You just need your RU-vid friends for support. No crying, you’ll get used to it. Remember when you and Juki had a rough start? 🤪

Since you have committed yourself to outside I think I would change what I did to the inside blocks. Your quilts are beautiful .

U r so funny doing this 😊

I watch Angela and Leah too!!!!!!!!!! lol

I'm with you, Jean, I'll be committed too by the time I learn this lol.

The effects look great, and I am sure it will be easy-to-use as you go along. I must say tho it looks physically hard work.🙇‍♀️🙈

I know exactly how you feel. I've bought those rulers also along with the ruler foot and have yet to build the courage to try them on a real quilt. I'm hoping to try them on my next quilt if I don't chicken out. It takes me a lot longer to make a quilt than it does you though so it may be a while :)

Back again like a bad cold, sorry, I was just reading other comments, one was about grips.. as it happens I ordered some today, they stick on top of the ruler so you have something to hang on to. Thought they might help me with my wrists. Maybe I should take up hand gliding instead LOL

You’ll be good at by the time you finish.

Omg what a pain. If I could FMQ like you do I would toss those out. Believe me you do beautiful FMQ you sure don't need those. I wish I had you gift of FMQ🌷

I think it would be so difficult to move the quilt while holding onto the ruler. And I can't imagine doing a whole big quilt with clam shells! I wish you lots of luck.

You make me laugh! But I do love your tutorials! 😁😂💕

Omg omg u are hilarious I just found un in 2023 September 9 and let me tell u I was laughing my heart out , because I went to the quilt show and spend like over $200 on rulers and it looks so easy piece of cake 🎂 ha ha to me . I try one little heart and let me tell u I cried 😢 and still don’t know so I cut paper hearts and drew them on the quilt and sew them that way . Still need to do little hearts 😢❤️💗

Leah Day has some ruler tutorials /I am struggling trying to learn free motion quilting I am working on a beautiful quilt top photo memory quilt for my daughter her boyfriend is in the Marine Corps so I’m waiting to attach the photos and I’ve been practicing free motion quilting and I just can’t get it hard. So I’m probably going to end up doing another straight-line quilting maybe diagonally. I love your videos you are a PIP!

exactly the same thing happened to me Jean........You have to lower the foot so its only a gnats knacker away from the fabric it has to be low..........When I have my fabric under...I release the foot and then just minutely pick up the foot....and then take it slow...... and I use both cottons x

I found when I started with rulers I couldn't use the stationary ruler foot. I had to buy the hopping ruler foot for my Juki. Also I do loosen the tension a little and adjust the top knob that moves the foot up and down. You might of found it easier to start on a smaller project. I'm thinking I heard you tell everybody that in your last video. Lol

I found I have to change the tension a bit when working with a ruler foot. I have had success with a 14 quilting needle with Gutterman cotton thread and I have to use a 14 top stitch needle with King Tut cotton thread.

This is gonna sound crazy but it works. Turn your foot peddle around backwards so u can only go 1 speed, so basically its a start or stop and 1 speed. It helps stay at 1 speed. Ive also learned if u want sharp points, u have to pause just a tiny second before continuing. One more thing Mrs. Jean... get u some quilting gloves.. U need em with ruler work. Craftsy has great classes for ruler work also.

I love your videos. I agree, some videos make it look so easy. You are realistic. And I would prefer cotton thread, myself, but what are ya gonna do?

Hi Jean! Have you tried doing it with the ruler upside down? I really think that it would go faster and with less effort to hand quilt it. Good luck sweetie! Edit: I forgot to say, I think this ruler is for long arm quilting, where you have your whole quilt rolled up and stretched, move the machine only. Again, good luck!

Hi Jean 🤗 love your videos 😀 what if you just draw the shapes from the ruler onto the quilt and just quilt it using the design just a thought 😬 use it as a template

Good for you I got some with a foot and have played with them a bit I found that gloves and the slider does help to hold it all better but it's getting the positing of the ruler to end where you want I believe it's a quarter in below that finish line you have to place the ruler because the foot is a quarter in away from ruler when they butt up together watch a couple more vids, I like Amy Johnson

Sorry didn't finish seeing the whole episode about block 10. Gloria

I found some quilting rulers on Etsy. They have a grip on the back so you don't have to press so firmly. They are Creative Grids by Angela Walters.

Hahaha, you sound like me when I got those Westalee rulers, now I am a pro. Don't forget to look at the lines on the rulers for the start and finish lines and read the leaflet as it gives you hints on how to do different designs. If confused have a look at their website, or Punchandjudy.com, love Tina xxxx

I take my hat off to you, I started with a straight ruler and just lines. I did this until I got use to using the ruler and moving the quilt at the same time. Then I started focusing on relaxing my shoulders while sewing straight lines with the ruler. Only then did I move onto curves and I'm still not good at them.

GASP! Wait until Monday for the new block!?? Oh, no!! ( I do hope your weekend away is for something fun and relaxing!!)

I have seen people do this vertically instead of side, seems like it would be easier since we are use to sewing that way. I have bought one ruler. Pretty straight line..figure if I can't make a simple line I sure can't do fancy..lol. I think you will figure it out and get really good at it..seems like you were doing really good too have just tackled the challenge...☺

I also put grippys (I think I use Tight Grip) on the back side of my rulers and I do use Connecting Threads thread, but I know all machines are different.

I have a lot of patience, but heck no I would not have the patience for that ruler! On the topic of missing your upload because your away, as far as I know you can upload a video early but keep it in private, then sign into your RU-vid and then simply change it from private to public when you want it to be available to the public, might be useful for you in the future.

Free motion is enjoyable to me... rulers, not so much. Maybe with more practice it will get easier for you. I love that you share your struggles along with your success 💕

Hi Jean....I know you don't wear the gloves, but maybe they would help you move the quilt without having to press so hard....just a thought...

Jean. Got a good giggle. Aurifil has not been the perfect thread for me. I tend to use Mettler Silk Finish Your Ruler work first attempt was massive more successful than mine. A friend told me think of the ruler edge as your chalk line from your template. But you keep moving the line. And believe me, it gets easier with patience and practice. Rulers are fantastic for perfect straight lines. Never used the WesterLee feet. I use the Bernina #72 and the Janome Ruler feet

Amy Johnson does a tutorial on ruler work. .like you I’m practicing with rulers.Not as easy as it looks. liking your videos.

j’ai tellement ri en écoutant ton vidéo c’est vrai que c’est pas facile I laughed so hard listening to your video it's true that it's not easy

A Supreme Slider would allow you to move quilt better. It takes a while to get used to it and the rhythm of moving fabric.

Try lowering your presser foot closer to your quilt. Sometimes that helps.

Jane you are so funny I love love love your videos I just found them about three weeks ago so I'm going to try and catch up with your Weekly quilt blocks. I was wondering could you possibly put the camera over on your right side like by hind your shoulder or maybe on the ironing board so we could see what you're doing with that I have never seen one of those before thank U thank U thank U I love your videos

I love FMQING and tried a ruler. Just did not like it. May have to give it another go at some point. Maybe.

Hi I like using Isacord 40 wt. thread..It doesn't shred as much or break when im quilting...

I think movement would be easier if you use a slider. Makes moving quilt so much easier.

I have to use gloves to move the fabric it takes the stress out of my hands and I do find it easier to quilt with a ruler if I wear gloves.

I hope you survive! You are so funny!

I wonder how long it took Angela and Leah took to perfect using those rulers before they demo them? My friend keeps asking me if I bought them yet but still hesitant. I guess like with free motion practice practice practice.

Try a dirrerent wt thread. If your aurofil thread is 50 wt you may need 40 wt or vice versa.

Also you could try changing your stitch length back to a normal setting. I know my Brother hates to be put on a zero stitch length when I free motion or use rulers.

Love your video on rulers. I've been reviewing them and was wondering if they "user friendly". Well.....it looks like it going to take some practice!

OMG looks like your in pain :/ I know what you mean about the ruler getting away from you. But I must say you are doing a very good job, I dont know if its a good idea to make all your quilt with the ruler, it's so big, use it around the edges and free motion the rest, look at me telling you what to do LOL. I have had a go and I will try and do it ,on a smaller scale, I have metal in both wrists so I can sympathise. Loved the videos. By the way don,t worry about the Sunday block Iv not done my homework yet!!!!! don't tell. .

Eh give it up, not worth the frustration involved since you are a mighty fine free motion quilter Agree with use a template :)

Awww Jean!!! You poor thing! Check out Angie Atwood on www.sewingquarter.co.uk. She's on tomorrow morning from 9-11am UK time, but you can watch on RU-vid too. She's a Westalee ruler teacher. I think that you may find it helpful and you can email in to the show and ask any questions that you want answered. I really hope that this helps! Chin up Jean and quilt on! xxx

why can't you trace with frixon pen yr design, then fm over instead of holding the plate.. just wondering.

I always use polyester thread, its all I can afford right now, I've Never had an issue in any of my sewing. quilting rulers scare me....lol

You need to watch Midnight Quilt show she is selling and does rulers. Leah Day does some with rulers too.

I have never tried free motion i am too chicken lol

OMG You do make me laugh get them shoulders down lol

It looks to me that your quilt is getting caught up at the end of the machine bed, this will make it more difficult to move the ruler and the quilt.

Has block 10 been out? Gloria

How are you getting on with the JUKi? I love watching your posts

LOL! I feel your pain and yah, I don't like rulers telling me what to do LOL! However, I will say that when I started using my suspension system it did get way easier for me. LMBO! at "Flipaneck" LOVE IT! gonna use that one from now on SLOL! Joining you in a cup of tea (I'm a Chai Gal, myself) TFS! and still your biggest fan, lovin learning from you! (HUUUGS) and tea time Alohas to ya!

Just mark it

Oops, or is,it Punchwithjudy.com

Do u advice as to buy this machine?

This can't be good for your back.

Dont get to stressed..tea time every 5mins. Please please..

Your light is too bright