Add-A-Quarter Ruler makes adding a seam allowance easy!

The Add-A-Quarter ruler is a transparent ruler (6" or 12" long) that has a 1/4" mark on the whole length of it. If you have ever made your own templates for a quilt block, you know that adding an accurate seam allowance to them is important. This ruler helps you do that.

There are a few different ways to use the Add-A-Quarter ruler. Here are two ways that I use this wonderful little tool.

First Way - (1) I trace the actual pattern piece onto tissue paper and cut it out. (2) I lay the tissue pattern piece on a piece of cardboard or other material that I plan to use as my final template and trace around it. (3) I line up one side of my template that is drawn on the cardboard with the 1/4" mark on the ruler and draw along the outside edge of the ruler. This marks the cutting line. (4) Repeat step 3 for each side of the pattern piece. (5) After all sides are complete, I cut out the template on the newly marked cutting lines and it is ready to use.

Second way - If I am going to use the template to cut only a few pieces, I will lay the actual size tissue paper template on my fabric. Then I line up the Add-A-Quarter ruler along each edge and copy the cutting line right onto the fabric. You have to be careful not to let the template slip on the fabric or your cutting lines will not be accurate.

The Add-A-Quarter ruler will make template-making a much easier process for you. And with more accurate pieces, sewing your blocks together will also be easier!

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