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.

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What Are Sewing Scissors Used For?

Fabric-specific scissors and shears are used for one thing: cutting fabric.

They should cut smoothly and cleanly and feel comfortable when you use them. You should always use the appropriate type of scissors and shears for your fabric if you want them to last and you want your fabric to cut cleanly.

Using your sewing scissors to cut anything but fabric is a quick way to ruin a good, and possibly expensive, pair of scissors. Keep them sheathed or otherwise properly stored when not in use and always use a different pair of scissors for paper and other non-fabric cutting applications.

Choosing the Right Scissors for Your Fabric

Different types of scissors have specific functions, such as spring-mounted thread clippers, which are perfect for opening buttonholes and snipping off thread ends in everyday sewing. Dressmaker shears are designed to cut just about any type of fabric, from fine silks and cotton to the heaviest denim and leather.  Synthetics tend to shred a little with dressmaker shears and standard fabric scissors, so serrated-edged scissors are a much better choice. These Mundial shears have cushioned handles and micro-serrated stainless steel edges that ensure clean cuts without slipping.

What to Look for In A Pair of Scissors or Shears + -

Of course, you want to look for a good quality brand. At Goldstar Tool, we carry brands like Mundial, Wescott, Wiss, and our own Goldstar brand of scissors. Scissors can be expensive, but price isn’t always a good indicator of how good they are. Just because they are pricey does not automatically make them good. Stainless steel forged blades are strong, sharp, and will last a long time. When choosing a good pair of blades, you should ask yourself… Are they comfortable? If they don’t feel right when you’re cutting, they’re not right for you. A good pair of shears should be sharp and cut cleanly through your fabric from the start to the end. Of course, with use, they may need sharpening, which should restore them to a like-new condition. However, if they don’t cut well when they’re new, sharpening really won’t help, and it may be time to invest in a better pair. When you buy new shears or scissors, ask yourself… Is it the right type for your needs? Do you need a longer set of dressmaker shears, or would a pair of offset scissors work better? Will they cut thin fabrics as well as thicker fabrics, or do you need a separate pair for heavier materials? Remember that a good pair of scissors is an investment, so put some thought into your choice and be sure to take care of them. Repeatedly buying inexpensive scissors that you throw away can add up to a costly expense. 

Types of Shears + -

Dressmaker shears are the most important scissors to have. Heavier than traditional scissors, they’re designed to cut fabrics of all types and typically do so very well. These Mundial shears are engineered for right-handed or left-handed users, and come in 6”, 7” and 8” models (including left-handed 8”.) Our Goldstar brand 8-inch forged stainless steel shears cut the entire length of the blade, all the way to the tip. If you prefer pinking shears, we have two types from the GoldStar line. Our heavy-duty shears have classic metal handles, and the other has cushioned plastic handles. For the quilter, Mundial professional quilting scissors in either 5 ½,” 8 ½, or 9 ½” offer soft grip cushioned insert handles for comfort and extended use.  Do you enjoy applique work? Our Mundial applique scissors help you make quick work of trimming around appliques, as well as evenly trimming Are buttonholes your nemesis? Our exclusive buttonhole scissors have a screw that stops you from cutting through your carefully made buttonholes. Safer than regular scissors or a scalpel, the screw limits your cutting length, so you cut exactly the length you need.

Other Cutting Products + -

Keep your scissors handy with a leather belt/hip holster, animal print belt holster or a lanyard that hangs around your neck. These will keep your shears handy and always available. Rotary cutters are a great way to do precise, fast cuts with ease. Goldstar Tool’s rotary cutters make fast work of whatever you need to cut. We also carry the replacement blades for all of our rotary cutting tools. Straight paper cutting is fast and easy with Westcott Titanium Bonded Paper Trimmer. It trims up to ten sheets of paper quickly with a completely safe, no-touch covered blade assembly.

Caring for Your Shears and Scissors

Caring for Your Shears and Scissors

Keeping Your Shears and Scissors in Tip Top Shape + -

The first thing you should NEVER do is cut anything but fabric with your scissors and shears intended for fabrics. The second is to never cut into a pin or needle since it will damage them permanently. When you’re finished using your shears, the best thing you can do is wipe the blades with a dry cloth to remove lint, threads, dust, and other small particles that can make them harder to use. Synthetic fibers can also dull the blades. Clean away the dry particles after every use. Keep your shears and scissors working smoothly with a small drop of quality sewing machine oil in the fulcrum or the pivot screw. Carefully open and close them a few times (point down) to distribute the oil, and wipe them, spreading some of the remnant oil over the blades. You want to oil your scissors and shears about once a month, more if you use them daily.  Of course, be careful not to drop them, or they could be damaged to the point of being unworkable.

Sharpening Your Shears and Scissors + -

When they just don’t cut like they used to, sharpening is a must to prevent damage to your fabrics. You may have heard that cutting through aluminum foil steel wool and/or sandpaper as a way to quickly sharpen your dulled scissors. Despite their popularity, we don’t recommend these methods. Think about it—if you shouldn’t use your sewing shears and scissors for paper and other things, or attempt to cut through a pin or needle, why would you use either of these to sharpen a blade? There are better ways to sharpen your shears at home or in your commercial shop. Need something small and efficient to keep around? These handy Scissors And Blade Sharpeners are economical, convenient, and sharpen on the fly. Our ExtremEdge V2 Knife and Shear Sharpener is a fast, easy way to sharpen non-serrated scissors and knives safely. The bottom section holds it in place for simple one-handed operation, and it’s sold for a reasonable price. If you have more than a few pairs of scissors, sending them out for sharpening can shut down operations. Our Wolff Industrial Twice as Sharp Scissor Sharpening System is an investment that will save you and your workers time and money, and keep your scissor arsenal sharp and cutting perfectly every time. Priced at under $500, you can sharpen your tools in-house whenever you need to. Plus, it comes with instructions so that anyone can learn to use it for fast on-demand sharpening.  Pinking shears, like our own soft-handled or heavy-duty shears, are best sharpened by a professional. There’s no reason to keep working with dull scissors and shears. Get one of our exclusive sharpening tools today.