In this episode, Melanie pulls back the curtain on her Quilting with Rulers Academy, a step-by-step online course designed to help you finish your quilts with confidence using ruler quilting on your home machine. Learn why rulers are a game changer, what’s inside the course, and how real students are transforming their quilting.
Links Mentioned:
Join the Quilting with Rulers Academy → bit.ly/QuiltingAcademy
Follow Melanie on Instagram → instagram.com/TheMelanieGrace
Ready to beat the holiday hustle? It’s Christmas in July! In this episode, I’m sharing my best tips for quilting FAST — so you can tackle your gift list without losing your quilting mojo. Whether you’re finishing UFOs or starting fresh, you’ll learn how ruler work, the right tools, and smart project choices make all the difference.
In This Episode:
✅ Why July is the perfect time to plan your holiday quilt gifts
✅ My favorite “quick-win” projects — think small bags, wallets, and table runners
✅ How ruler quilting saves time with clean, consistent lines
✅ Why cork and vinyl from Sallie Tomato are my go-tos for stylish gifts — plus, I’m a Certified Educator and can teach you how to sew them!
✅ Must-have tools for smooth ruler work — including my favorite rulers:
Quilting Gloves
✅ Why I love my Juki TL-18 for precision ruler work
✨ Ready to master ruler quilting?
Join my Quilting With Rulers Academy and finish more quilts with confidence — holiday gifts included!
Sign up here!
If you loved this episode…
Leave a review, share it with a quilting friend, and tag me on Instagram!
Let’s quilt together — faster and happier.
You’ve got your ruler foot. You’ve got your favorite ruler. But your quilt? That thing is sliding, shifting, and bunching like it has a mind of its own! In today’s episode, we’re talking about the one skill that separates frustration from fun in ruler quilting: how you hold and control your quilt while you stitch.
If you’ve ever felt like your quilt top is breakdancing under the needle — this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why quilt control is half the battle in ruler work
The tools I recommend to help you grip, glide, and guide with confidence
Quilting posture and hand positioning tips
Troubleshooting bumps, drags, and wobbly stitches
How slowing down actually speeds up your quilting success
My favorite pro tips (plus a few dad jokes!)
Mentioned in This Episode – Must-Have Tools:
Quilting GlovesBetter grip, less slip! These help control fabric without tension in your hands.
Shop quilting gloves on Amazon (affiliate)
Slip Mat / Supreme SliderReduces drag and helps your quilt glide across the machine bed.
Find one at Sewing Parts Online (affiliate)
Grippy SprayMy go-to to keep rulers from sliding on fabric while quilting.
Get Grippy Spray on Amazon (affiliate)
Silly Moon Quilting RulersA favorite for beginner-friendly, beautiful designs.
Shop Silly Moon Rulers (affiliate)
My Sewing Machine: Juki TL-18It’s a powerhouse for domestic ruler quilting.
View it on Sewing Parts Online (affiliate)
Extension Table or Drop-In Table
Support that quilt! More space equals less frustration.Shop tables and extensions here (affiliate)
Show Notes:
Curious about quilting with rulers but unsure where to start? In this episode, I break down the exact tools, tips, and techniques you need as a beginner to start quilting with confidence. Whether you've just heard of a "ruler foot" or you're already drooling over arc designs—this episode is for YOU!
💬 Here’s what you’ll learn:
What ruler quilting is (and why it’s magic ✨)
The essential tools every beginner should have
My favorite rulers for swoops, straight lines, and simple grids
How to avoid slippery situations (Grippy Spray to the rescue!)
Designs that are perfect for beginners: straight lines, curves, crosshatching, echo quilting, and ditch-stitching
🧵 Mentioned Supplies (affiliate links):
📥 Grab the Freebie:
🧷 Beginner Ruler Quilting Setup Checklist – Download the PDF
🎓 Ready to go from ruler rookie to confident quilter?Join my full online course: Quilting with Rulers Academy👉 Enroll or join the waitlist here
Today we’re talking all about the mighty walking foot: why it’s a beginner’s best friend and why I eventually upgraded to quilting with rulers!
Learn how to set up your walking foot, what kinds of projects it’s perfect for, and when you might want to try ruler quilting instead.
👉 Ready to dive into ruler quilting? Join me inside The Quilting with Rulers Academy today at https://bit.ly/QuitingAcademy
www.TheMelanieGrace.com
www.SewMelanie.com
www.ety.com/shop/TheMelanieGrace
In today’s episode, we’re rolling back the rotary cutter and diving into the fascinating evolution of quilting rulers! From hand-traced cardboard templates to acrylic innovations and ruler work quilting on domestic machines — we cover it all.
You’ll learn:
🧵 How the rotary cutter changed quilting forever in 1979
📏 Why acrylic rulers became the gold standard in the 80s & 90s
🪡 The rise of ruler work quilting on longarms and domestic machines
🌏 The global innovation from Westalee Design and Sew Steady
🎓 Why knowing the history empowers your modern quilt practice
Links & Resources:
🔗 Enroll in the Quilting with Rulers Academy — www.SewMelanie.com/academy
🎥 Watch the tutorial series on YouTube — youtube.com/melaniegracemusic
🧵 Shop quilting rulers & feet – affiliate links in the description!
CTA:
If you’ve got quilting rulers collecting dust, now’s your chance to learn how to use them with confidence. Join me in the Quilting With Rulers Academy today and bring those quilt tops to life!
Let’s connect:
📸 Instagram: @SewMelanie
📧 Email List: Get weekly quilting tips at SewMelanie.com
Welcome to the Quilting with Rulers Podcast! The podcast dedicated to finishing quilts with our domestic machines!
Discover the art of ruler quilting with Melanie Grace, founder of TheMelanieGrace brand and the Quilting with Rulers Academy. Each episode offers practical techniques, creative inspiration, and expert insights to help you create stunning quilting designs with precision and confidence.
Whether you're new to ruler work or looking to enhance your skills, join our weekly episodes for tutorials, interviews, and tips that will transform your quilting projects. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and be part of our growing community of creative quilters.
Follow and Subscribe!
https://www.sewmelanie.com
https://www.instagram.com/TheMelanieGrace
https://themelaniegrace.myflodesk.com/waitlist
Quilting with Rulers Podcast
Unlock the secrets of precision quilting! Join your host as we dive deep into the world of ruler quilting, breaking down techniques, sharing inspiring stories, and empowering quilters of all levels to create stunning, professional-quality quilts.
Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, "Quilting with Rulers" is your go-to podcast for turning fabric into art. New episodes every week!
🧵 Transform your quilting. Master your craft. Create with confidence.
#QuiltingPodcast #RulerQuilting #CreativeCrafts
What You'll Discover: