Special Rulers For Finding The Center

A review of Center-It Rulers from Clearview Rulers

Click the picture to visit the Center-It Web page

Clearview Rulers' Center-It Set is a set of three rulers used to determine the exact center of an object or to center one object on another. The smallest is 6" long, the medium is 12", and the largest is 18". These rulers are different from other quilting rulers in four ways.

The first, most obvious difference is the way the measurements are marked on the Center-It rulers. The zero point is in the center of the ruler, and the numbers count out from the center equally in both directions along the ruler's edges. The 6" ruler has a 0 in the middle and a 3" mark on each end. The 12" has a 6" mark on each end, and the 18" has a 9" mark on each end.

The second difference is that you can use the rulers from either side. One side is marked clearly in black, making it easy to see against light fabrics and backgrounds. The opposite side is marked in a yellow-gold color that is easy to see on dark backgrounds. You only see one color at a time, depending on the face that is up. This is typical of Clearview Rulers' design for all their rulers.

I like this feature over the two-colors-on-one-side rulers because the lines for the measurements can be kept narrow. This means there is no confusion about which side of the line to use for measuring. This feature makes it easier to get more accurate measurements.

The ruler marks used for increments is the third difference. The Center-It Set has not only 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" marks, but also 1/16" marks, too. This is real good for drawing patterns or templates, especially those with small pieces or sizes that need to be rounded to the nearest line. The lines are not only there, they are also long enough to see easily, so it is easy to mark precise points.

The final difference is the numbers that indicate the inch marks. The numbers are printed twice on each side, just off the lengthwise center line. The set of numbers printed above the center line is printed the way we would write the numbers. The numbers below the center line are a mirror image of the numbers above. At first I thought the backward numbers would be confusing, but in using the rulers I found the backward numbers weren't confusing at all.

The Center-It Set can be used for measuring, drawing, and marking on fabric or paper, but these aren't cutting rulers. They're too thin to use safely with a rotary cutter.

I enjoyed using these rulers for placing applique pieces on a block. I didn't have to draw the designs on the fabric. I just put dots on the block where the applique piece would appear. I use the prepared piece method of applique, where the piece is basted, glued, or fused before it is put to the background, so I can see the actual size of the piece and find the exact spot to place it.

The Center-It Set has an advantage over other drawing rulers in having large numbers and long tick marks on the edge for the fractions of an inch. This is a big advantage to tired and not-so-young eyes.

The best part about these helpful rulers is the price: only $4.99 for the set. Believe it or not, they are sold separately, too, so you could get just the one you want.

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