Westalee Quilting Ruler Foot

Westalee specializes in the free-motion foot, which features a high collar that runs along the edge of thick acrylic rulers, allowing you to stitch perfectly straight lines, graceful curves, and intricate geometric patterns with ease. It’s the perfect way to get the beautiful, consistent results of longarm quilting machines without needing a dedicated frame system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ruler work quilting?

Ruler work is a free-motion quilting technique where you use a special ruler foot and thick (1/4") acrylic templates to guide your stitching. Instead of moving the fabric completely by hand, you brace the ruler against the foot to create precise shapes, lines, and designs. It combines the control of guided stitching with the creative freedom of free-motion. You can master this skill in one of our quilting workshops.

How do I know if I need a High Shank or Low Shank foot?

This is the most important step! To determine your machine's shank height, lower the presser foot and then measure the distance from the center of the thumb screw to the needle plate. A low shank machine will measure approximately 1/2 inch, while a high shank will measure about 1 inch. Always choose the foot that matches your machine's shank type. If you're unsure, our product knowledge experts can help you identify your machine type.

What is included in the Westalee Ruler Foot Starter Set?

The starter set is one of the most valuable essential quilting tools for anyone new to ruler work. It typically includes the appropriate Westalee Ruler Foot (either high or low shank) and a versatile 12" Arc quilting ruler template, which is perfect for learning the technique and creating a wide variety of curved designs.

Can I use my regular acrylic cutting rulers for ruler work?

No, this is very important for your safety and to prevent machine damage. You must use quilting rulers that are 1/4 inch thick. Standard cutting rulers are too thin, and the ruler foot could slip over the edge and cause the needle to strike the ruler, resulting in a broken needle or worse. Only use specialty rulers designed for ruler quilting.

Do I need to drop my feed dogs for ruler work?

Yes. Ruler work is a form of free-motion quilting, which means you are in control of moving the fabric, not the machine's feed dogs. You must lower or cover the feed dogs on your domestic sewing machine to allow the fabric to glide smoothly in any direction as you guide it with the ruler.