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Stripology: A Strip-Cutting Game Changer

Written by: Abigail Kelly

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Time to read: 2 min

Strip Cutting Has Never Been This Easy

Strip-cutting can be a tedious and time consuming task. With traditional quilt rulers, you make a cut, move your ruler, make a cut, and repeat. The Stripology rulers are different. This series of rulers by Creative Grids allows you to cut as many as 10 (1" on the Stripology XL) strips at a time! The Stripology rulers feature a series of slats that allow you to insert your rotary cutter blade at ½" increments to make this feat possible. Today's article will look the Stripology XL and the Stripology Quarters Mini.

Stripology by Creative Grids in action

How to Use Stripology

Begin by folding your fabric in half, matching up the selvedges. Fold in half once more. Your fabric should now be folded in quarters.

Adjust the fabric so that the raw edge overhangs the first vertical slat (see photo below). Line the folded edge up with one of the horizontal lines on the ruler. Cut strips to desired size.

Stripology by Creative Grids in action

Stripology's Life-Changing Features

Stripology, like all of Creative Grids' rulers, features a non-slip backing. The backing doesn't prevent you from positioning the ruler on your fabric, but once you apply pressure to the ruler, it doesn't move! I've used other brands of rulers and had them move while I was cutting and ruin my fabric. While this can still happen with Creative Grids, it's less severe and so much less frequent. But if you apply enough pressure, it should stay put. All I can say is, I'll never use another brand of quilting ruler

The Stripology XL is capable of cutting in ½" increments. The ruler features 3 different markings: Besides the 1" marks, there are stars to guide you in cutting 1½" strips, and squares to guide you in cutting 2½". This allows you to cut a variety of standard strip sizes without stopping to do the math!

The Stripology XL ruler features a total cutting width of 20" and a depth of 14¾".

Stripology by Creative Grids
Stripology XL

The Stripology Quarters Mini works just like the Stripology XL, however, this one features ¼" increments and comes in a compact size. a total cutting width of 6¼". The alternating Slits are 8" and 9½".

Stripology by Creative Grids
Stripology Quarter Mini

Tips for Success

01. Do not use a rotary cutter larger than 45mm. I've tried the 60mm rotary cutter and it doesn't work the greatest.

02. When cutting things like 3½" strips, use washi tape to mark your cuts before you begin cutting. That way, you can figure it out before and won’t have to do math on the fly

03. Be sure to press down firmly on each slat as you cut. This will ensure that your cuts are straight and precise. Just make sure your fingers are out of the way of your blade!

The Perfect Companion To A Stripology: Strip-pieced quilt patterns

These 4 quilt patterns all feature strip-piecing. A Stripology Ruler will cut your cutting time in half!

Abigail Kelly | Quilter, Teacher, Designer

About The Author

Hello there, I'm Abigail! 

I've been quilting on and off since the age of 8! I have always loved quilts and quilting. I also love teaching about quilting and helping others to get started in this wonderful craft! My non-quilting hobbies include sewing, baking, and hand embroidery. You can find me on IG @abigaildkelly where I share snippets of work and life!

Comments

Hi Margot! So glad you found it useful!

Abigail | Lindley General Store

Great article! Thanks for all the info about this method and ruler.

Margot Austin

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