Pixel Ruler™ FAQs
What is the Pixel Ruler™?
The Pixel Ruler™ was designed specifically to make trimming and aligning pixel quilt blocks easier. The clear 6.5" ruler uses a center-based alignment system, so you can use the seams in your block to help accurately position and square it before trimming.
What size block does the Pixel Ruler™ trim?
The Pixel Ruler™ trims blocks to 6.5" unfinished, which results in a 6" finished block once it's sewn into your quilt.
What size pixels is the Pixel Ruler™ designed for?
The ruler is designed for 8 x 8 pixel blocks made with ¾" finished pixels.
Will the Pixel Ruler™ be made in more sizes?
Yes, I am currently working on a version that supports 1” finished pixels equating to an 8” finished block. This ruler would measure 8.5 inches. If you have a specific size in mind, please reach out through my Contact Page. I'd love to hear your ideas!
Can I use the Pixel Ruler™ with patterns that aren't part of the Pixel Pattern Series?
Absolutely! You can use it with any pixel quilt pattern that uses ¾" finished pixels with a 6" finished block.
Can I use the Pixel Ruler™ for regular quilt blocks?
Yes! Even though I designed it specifically for pixel quilting, the easy center-alignment system can also be used to trim and square any 6.5" quilt block.
Why does the Pixel Ruler™ align from the center?
When I'm working with pixel blocks, I want to see where the seams of my block are actually falling. Center alignment gives me another reference point instead of relying only on the outside edges of the block, helping me keep my pixels centered and consistent as I trim.
What are the openings in the Pixel Ruler™ for?
I added the alignment openings so you can easily see important seam intersections underneath the ruler and position the ruler more accurately before trimming.
How thick is the Pixel Ruler™?
The Pixel Ruler™ is made from 3 mm clear acrylic, giving it a sturdy feel while still allowing you to easily see your fabric and seams underneath.
Can I use a rotary cutter with the Pixel Ruler™?
Yes. The Pixel Ruler™ is designed to be used as a quilting ruler for trimming your blocks with a rotary cutter.
Do I have to own a Pixel Ruler™ to make a Pixel Pattern?
No. You can purchase and make any of my patterns without the Pixel Ruler™. I designed the ruler to make trimming, squaring, and aligning the blocks easier, but it isn't required to make the patterns.
Why doesn’t the Pixel Ruler™ have a sticky or non-slip backing?
The Pixel Ruler™ is intentionally designed without a sticky backing. When aligning your ruler with the center seams of your pixel block, you need to be able to spin and reposition the ruler freely until everything lines up just right.
Sticky or non-slip material can grab the fabric too soon, making those small alignment adjustments more difficult. By keeping the back smooth, you can easily rotate the ruler into position, align your block, and then hold it securely in place when you’re ready to trim.
With the Pixel Ruler™, movement during alignment is a feature - not a flaw.
Can I add sticky grips or sticky spray to the back of my Pixel Ruler™?
Absolutely! You can add sticky grips, or any other non-slip product that works best for your style of quilting. I designed the Pixel Ruler™ without a permanent non-slip backing so you have the flexibility to use it the way that feels most comfortable to you. If adding grips gives you more control when trimming, go for it!
Pixel Pattern FAQs
What are Pixel Ruler™ Patterns?
I created my Pixel Ruler™ Patterns to introduce quilters to the fun of pixel quilting and hopefully inspire them to create their very own custom pixel quilts!
I discovered that many quilters were excited to try the Pixel Ruler™ but weren't quite ready to commit to a full-size pixel quilt. So, I designed a collection of smaller, fun patterns that let you experience pixel quilting without taking on a large project.
While these patterns are a blast to make on their own, my ultimate goal is to spark your creativity and give you the confidence to design something uniquely yours.
Think of my patterns as a starting point. The real magic happens when you take what you've learned and turn your own ideas into a custom pixel quilt, one pixel at a time!
Are Pixel Ruler™ Patterns beginner friendly?
Yes! If you can cut fabric and sew a consistent ¼" seam, you can learn pixel quilting. The finished designs may look complicated, but they're created one manageable section at a time.
What pattern collections are available?
I'm continually growing the Pixel Ruler™ Pattern Series. Current collections include Pixel Petals, Pixel Pals, Pixel Patchwork, Gnomie Homies, Pixel Vibes, Pixel Fall, and Pixel Holidays.
Can I change the colors shown in a pattern?
Please do! I choose colors to create the original design, but I love seeing quilters make my patterns their own. Change the colors, use your favorite fabrics, or coordinate the project with your own décor.
Do I need special fabric for Pixel Patterns?
No. Standard quilting cotton works beautifully. I recommend choosing fabrics with enough contrast between colors so the pixel design is easy to see when the quilt is assembled. Also chose solid fabrics or fabric with very small design and texture as busy prints can lose detail or distort the finished image.
Why can’t I see the image in my finished project?
Take a few steps back! Pixel quilts are designed to be viewed from a distance. Stand back at least 10 feet and watch as all those individual pixels come together to reveal the image. Sometimes a little distance makes all the difference!
How large will my finished quilt be?
Finished sizes vary by pattern. You'll find the finished dimensions and any additional border information in the individual pattern description.
Can I enlarge a Pixel Pattern or add borders?
Yes. Borders are a great way to make your finished project larger without changing the pixel artwork itself. Any borders you add are completely up to you.
Can I teach a class using one of your Pixel Patterns?
My patterns are for personal use by the original purchaser. They may not be used to teach a class or workshop without my prior written permission. If you're interested in teaching one of my designs, please contact me.
Purchasing & Kit FAQs
Can I purchase multiple patterns at a discounted price?
Yes! I offer volume discounts when purchasing multiple patterns. You can mix and match your favorites from across my pattern collections and save when you purchase more.
Can I purchase just the PDF version of a pattern?
Yes! If you prefer an instant download, you can purchase the PDF version of my patterns separately. Visit the PDF Downloads collection to choose your favorites. Your PDF will be available electronically after purchase, so there’s no shipping charge and no waiting for the mail!
Can I purchase a pattern without buying the ruler?
Yes. Every design can be purchased as a pattern only option.
What is the Starter Kit?
The Starter Kit gives you the pattern you've selected along with a Pixel Ruler™, so you have the pattern and the ruler designed to help you trim, square, and align your pixel blocks.
What is the Essentials Kit?
The Essentials Kit gives you the tools you need to piece and trim your pixel blocks while keeping your project organized along the way. It includes your selected Pixel Ruler™ pattern, a Pixel Ruler™, a design board, and a project bag.
What is the difference between the Starter Kit and Essentials Kit?
The Starter Kit includes the pattern and Pixel Ruler™. The Essentials Kit includes everything in the Starter Kit plus a design board and project bag for organizing your blocks and keeping your project together. Please Note: design board and project bag colors may vary based on availability. While colors may differ from those pictured, the size and function will remain the same.
What is the design board used for?
The design board gives you a portable surface for laying out and organizing your pixel pieces and blocks as you work. It makes it easier to keep everything in place while moving between your cutting, sewing, and pressing areas.
What is the project bag used for?
The project bag is a convenient way to keep your pattern, fabric pieces, blocks, and other project materials together. It’s especially handy for taking your pixel project to a class, retreat, guild meeting, or sew day.
I already own a Pixel Ruler™. Do I need another one with every pattern?
No! Once you have your Pixel Ruler™, you can simply purchase additional patterns using the pattern only option.
Are the patterns sold individually?
Yes. You can choose the individual design you want from any of my Pixel Ruler™ Pattern collections.
Will you be adding more patterns?
Definitely! I have lots of ideas, and I'll continue adding new designs and expanding the Pixel Ruler™ Pattern collections.
Can I suggest ideas for future Pixel Ruler™ Patterns?
Absolutely! I love hearing your creative ideas! I'm always dreaming up new designs for my Pixel Ruler™ pattern collections, and I'd love to know what you'd like to see next.
Have a favorite animal, flower, holiday, or something completely outside the box? Send me your suggestions through my Contact Page!
While I can't promise every idea will become a pattern, you never know... your suggestion might just inspire my next design! Keep those creative ideas coming!
Where can I go to turn my own image into a pixel quilt?
I prefer www.pixelquilts.com for turning your own image into a pixelated quilt design as their patterns are very easy to read and contain all the fabric requirements and cutting instructions. There are other pixel quilting websites and programs available, so I recommend finding the one that works best for you and your project.
Is the Pixel Ruler™ affiliated with Pixel Quilts?
No. The Pixel Ruler™ is an independently created quilting tool and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Pixel Quilts. I personally enjoy and recommend www.pixelquilts.com as one option for turning your own images into pixelated quilt designs, but the two businesses are completely separate.
Why did you create the Pixel Ruler™?
I created the Pixel Ruler™ because I wanted an easier way to accurately trim and align my pixel quilt blocks. I wanted to be able to see my seams, find the center of my block quickly, and trim consistently without covering everything up with unnecessary markings. What started as a solution for my own quilting eventually became the Pixel Ruler™ - built around one simple idea: See your block, not your ruler.
Workshops
Do you offer Pixel Ruler™ workshops?
I'm currently fine-tuning the details of my Pixel Ruler™ workshops. My goal is to bring fun, hands-on pixel quilting experiences to quilt shops, guilds, and retreats. If you're interested in hosting or attending a workshop, please reach out through my Contact Page. I'd love to hear from you!
Do I need experience with pixel quilting to attend?
Not at all! My workshops are designed to introduce quilters to the fun of pixel quilting. Whether you're brand new to pixel quilting or have already made a few, I'll help you learn how to use the Pixel Ruler™ to trim, align, and piece your blocks with confidence. Basic sewing and quilting experience is recommended.
What will I learn in a Pixel Ruler™ workshop?
I'll walk you through the basics of pixel quilting, including fabric preparation, cutting, block construction, and using the Pixel Ruler™ for accurate trimming and alignment. My goal is to help you understand the process so you can eventually take what you've learned and create your own custom pixel quilt!
Do I need to bring my own Pixel Ruler™?
The Pixel Ruler™ is an important part of the workshop experience! I'm still finalizing the workshop packages and supply requirements, so I'll provide a complete supply list before each scheduled class. That way, you'll know exactly what to bring and what will be included.
Can my quilt guild or local quilt shop host a workshop?
Yes, please! I'd love to bring a Pixel Ruler™ workshop to your quilt guild, local quilt shop, or quilting retreat. I'm currently working out the scheduling and hosting details. If your group is interested, send me a message through my Contact Page, and we can start the conversation!
Will I complete a project during the workshop?
My workshops will focus on giving you the skills and confidence to create pixel quilts using the Pixel Ruler™. Depending on the workshop format and project selected, you may complete your project during class or finish it at home. Either way, you'll leave with hands-on experience and the knowledge to keep creating! Oh, and a cute little Pixel Ruler™ project!
How can I find out when workshops are available?
I'm working behind the scenes to get everything ready! Workshop announcements and scheduling information will be shared on my website as details become available. In the meantime, feel free to reach out through my Contact Page to express your interest.
I look forward to quilting with you!
Any other questions...
What if I have a question that isn't answered here?
With this many FAQs, I find that hard to believe! But hey, I can't think of everything. :-)
If I have missed something though, head on over to my Contact Page and send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! And who knows? Your question just might earn a spot on this never-ending FAQ list!