catladyquilts

You can use a regular ruler, but the add-a-quarter has the lip on it that keeps your ruler from slipping. I used to use a regular ruler until it shifted and I cut the block in half. The ruler comes in 6", 12" and there is an add-an-eight for mini's. I wouldn't think of paper piecing without them.

PaperPrincess

It makes it soooo much easier, but it's not necessary. The lip really helps. It's under $10 and well worth the price

new2q

I love paper piecing....it is kind of a no brainer and the add-a-quarter ruler just goes right along with the no brainer theory. I have two lengths in the add a quarter rulers and I use them all of the time. I don't have to think or be real careful.....the rulers are fool proof.

Becky Crafts

I don't use the add a quarter ruler for that. I can eyeball it good enough & just trim it off. You could use one of the rulers marked with 1/4 inch increments that you already have if you want to or make a template of your own from cardboard or plastic.

DogHouseMom

I have to admit (never having seen a PP video) I had NO idea where you would use/need an add-a-quarter ruler. I read "snuggle it up against the paper" and I was thinking that you were working with paper patterns that did not have the 1/4" seam allowance printed on the outside edge. So I went to the video and saw where she is using the add-a-quarter ruler.

I had never considered trimming the seam allowance on the first piece until AFTER I've attached the second piece. IOW ... I sew the seam first then just use scissors to whack off my seam allowance!!

So from my point of view I think it's an extra an unnecessary step.

pocoellie

I've paper pieced quite a few quilts and have always just used my regular ruler and have never had any kinds of problems.

BellaBoo

I learned to paper piece without the add a quarter ruler. After using the ruler I wouldn't want to paper piece without it. It makes the process easier and fool proof. The only way to know is to use one. The ones that don't have it will say you don't need it. The ones that do have it will say give you a first hand review good or bad.

Helen S

I don' t believe in buying every ruler out there, just the ones that I think I need to get the job done properly. I find that a regular ruler works just fine, and if you get the little dots that go on the back of the ruler to keep it slipping you'll solve that issue, too. MUCH cheaper, less storage needed, etc. Yeah, (sigh) I'm cheap! lol

hevemi

One can do without it but once I bought the ruler I almost always use it. Sometimes if I'm really busy ( spelled b-u-s-y; pronounced l-a-z-y) I may just eyeball trimming a very small section.I do PP with freezer paper folding, not sewing through the paper. It's so easy to line the ruler against the paper edge to trim my piece after sewing.

AnnieH

Agree.
Annie