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Tools & Equipment

Wedge Ruler

A specialty acrylic ruler cut in a wedge or fan shape for cutting Dresden Plate and Kaleidoscope pieces.

A wedge ruler is a specialty quilting ruler shaped as a symmetrical trapezoid or fan section, used to cut the wedge-shaped pieces needed for Dresden Plate, Kaleidoscope, and wheel-type blocks. The angled sides of the ruler are precisely calculated so that a specific number of wedges (8, 12, 16, or 20) will join into a complete circle. Wedge rulers come with instructions for the correct cutting position and trim lines for pointed or rounded tips. They eliminate the need for paper templates and greatly speed up wedge-based blocks.

Related Terms

Dresden PlateAn appliqué block made from fan-shaped wedges sewn together in a circle, resembling decorative china.Kaleidoscope BlockA block made from identical wedge-shaped pieces cut from the same fabric repeat, creating a mirror-image kaleidoscope effect.Quilting RulerA thick, clear acrylic ruler used with a rotary cutter to make precise cuts.

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