I love a random tool I didn’t know I needed but ends up being the best thing since sliced bread. Odds are, you probably do to, which is why I’ve reviewed everything from cross stitch travel scissors to cross stitch identification cards and scissors that make frogging easy. However, all of those have something in common; they’re all tools for cross stitch. Today, I want to review a tool that is a fantastic addition to a cross stitchers arsenal, but one that wasn’t make for cross stitch; one that was made for woodwork.
The Center Finding Ruler
It’s not often that the worlds of cross stitch combine with the worlds of any heavy production and tooling, but quality woodwork is all about finesse, something every cross stitcher can relate to. Sadly, due to the nature of both, tools can rarely be shared, but this one can. Enter the world of a center finding ruler.
This little baby can be metal (and usually is for woodwork) but also comes in a handy floppy clear plastic. It works like a ruler, but the zero is right in the center, meaning you can measure out, and find the center of anything your measuring.
So why would I want one?
In a word; to find the center. Cleverly named product, right? But seriously, finding the center of your fabric is something everyone does when starting a new project, and the ruler is a great alternative to the typical folding technique (or the less clever, guesstimate technique). However, it’s not just an alternative. I would argue, it’s superior.
I like the folding technique, it’s simple and it gets the job done, but there’s one thing that really annoys me about it. The folds stay there, especially if you’re using a stiff aida. Now I know I could just iron it once finshed but sometimes this just doesn’t get them out, especially if they’ve been folded a long time (which is why you should store your fabric in tubes). You can push down harder, but no one wants to damage their work, and there are people that don’t wash or iron their cross stitch at all.
And so, a simple ruler comes to the rescue. Instead of folding your fabric, just place the ruler on, measure and you have the perfect center, without any folds or marks.
Where to get one
As its a non-cross stitch product, the best place to pick one of these up is Amazon, where they go for about $4. As I said earlier, I would get the floppy clear kind as it hugs the fabric better and means you can work with weird geometries if you have any.
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cross stitch patterns start from the center?
In order to ensure you position your design correctly on your fabric, many cross stitchers start from the center of the design and work outwards. However, on larger designs, or designs where placement is less important, you can start anywhere within the pattern.
What’s the easiest way to find the fabric center?
Using a middle finding ruler is the easiest way to find the center of your cross stitch fabric, but if you do not have one of these to hand, fold the fabric in half, and then half in the other direction. Once unfolded the point where the two folds meet will be the center of the fabric.
Can I start a cross stitch from a corner instead?
Yes, you can start a cross stitch from the corner, but doing so may result in poor placement of your design on the fabric, so ensure you have left enough space if you wish to start on a corner.
Great tip! I use rulers all the time to find the centre of any kind of fabric 🙂 But a normal one so it needs some clever math… XD