Westalee Ruler Foot: How to Use It for Quilting

By Piece N Quilt | Published: 2026-10-22

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to attach and use the Westalee Ruler Foot for precise free motion quilting with rulers. Get step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and fit guidance.

Quick Answer

To use the Westalee Ruler Foot, attach the correct shank size to your machine, lower the feed dogs, and guide a quilting ruler along the foot's edge while free motion quilting. This foot lets you follow ruler shapes with precision for consistent designs.

Why the Westalee Ruler Foot Works Differently

Unlike a standard free motion foot, the Westalee Ruler Foot has a tall, cylindrical guide that sits against the edge of a quilting ruler. As you move the ruler, the foot follows it, keeping your stitching a consistent distance from the ruler edge. This lets you create straight lines, curves, and geometric shapes without drawing every line on your fabric.

The foot is designed for domestic machines and comes in Low, Medium, and High Shank sizes. Choosing the correct shank is essential for proper needle clearance and smooth movement. If you are unsure about your machine's shank type, check your manual or measure the distance from the needle plate to the presser foot mounting screw.

Trade-Offs to Know Before You Start

Ruler work requires both hands: one to hold the ruler steady and one to guide the fabric. This means you cannot hold the fabric with both hands like you might with free motion quilting. It takes practice to coordinate the ruler and fabric movement, so start with simple shapes like straight lines or gentle curves.

The ruler foot also has a limited opening, which means you need to use rulers specifically designed for ruler work. These rulers have a raised edge that the foot can grip. Standard quilting rulers may not have the right profile and can slip or cause the foot to catch.

How to Use the Westalee Ruler Foot

Attach the correct shank size: Identify your machine's shank type (Low, Medium, or High) and attach the matching Westalee Ruler Foot. If you are unsure, measure the distance from the needle plate to the presser foot screw. A wrong shank size will cause the foot to sit too high or too low, leading to uneven stitches or needle damage. Check your machine manual or measure before attaching.
Lower the feed dogs and set stitch length to zero: Disengage the feed dogs (usually with a switch or lever) and set your machine's stitch length to zero. This allows you to move the fabric freely in any direction. If you forget, the feed dogs will pull the fabric and distort your design. If the fabric resists movement, double-check that the feed dogs are fully lowered.
Install a free motion or darning needle plate: If your machine has a removable needle plate, swap it for the free motion plate (if available) or cover the hole with tape. This prevents the fabric from being pulled down into the feed dog opening. Without this, you may get skipped stitches or fabric jams. Use a plate with a small hole for best results.
Position the ruler against the foot: Place your quilting ruler on the fabric, with its edge touching the cylindrical guide of the ruler foot. Hold the ruler firmly with one hand, keeping it flat against the fabric. If the ruler lifts, the foot may slip under it, causing uneven stitching. Keep the ruler flat and steady; use a ruler with a non-slip backing if needed.
Start stitching and guide the fabric: With the needle down, begin stitching slowly. Use your other hand to move the fabric, keeping the ruler edge against the foot. Move the fabric and ruler together as a unit. If you move the ruler independently, the spacing will vary. Practice on a scrap quilt sandwich to get a feel for the rhythm.
Maintain consistent speed and pressure: Keep a steady machine speed and apply even pressure on the ruler. Jerky movements cause wavy lines or skipped stitches. If you need to stop, keep the needle down to maintain your position. Stop with the needle down to avoid shifting your place.

Product Facts

Westalee Ruler Foot: The Westalee Ruler Foot is available in Low, Medium, and High Shank sizes to fit different domestic machines. Choosing the correct shank size ensures the foot sits at the right height for even stitching and prevents needle breakage.
Westalee Ruler Foot