Use symbols for inches (straight quotation marks), percent, and degrees in text materials for quilting projects (how-to) and when referring to quilting products and materials. No other symbols should be used in text materials.
Use a 2×4″ rectangle.
Select 100% cotton fabric.
Do you have 35 cents?
For degrees in measurements or temperatures, use the degree symbol (option-shift-8). Temperatures also should include the abbreviation for Fahrenheit (with no space between). For temperatures below 0F, use a minus sign (hyphen), not an en dash.
Cut at a 45° angle.
The plant is hardy to at least -5°F.
Abbreviate number as No. in text material when it precedes a figure.
Use a skein of No. 6 yarn for the project. (not #6)
Exception:
Use the # symbol with product numbers and paintbrush sizes.
Use a #2 liner brush to finish the treatment.
For all dimensions, connect the numbers using Dimension X. (Select text, then navigate to Window/Automation/Scripts and select “Convert Characters.” If this script is not installed on your computer, see a staff copy editor.)
Use a 2×4″ rectangle.
Use the dollar sign with specific dollar amounts.
The fabric costs $20.
Ranges
Use an en dash (option-hyphen) to represent “to” between figures, including fractions, except in quilting materials lists and where hanging hyphens are used.
31⁄2″–4″
the years 1970–73
pages 5–15
23–28 percent increase
Symbols are acceptable for tables, charts, and notations on drawings, but use them consistently throughout.
” (inch, inches)
‘ (foot, feet)
° (degree, degrees)
% (percent)
$ (dollar, dollars)
¢ (cent, cents—except with decimals)
Use symbols, such as ampersands, in company names if that is how the company refers to itself. Leave space around an ampersand separating words, but not around one separating initials.
It’s manufactured by Smith & Co.
It’s manufactured by B&R Designs.
For more information, see Symbols in the main stylebook.
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