Well, i always iron my fabric before cutting, because, after sewing it will get ironed, and i would not want the ironing to stretch the fabric a bit, so i iron it first, then i lay down 4 layers of fabric on my cutting mat. I smooth out each layer with my hands, so each layer is nice and tight. I cut at the kitchen table, standing above the mat, so i can press down on my ruler and cutter. I will take 4 large pieces of fabric, about 11"x20", and i cut 2 1/2" strips, beginning on the right of the fabric, and moving to the left. I always use my mat lines for measuring, my mat lines are very accurate. I don't move the stack of fabric at allo. I cut all my lines in one direction, then if my strips need any cuts in the other direction, i just give the mat a quick spin , and carry on cutting.

I believe too that accurate cutting is as important as an accurate 1/4" seam. Being a thread or two off on each piece can add up in a hurry and end up being a 1/2" or more off when all is said and done. I too use a ruler with a lip and do not have near as many slip ups. I also noticed when I was first using a ruler and rotary cutter that I was not lining up my ruler the same each time. The black line on the ruler needs to be on the edge of your fabric in the same place each time or each cut will be a few threads off. ShellyQ brought that up in her tutorial and showed what I had been doing wrong.

When I cut, I go slowly too. I use a 1/4" seam foot to help with sewing. When I'm finished a block, it never seems to be the size it's supposed to be... about a 1/4" off. I don't know what I've done wrong.

Oh, how do you stop a ruler from slipping? I think that might help with more accurate cutting for me.

They make rulers with a lip on them that hook on the edge of your cutting mat which helps keep the ruler from slipping :D

Amma said: "The black line on the ruler needs to be on the edge of your fabric in the same place each time or each cut will be a few threads off."

That's what i found when i first started cutting fabric, i had a ruler with lines on it, and matching the line to the fabric was number 1 hard, and number 2, too innacurate, that's why i switched to matching the lines on the mat, and not moving the fabric, there is no distortion in the size of your cutting strips then

Oooh, how does t6hat work Amma? If the ruler with the lip hooks onto the side of your mat, how do you move your ruler over for each cut?

You move it the same as a regular ruler. I move it over where I want it and them slide it slightly up so that the lip catches on the edge of the mat. You can then hold it with one hand and not have to worry about it slipping around on you.

oooooh, ok, thank you, i was having a dah moment trying to figure that out, thanks you Amma :) I sure like that everyone here can explain things :)

Thanks Amma! Will look for one now. I just saw your message from 23:40 - about just a a few threads making a difference in the long run. :shock: That's what I'm doing wrong then... :(

I use an Altos Quick Cut or Accu cut mat...
It is wonderful..
I use the lines on the mat as well, everytime
Kirsten