How to cut a 9 inch strip?? Just use the mat for a guide?
 

My next quilts are going to be bed covers for my kiddos twin sized beds. The pattern they each chose needs 9.5 inch squares. (I'm thrilled it's a super easy looking pattern- LOL). But my ruler is 6' x 24". I was going to buy a new ruler, but the largest I seem to see is 8.5 inches wide, unless they're squares...

My sister has a 12 inch square ruler and I asked to borrow it. Would that work or should I just use the cutting mat as a guide? My mat is from Fiskars, the grey one...

Thanks for the help. Hope this doesn't seem like a silly question!!

You can use the 6x24 and the 12 in square. Measure the 9" with the 12 in square and place the long ruler next to it and remove the 12". Be sure to square up the fabric with the long ruler before you start cutting the 9 in strips and check it after each 9" cut. Hope this makes sense to you.

I use my mat measurements for large strips. You will then need to use it for any other strips to remain consistent. Have you laid your ruler on the mat lines to see if they line up? My rulers and mat matches; thus I have had no problem cutting using the mat lines.

I use my mat measurements too. It always works fie for me.

I say borrow the ruler. That way you know that the blocks you cut are going to be perfectly square. Saves time too when you have the right equipment for the right job. Good luck!

I would use the two ruler method. That's how I was taught at the LQS.

I would use the 6 X 24 for the cutting edge and use a smaller one next to it and run it up and down the fabric to make sure the 6 X 24 was lined up properly.

If you wanted to, you could just use the 12 1/2 inch ruler and scoot it a couple of times. For me it would take positioning it 3 times because I would want to have plenty of cut edge to line up for a straight cut.

I, too, would double check the measurements of your ruler vs your mat. If they match up, just use the cutting lines on your mat. If they don't match, then it would be best to continue to use the cutting lines on your mat for the additional cuts. It sounds like it's a fairly simple pattern so you shouldn't have too many odd-ball (eighth inch) measurements to work with and the mat should be fine. As long as you are consistent in your measuring implements throughout a project it really doesn't matter which way you go. IMO.

Here's another method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwSjN1MB3wI

I put two rulers next to one another when I have to cut wider strips than I have rulers.

Cheers, K

Or if you want to buy something you can get the June Tailer strip cutter ruler. I love it.

http://www.junetailor.com/shapecutvideo.htm