Using grid lines on cutting mat?

I'd say if you have compared your mat's lines to those on your ruler and they agree, go for it, whatever floats your boat or quilt.

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Originally Posted by sewingsuz

I am left handed and lay my fabric on the mat and use the lines on mat to line up my fabric and lay my ruler down on the mat and line the ruler up with the lines top and bottom of the mat to cut. A person at the guild told me never to use the lines on the mat to measure. I have been doing my cutting this way for ever. Is this wrong? I don't know how I would do this otherwise. Thanks for your help.

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I always use the grids on my cutting mat, especially for my binding strips and sashes. It is so much easier than trying to use the ruler. I think that as long as all cuts are measured the same way on the grids, it shouldn't matter what type of ruler/grids you use. I have never had any problems.

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Originally Posted by Divokittysmom

My personal opinion is that if you are consistent with the way you cut, it should all come together perfectly! If you were to use 2 different ways to measure and cut, then I can see some problems arising.
JMHO

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Couldn't have said it better myself!

Maybe we just have to think like construction workers - as long as you use the SAME tape measure (ruler, mat or whatever) for all measuring, it will be right.

Depending on the size of the project determines if I use the mat grids or the grids on the ruler. It is a personal preference. I don't like being told I am doing something wrong, when it comes out right the way I do it. Each one of us are unique in out styles and the way we do things. What works for me as a right handed person may not work for someone else who is also right handed. Next time ask for their badge. If they don't have a badge, tell them with no dis-respect I will do it my way!!!!! Do whats comfortable to you, and enjoy your craft.

I use the lines on the mat, I was told if you start with the lines on the mat stick with it, do not use the mat and switch to the ruler lines in the middle of a project.

Why are there lines on the cutting mat if we are not supposed to use them?

I am a beginner quilter, but have been sewing for decades, and used a cutting mat for many years.

I purchased a June Taylor shape cut and the measurements on it are not correct. I will mention this when I
go back to this shop in April. Don't know if they can do anything about it, but it was frustrating when I was
trying to cut a baby quilt.

I use both the ruler and mat for measuring; I thought thats why the lines were there for to use!

Tell the "quilt police" to leave you alone LOL

My opinion is that if you check your mat and it's straight lines (I've never had a problem with mine), and it matches your rulers, go for it. I do both ways depending on what I'm cutting. I might cut a long strip if it's wider than my rulers, then subcut with my ruler.

Bottomline, if your blocks work, go for it....