Whaddya MEAN you don't cut with the lines on the mat?!
 

After reading several posts from various members talking about using their rulers, I still wasn't really understanding how you could cut without using the markings on the mat, and only rely on the ruler for measurements. It took a wonderful member here to actually spell it all out (with idiot-proof pictures- THANK YOU!) and get me to understand the how-to of using my rulers.

Great link! I have seen one of my quilting friends cutting her fabric not using the lines on the mat and I always thought what is she doing? Now I know! Huh! The things you learn just from reading!

I always thought it strange when someone DID use the lines on the mat! I could never figure out why there were measurements on my mat. . . I have always used the lines on my ruler. I just recently started to use the mat's lines when I am cutting FQs from yardage . Boy does that make life easier!

I rarely use the lines on my mat except for squaring up. My mat has a handy "zero" line down the middle with numbers counting outwards from that in both directions, which makes it easy to center & square up blocks. Otherwise I line up on either a torn edge or (more often) on a fold like described in the tut.

I use both.

I also use both.

as do I. to each their own.

The numbers on my mat are more of a distraction to me than helpful, I always cut using my rulers

I use a two ruler method ... one for cutting and one for measuring. I never use the lines on my mat ... not even to square up (I use a ruler for this as well).

The only time I use the lines on my mat is to get a rough measurement of fabric to decide if I have enough, or which direction is the best for cutting.

I use the mat. It works well for me. Do what works for you. If it works for you to use the mat, you don't need to change.

My rotary cutting class we were taught using mats with no lines and to use the double ruler to get the fold line straight. I use the mat line for extra wide cuts.

I use both

I agree with DogHouseMom -- I have a couple of rulers I use, for cutting, measuring and squaring up. I don't use the lines on the mat much except for estimating fabric, and occasionally I'll just do the top cut to get it straight to cut from there.

OK, so where is the link showing us how to do it?

I first learned to rotary cut when it was new. I learned to use the mat! Then I learned to use the ruler. Now I do both!

I would like to know the link also showing how to do this. Thank you.

I also as #3 would like to know the link to show how to do this. I use my ruler and mat and I have had quilters say "don't use the mat. I still don't get it?

I am with #18 and the rest...I thought that using the mat was the way to cut! If someone could repost the link that would be great!

If QuiltnNan edited out the link, then you're out of luck. There must have been a commercial ad or something that wasn't appropriate to the forum.

I, too, would love to see that link and the pictures!! I hope it's not gone!!

I never use the lines on my mat. Maybe that is why mine lasts so long. I have noticed that people who use the lines have a ridge on the line they use most. They also have to replace them often.

I use both

I use the lines on my mat to make sure the ruler is straight.

I use the lines on my Alto Quick Cut 2.

I would also like to see the post/tut on measuring with the mat vs rulers. Hope we can find it.

I agree with ladies 17, 18 & 19. Then what are the lines on the mat for? That's what I've been using along with my rulers. Oooooh now I'm even more confused. Could someone post the original explanation of rulers/mat lines?

I use my rulers for cutting, lines on the mat can get confusing so I turned the mat over and use the back side. I only use the front to straighten the edge of my material.

I only use the ruler. Since I've never taken a class, I figured that's what it's for. My sister uses the mat lines, and there is a slice in the mat from so many pieces cut. My sewing is less that perfect anyway even though I try really hard.

Me Too Always !!! Don't know what I would do without either of them except that my quilts would have such wonky seams.

Can someone PLEASE re-post the link...

I use the rulers except when I'm straightening the edge of a long piece of fabric. I never learned to use my mat lines for cutting. I never thought about turning it over! Now I know I can have a whole new mat when this side wears out. Thanks for the idea!!!

What link? I'd love to see how this is done. I always use the lines on my mat and they are worn out again!!

what link. would be interested to see the turorial.

Maybe you could share these pictures with all of us. I can do it both ways, but would love to see the pics. Thanks.

I use the lines on my mat for cutting the fabric straight on the ends or for measuring larger pieces of fabrics that are too large for a ruler. The larger white mats come in handy for that. Mostly I rely on my ruler. Like the idea of turning the mat over when you don't need the lines.

When I started quilting again with all the new equipment I was using the mat lines as guide. I took a class and the instructor/quilt teacher blew up and told me I was WRONG-WRONG-WRONG!! Never use the line on the mat. She also told me to NEVER iron to the light and the ALWAYS iron seams closed!! Along with a bunch of other stuff that I have ignored.

Can we say quilt police???

I use the mat lines as a guide-measure and cut with a ruler-iron seams both open and closed depending on the pattern-and do not go to quilt classes!! I am much happier for it.

I don't see a link

I can't post the link. I don't know why it was edited. See post # 20.

Google this: Cutting Fabric from the First Cut

That is exactly how I was taught to cut the first cut. I love Google!