DogHouseMom

I used to use my mat to measure ... and I always had problems. Now I always use a two ruler method.

note ... I'm right handed. Reverse if you are left handed

First ... get a nice clean straight edge on the right side of your fabric.

Now ... place your 'cutting ruler' to the left of where you want to cut. Place your 'measuring ruler' to the right of your cutting ruler and use this ruler to measure from the straight edge on the right side to the desired length (ie if you need a 6" strip - place the 6" mark on the right edge of the fabric). I like to use as large a measuring ruler as possible to make sure that my 6" is the same at the top of the strip and the bottom of the strip. If I'm cutting length of 26" I'll use a 12" ruler. Make sure that the edge of the fabric sits directly under the 6" marked line. Using rulers with thin lines helps.

Now hold your measuring ruler in place and slide your cutting ruler up against the edge - making sure it is square to the entire edge of the measuring ruler. Check your measuring again to make sure it didn't slide. Hold your cutting ruler firmly and remove the measuring ruler. Now make your cut along the edge of the cutting ruler.

If you are cutting something that has already been cut on one side (ie cutting the squares from a strip) I will make sure that my measuring ruler is square to both the top and bottom cut edges when I measure. If it is off a little ... I will re-square the right edge of the fabric until my measuring ruler squares up to all three sides (top, bottom and right) then slide my cutting ruler into place and cut.

I have also switched to Creative Grid rulers and LOVE them!! I have 12.5, 9.5, 6.5, 4.5 squares and a 24" rectangle and a little 2.5 X 6.5 rectangle. Since I got these I have not used any of my other rulers.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that I learned this method from Sally Collins "Mastering Precision Piecing" book and video. If you want to learn more about all the little things that can make piecing precise (very important when doing little pieces - which is my passion) then I highly suggest that you get the book and the video.